What a vet should not do

Conscientious objection

While many veterinary students have the right of conscience to object to animal tests, there is no uniform policy or rule that applies across all schools. For example, the University of Adelaide has a student conscientious objection policy that allows students not to take the test. This policy has been adopted by the University of Adelaide, one of few Australian veterinary schools.

Promote, prescribe, dispense or use secret remedies

Without the consent or knowledge of the client, a vet should not promote or prescribe, dispense, or use secret remedies. These practices can be harmful to the profession, put at risk the well-being and reputation of the veterinarians, and may even cause the death of the patient. They must treat patients and clients with dignity and respect. They must not try to hide genetic defects and other diseases. They must also maintain the confidentiality of patient medical information, unless it is required by law or by necessity to protect the health of others.

Promot holistic treatment of pet’s illness or condition

Consider a holistic approach if your dog is sick. While conventional medicine is necessary in some cases, holistic approaches are often the best bet. Holistic medicine emphasizes preventative medicine which can reduce the likelihood of illness. Holistic medicine often treats your pet’s entire body, including the joints, organs, and digestive system. This approach is becoming more popular for humans as well as pets.

Recommend euthanasia

Euthanasia is not a decision the veterinarian should make lightly, as pets don’t tell their owners when they’re ready to die. While there are certain reasons and guidelines that can be avoided, the veterinarian should consider the needs of the animal, not the owner’s. If a dog is suffering from laryngeal paralysis it is likely that the vet will recommend that euthanasia be considered as the last option.

Communicate with clients who have terminally ill pets

It can be difficult to communicate with terminally ill clients, but it is possible. Practicing compassionate nonverbal cues, reflection, and empathy will help you make this conversation more bearable and positive. To make end-of-life conversations less traumatic, you can have clients mark off each trait of their pet as it fades, letting them determine how many they want to remove. To help clients process their emotions and communicate with them, you might consider keeping a good-and-bad day calendar.