Choosing the Right Veterinarian & Preventing Medical Errors

Inspired by a Recent Case in Chicago

You may have read or seen it in the news recently, that a Chicago pet parent took her dog to the veterinarian for a teeth cleaning and, due to a medical error, the dog ended up spayed. The owner of the 10-year-old dog was furious – having avoided spay for over a decade only for the dog to be spayed without her consent. This story highlights the importance of selecting the right veterinarian for your pet and ensuring proper communication during appointments to minimize the risk of medical errors. Let’s discuss choosing the right veterinarian and preventing medical errors.

Please note that this post is not a criticism of the pet parent in this story. We aim to learn from these events and devise a plan that may prevent something similar from happening to other pet parents. My heart goes out to the pet parent in question. I too would be devastated by a medical error like this one.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian: Do Your Research

Gone are the days when pet parents would choose a veterinary clinic or practice based solely on geography. The veterinarian down the street from you may not be a right match for you or your pet. Instead, follow these helpful tips:

• Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or other pet owners in your community. As not only about the veterinarians at the practice, also ask about the front office, vet techs, and managers.
• Check online reviews: Read reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook to get a sense of other people’s experiences.
• Research the veterinarian’s credentials: Ensure they have the necessary education and certifications.
• Consider the clinic’s facilities: Visit the clinic to assess its cleanliness, equipment, and overall atmosphere.
• Opt for a Fear Free Vet: Fear Free Veterinarians receive additional training to ensure a pet’s comfort during visits. You can find a Fear Free Professional here. These vets and vet practices are especially beneficial for pets with vet-related fear or a history of trauma.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian: Prioritize Communication

Once you’ve chosen a vet, focus on developing a relationship with them and their team. Consider the following:

• Ask questions: Ask your veterinarian about their experience with specific diagnoses, treatment plans, and potential risks. Start a dialogue with them and, remember, there are no dumb questions.
• Be clear about your pet’s history: Provide detailed information about your pet’s health, medications, and allergies. If you don’t have a history for your pet, be clear about that.
• Express your concerns: Be open and honest with your veterinarian. Do not settle if you feel uneasy with a medical provider, procedure, or treatment plan.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian: Evaluate the Veterinarian’s Approach

When choosing a vet, look for one that aligns with your priorities. If you’re into alternative modalities like acupuncture and Eastern Medicine, find one that uses these in their practice or is willing to refer to someone who can. If you’re a new pet parent or an experienced pet parent, find one that works well with your level of expertise or lack thereof. No matter your priorities, look for the following:

• A caring demeanor: A veterinarian who genuinely cares about your pet’s well-being will be more likely to provide quality care.
• Communication skills: A good veterinarian should be able to explain complex medical issues in a way that is easy to understand. They should also have a front office team that is responsive and professional.
• After-hours Availability: Especially if your pet is undergoing surgery, make sure a veterinarian or team member can be reached if a problem arises during the recovery period, even overnight.
• Focus on preventive care: Preventive care is essential for maintaining your pet’s health. Discuss your veterinarian’s approach to prevention.

Preventing Medical Errors: Be Informed

Often, we forget that medical professionals are human and can make mistakes. By keeping in mind that your pet’s care is a team effort and becoming informed, you’re more likely to catch and prevent medical errors.

• Understand common mistakes: Familiarize yourself with common medical errors in veterinary medicine, such as incorrect diagnoses, medication errors, and surgical complications.
• Know your rights: Be aware of your rights as a pet owner, including the right to a second opinion or to file a complaint.
• Ask about quality assurance measures: Inquire about the clinic’s policies for preventing and addressing medical errors. Don’t agree to a procedure until all your questions have been answered.
• Get a written estimate: Ask your veterinary clinic for a written estimate that includes the procedure details, medications, and recovery instructions. If a mistake is made, the estimate will serve as proof of what you agreed to.

Preventing Medical Errors: Build a Relationship with Your Veterinarian

As stated above, your pet’s care is an ongoing team effort. For this reason, we recommend the following:

• Establish a regular schedule: Schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations to maintain your pet’s health. Being loyal to your veterinarian and maintaining regular visits helps your veterinarian get to know you and your pet(s.)
• Communicate openly and honestly: Develop a trusting relationship with your veterinarian by being open and honest about your pet’s needs. Ask about alternative treatments you may have learned about online.
• Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion: If you are unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to consult with another veterinarian. While you may not have the ability to get a second opinion during a medical emergency, non-emergency treatments and procedures can usually be delayed for long enough to get a second opinion.

By following these recommendations, you can increase the likelihood of finding a qualified and caring veterinarian who prioritizes the prevention of medical errors and ensures your pet’s optimal health. Remember, a strong relationship with your veterinarian is essential for providing the best possible care for your furry friend.

At Floofins & Co., the health and well-being of your pets is our top priority. It’s why our team is highly trained, receives ongoing education, and undergoes Pet First Aid & CPR training.

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. You may also give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here.

If you are en existing client, please schedule services here. We look forward to caring for your pets!