Last week I took one of my girls to the vet. for her annual booster. Wasn't too sure if I wanted her to have it as I'm not sure if we are overdosing them on it. anyway I asked the vet if they used live or dead vaccines (as I read somewhere that the dead one is better if they are getting side effects at all from the vaccines.) He said 'Now your asking'. Prior to that he was trying to coerce me into having a new kennel cough vaccine that lasts a year now and recommended he gave it at the same time. I declined the offer, as I'm not that keen on drugs etc given for the sake of it. Anyway he then went on to say that 'Its recommended that one vaccine is given yearly' and I asked, Is that the Lepto one? He looked at me quisically and said' yes thats right'. He then went on to say 'They were looking into this vaccine thing all the time and they weren't hiding theirs heads in the sand' He was talking all the time and before I know it he'd injected Tara before I had chance to say, 'Well can we just give her the Lepto one then'. It was all done in the blink of an eye. he then weighed her, turned to his computer tapped a few details into and then went to open the door and said 'Must press on'. And I was dismissed.
The thing is I've known him for a long time now. From when he started working at this practice. He knows my background with my dogs. Lifelong experience of showing and  breeding and he knows full well that I work with dogs (grooming) I've even gone to the main surgery to clip dogs, under sedation that couldn't be done otherwise, for them.
Obviously he objected to me asking questions, which I hasten to add, weren't asked in an impertent manner. Just consideration for my dog's health and wellbeing.
Did I do wrong in asking these questions? Are we not allowed to query what our vets do?
I feel very disappointed that he must have felt I was to enquiring as I didn't think he was like that.
Is it me???

No, its not you. I always ask my vets to explain what they are doing and why and if I don't agree with something then I tell them! They have no right to be dismissive of your concerns, and if you are not happy get yourself a better vet - thats what I did :)

Hi Anndee,
No!! would you allow a doctor to give you an injection before asking why!!!
At the moment, I havn't got a good view on some vet's. The more I see,
The more I can see it is all about profit margins. NOT Dogs or people.
It is very worring. "If in doubt find out" With out us they would not have a job.
Regards
Denese

I think from what you have said, the vet just wanted to get her boostered and didn't realise you were perhaps not sure about it, but then he didn't give you enough time either. The most important thing to me is that my vet will listen to me and not dismiss me, because at the end of the day I have to be able to trust my vet! If he's not listening and working on automatic pilot, I would definitely consider changing vets.

Lindsay
x

Thanks for your replies.
Thats how I feel also, about changing vets. I had been thinking about it since the incident happened. Its really hard to find decent ones round here. they all now seem to be just a money making business, without the proper consideration.
Aaahhh, what happened to the old fashioned ones that gave you the time of day and would give advice freely without having to be in the surgery paying a consultation fee. If anyone knows of any good ones in the York area, please pass them on.
I only want someone who listen, and be concerned for my dogs welfare, not with pound signs in their eyes.
Anne

We unfotunatly have had 2 bad vets,the first one told us our bitch needed a c section when she had given birth and was still whelping pups,he told us to put her and the new pups in the car and take her to his surgery for him to have a look at her and check her over,needless to say we told him where to go!
The second one told us she had ear mites and when we took her for a second opinion she hadn't got anything wrong with her ears.
At the moment we haven't got a vet cos we've just moved to cardiff so any names of good vets would be appriciated.
Thanks Sally

Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself if you don't agree with them. I remember my boy got a little lump on his leg, and as usual I got straight on the phone to my friend who bred him, and she said to go to the vet, but not to let them try and put me off having it removed. Sure enough, the vet said 'let's wait and see what happens for a few weeks', but encouraged by my friend's advice, I was able to say 'no, let's take it off now before you have to shave his entire leg to get rid of it!' It was only a flesh lump as it turned out, but I'm still glad I made them take it off him!!  :-)

Anndee, I've sent you a PM.

Hi anndee
i have pm'd you :-)

I have an excellent vets in Durham.  I couldn't ask more from them - they always explain everything they are doing in a huge amount of detail and in layman's terms too. 

Hi,
Thats what it should be truthful and down to earth talking. You can't
go wrong. Some vet's undermind our intelligence. Mine at present is fine.
But! I do have two, use them for diffrent things.
Regards
Denese