I got arrested for my dog treatment recommendation
You might think this crime is ridiculous (and it is) but the legislation is clear - the depiction here is illegal and while unlikely, your vet could be prosecuted for recommending this treatment option.
And who does this law really benefit? I'll give you a clue - it's not the pet, the owner, or the vet...check the comments for a link to learn more.
🔥 Did you know that a dog's body temperature can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes, leading to heat stroke?
The use of a wet towel or blanket to cool down a dog suffering from heat stroke allows the evaporation of the water to remove heat from their body. And this works for longer than just soaking their fur.
When every second counts, knowing how to properly utilize a wet towel or blanket to lower your dog's body temperature could mean the difference between life and death.
Of course though, preventing heat stroke through shade, hydration and exercise management is much better!🐾
#PetSafety #DogHealth #HeatStrokeAwareness #AnimalWellness #VetTips
🐾 Did you know that water is not just for drinking!
Soaking a dog's coat with water can help draw a lot of heat from their body in a heat stroke situation. It's a crucial first aid step that can make a big difference in saving your furry friend's life. 🌡️
When a dog is suffering from heat stroke, wetting down their coat allows the water to evaporate and draw heat away from their body. It's important to use water that's not too cold, as using very cold water (especially if you're tempted to submerge them) can actually trap heat deeper within the dog's body, making the situation worse.
Carrying water and knowing how to properly administer first aid for heat stroke can be the difference between life and death for your beloved companion.
Have you ever had to administer first aid to your pet in a heat emergency?🐶💦
#PetSafety #FirstAidForPets #DogHealth #VetAdvice #SummerSafety
🔥 Did you know that even the first sign of heat stroke in your dog could be life-threatening? 🔥
As a veterinarian, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to take immediate action when we notice any symptoms.
This involves stopping all activity, moving your dog to a shaded area, and offering them a drink to prevent further complications.
One key to avoiding heat stroke is maintaining hydration, as in hot weather, dehydration compromises your dog's ability to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to heat stroke.
This may be enough, but as heat stroke progresses extra measures to cool them can be critical in ensuring your dog survives.
More importantly, prevention is key. Ensuring your dog has access to adequate shade and water during hot weather is fundamental in avoiding heat-related illnesses.
What steps do you currently take to keep your pets cool and hydrated during hot weather?
#HeatStrokeAwareness #DogSafety #HydrationIsKey #PetWellness #SummerSafetyTips
🤯 Did you know that what veterinary staff call them selves may not correlate to what training you may assume they have had!
1️⃣ Veterinary nurse and technician qualifications can vary significantly across the globe. Not everyone called a "vet nurse" may actually be qualified!
2️⃣ The skill levels and qualifications of the veterinary team members directly impact the quality of care your pet receives.
3️⃣ It's essential to know not just the qualifications but also how many staff members will be involved in monitoring your pet, especially during anesthesia and post-op care.
💡Learning about your veterinary team's qualifications and staffing levels can be a game-changer in ensuring the safety of your beloved pet during and after surgery. Knowledge is power, and asking the right questions can make all the difference in your pet's health journey.
💭Have you ever asked your vet about their team's qualifications before a procedure?
#VetCare #PetSafety #AnestheticSafety #VetNurse #PetHealth
Did you know that certain pre-surgery medications can be lifesaving for our brachycephalic, or "squash nose" dogs, like Pugs and French Bulldogs?
1️⃣ These dogs are at a higher risk of aspiration, where they might regurgitate and breathe that into their lungs—this can be catastrophic!
2️⃣ To reduce this risk, anti-vomiting medications and gastro protectants are crucial. These can prevent conditions like esophagitis and reflux, ensuring a smoother recovery.
3️⃣ For diabetic dogs, it's vital to give the correct insulin dose as prescribed by your vet (often half their usual dose) to keep their blood sugar levels under control during surgery.
4️⃣ If your dog is on long-term medications, always consult with your veterinary team to decide whether to withhold or administer them on the morning of surgery.
5️⃣ Above all, maintaining clear communication with your veterinary team is key to addressing any specific needs your pet may have.
💡 The safety and well-being of our pets during surgery can be significantly improved with the right pre-surgery medications. Whether it's preventing aspiration or managing diabetes, these steps are crucial for a successful surgery and recovery. 🐾
#PetHealth #VeterinaryCare #DogLovers #PetSafety #HealthyPets
💉 Fluids is a really good idea during surgery, both to improve safety and provide and insurance policy in the unlikely event that something goes wrong
1️⃣ Having an IV catheter ensures open access to the bloodstream, allowing for quick and necessary interventions.
2️⃣ IV fluids can be vital during anesthesia to maintain your dog's condition and prevent complications.
3️⃣ Without an IV catheter, veterinarians may struggle to administer needed medication, especially in emergency situations.
