You notice that your dog has been scratching more than usual lately and his skin seems red and sensitive. You intend to see the veterinarian, but with all the holiday chaos going on, weeks pass before you do. Then, the vet informs you that your dog has a full-blown skin infection requiring thrice weekly medicated baths, specialized wipes, and twice daily oral antibiotics.
Sigh… Between sporting events, family gatherings, and work, you’re lucky if your kids get bathed three times a week, let alone the dog.
Before you get overwhelmed and give up on your dog ever being comfortable again, Dr. Shawna Bradshaw has a message for you: veterinarians are humans, too. They understand your trepidation regarding a rigorous treatment plan, and need your honesty and partnership so together you can figure out how to best help your pet.
Dr. Bradshaw, who has worked in both small and mixed animal practices in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Georgia, recently joined the primary care service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.
Workable Solutions
“I have small kids, and if you tell me I need to bathe my 8-month-old lab puppy multiple times a week, I am probably going to laugh at you,” says Dr. Bradshaw. “Or I am going to say, ‘Sure, I can do that,’ but then we are going to have a terrible night at home, the dog is not getting bathed, everyone’s frustrated, and the next day, the dog’s itchy again.”
Because she understands how difficult it can be to comply with complex veterinary recommendations, she strives to arrive at workable solutions for her patients and their families.
“Staying realistic with veterinary recommendations is really important,” she says. “When it comes to choosing a treatment plan, there’s perfect, there’s not good enough, and then, in the middle, there’s attainable and good enough.”
When Plan B Is Best
It is only natural for veterinarians to want to provide the gold standard of care for their patients. But is that really the best route when the recommendation is incompatible with the owner’s capabilities and may not actually get executed?
Pet owners may worry that if they elect the course of treatment that best accommodates their lifestyle or budget instead of the gold standard, their choice reflects negatively on how much they love their pet or their ability to care for them.
Dr. Bradshaw emphasizes that the gold standard is only the gold standard if it’s followed exactly. Agreeing to the “best” treatment plan, then delivering it only some of the time does a disservice to you, your pet, and your veterinarian. Most importantly, your pet’s condition will not resolve as quickly. Dr. Bradshaw has seen cases where healing times have more than doubled due to non-compliance.
Ultimately, owners will spend more time and money while achieving poorer results if the course of treatment isn’t carried out as prescribed. Additionally, the vet may be left wondering why the treatment isn’t working.
This is why Dr. Bradshaw encourages owners to ask their vet for a “Plan B.” There will be no judgment involved, and veterinarians are trained to be adaptable. It is very rare that they won’t be able to come up with an alternative plan.
Honest Communication
So, how do we go about achieving that middle ground when life is chaotic and perfect is not an option? The first step is to be honest with yourself and your veterinarian.
“It’s super important for pet owners to be honest about what they can actually achieve,” continues Dr. Bradshaw. “Or, if you try a treatment and it’s not working out very well for whatever reason, whether that’s lifestyle or the pet really hating it, you need to let us know so we can adjust how we are managing your pet’s condition.”
It’s also very important to know exactly what you are in for before beginning a treatment with your pet. Your veterinarian should do their best to educate you on exactly what a plan entails. If you have any questions, get them resolved before coming to a decision. Make sure you fully understand the cost, schedule, and duration the treatment requires.
Depending on the treatment and the condition, make sure you know the implications of any non-compliance: How much will it affect the success of the treatment overall? Would missing a dose require urgent action? Or just get back on track with the next regular dose? A lengthy conversation upfront is better than a misunderstanding.
On the Same Team
Lastly, while compliance is king when it comes to the efficacy of any treatment plan, if something goes wrong, don’t be afraid to tell your veterinarian.
“I can relate. We are all here for the same reason – to help this pet. We have to work together and be a team. This means we all need to have the same information,” says Dr. Bradshaw.
So, whether the treatment involves frequent baths or wearing a cone and strict crate rest after surgery for 14 days – yes, all 14 of them – you and your veterinarian need to be on the same page. Ideally, there shouldn’t be discrepancies between the plan and what you are able to manage. If there is, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your pet and your vet will thank you for it.
By Jenna Camargo
Feature photo from AdobeStock