4️⃣ Fluid therapy supports overall stability and safety under sedation and anesthesia, making it a critical component of veterinary care.
💡 The key takeaway? Ensuring your dog receives IV fluids during procedures is not just a precaution—it's a potentially life-saving measure. This simple step can make a significant difference in managing anesthetic risk and ensuring your pet’s well-being.
#PetCare #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTips #PetSafety #HealthyPets
🐶 With 60% of our dogs classed as overweight or obese, it's time to seriously consider the impact of weight on their surgical risks!
1️⃣Weight loss is the first crucial step in optimizing a dog's health before surgery.
2️⃣Properly managing existing conditions, like diabetes, is essential for reducing complications.
3️⃣Addressing underlying skin diseases by eliminating secondary infections can significantly boost overall health and reduce the risk of surgical infection.
4️⃣The goal is to ensure pets are as healthy as possible before undergoing any procedure.
💡 It's vital to think about these pre-surgery health optimizations for your pets. Remember, a healthier dog means a safer surgery and a quicker recovery!
💭 Has your vet ever advised you to focus on health optimization before a procedure?
#PetHealth #VeterinaryCare #PetWellness #HealthyPets #AnimalCare
How I cured a dog's DEADLY cancer
✨ Did you know that a seemingly hopeless cancer diagnosis doesn't always mean the end? Discover the true story of a dog's miraculous recovery from a malignant thyroid carcinoma!
1️⃣ Initial tests showed a large neck mass, identified as melanoma, which was later found to be a malignant thyroid carcinoma.
2️⃣ Despite an aggressive surgery, tumor cells were left behind and the dog's life expectancy was only a few months.
3️⃣ Amazingly, after four years, the dog was still cancer-free.
4️⃣ No supplements, alternative treatments, or long-term medications were used—they wouldn’t have impacted the outcome but could have changed to narrative given...
5️⃣ Dr. Alex explores the dangers of misattributing treatments, caregiver placebo, and the pitfalls of cherry-picking anecdotal evidence.
💡This story illustrates how crucial it is to rely on scientific evidence rather than anecdotes when determining the best treatment for our pets. Sometimes, natural recovery can defy all odds, highlighting the power and mystery of the immune system 🐾
💭 Have you ever experienced or heard of a pet recovering against all odds? Share your thoughts and stories below!
#MiracleRecovery #PetHealth #VeterinaryScience #PetHealthTips #PetWellness
🩸 Every surgical patient should have a full physical examination before they are anesthetized. While that can pick up a lot, sometimes it's not enough!
1️⃣ A physical exam can check general body health, but to assess organ health, we need a blood test.
2️⃣ This blood test is especially important for older patients, who are at higher risk of hidden health issues.
3️⃣ Blood tests can be done either a few days before the procedure or on the same day, providing timely insights.
4️⃣ Most veterinary clinics are equipped with in-house blood testing equipment, delivering results in just 20-30 minutes.
5️⃣ Quick results from these blood tests help veterinary teams make informed decisions rapidly, helping to improve anaesthetic and surgical safety.
💡Conducting pre-surgery blood tests can significantly improve the safety and outcomes of surgical procedures. This quick and accessible test can reveal underlying health problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until it's too late. And if the test is AOK then you have added peace of mind!
💭 Have you ever had a pre-surgery blood test performed for your pet? What was the outcome?
#VeterinaryCare #PetSurgery #AnimalHealth #PetWellness #pethealth
Fasting your dog before surgery can actually help reduce the risk of potentially deadly anaesthetic complications! It's true, and while it might seem cruel, it's often in their best interest!
1️⃣Fasting helps in reducing any regurgitation and risk of aspiration during surgeries.
2️⃣Exceptions exist: diabetic dogs and young pups might need unique fasting schedules for example.
3️⃣Your vet may provide different instructions based on your dog's specific needs.
4️⃣Always follow professional guidance to ensure your pet's optimal health and safety.
💡Key takeaway: Proper fasting before surgery can significantly lower the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Always consult your veterinarian for the best fasting practices for your dog, especially if they have special conditions like diabetes or they're very young.
💭Have you ever had to fast your dog before surgery? How did it go?
#PetHealth #VetAdvice #DogSafety #DogCare #AnimalWellness
How pet drug prescriptions could land your vet in jail
In the video I discuss the pharmaceutical industry's exploitation of pet owners and veterinarians through inflated prices for pet-specific medications, despite cheaper human drug alternatives being available.
I outline the strict prescribing rules vets must follow, known as the "prescribing cascade," which makes it illegal for them to use human equivalents even if they are more cost-effective.
This video also provides five practical steps pet owners can take to reduce their pet's medication costs without compromising the vets' legal and professional responsibilities.
