Dr. Ruth Roberts recently hosted Dr. Linda Loudon, founder of the Dog Mom Society and an emergency veterinarian with 22 years of experience. They explored how pet parents can become strong advocates for their pets, especially in high-stress emergency situations.
Pet parents are increasingly facing challenges in veterinary care due to systemic shortages, making it essential for them to take a proactive role in their pets' well-being. Advocacy begins with understanding their rights, preparing for emergencies, and confidently navigating the often intimidating veterinary process.
Preparing for Emergency Visits
Dr. Loudon emphasized the importance of preparation and maintaining composure during emergency vet visits. She shared a personal story of helping a friend whose dog had hemangiosarcoma, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges faced during such critical moments.
Key Tips for Emergency Advocacy:
-
Write Down Questions in Advance: “When you're in it, your brain's not thinking the way you normally would. It helps to have a checklist of critical questions ready to guide your decisions.” Prepare a list of essential inquiries, such as the purpose of specific diagnostics, the expected outcomes of recommended treatments, and potential alternatives. Having this list ensures clarity during high-pressure moments.
-
Set Boundaries: Dr. Loudon stressed the importance of advocating for your pet's comfort and your involvement in their care. “If my dog doesn’t need to be in the back for life-saving care, I’d rather him stay with me in a room.” Setting boundaries can create a less stressful experience for both the pet and the guardian.
-
Prioritize Tests: When financial constraints are a concern, request that diagnostics be done step-by-step. Dr. Loudon recommends asking for the most critical test first, such as bloodwork or an ultrasound, which could provide answers without overextending resources.
-
Ask Questions: Inquire about the necessity of proposed treatments and diagnostics. For example, ask, “What do we hope to get out of this diagnostic tool?” and “Is this surgery absolutely necessary?” This fosters an informed decision-making process.
Communicating Effectively
Dr. Loudon offered practical strategies for communicating with veterinary staff while ensuring a collaborative relationship.
-
Trust Your Gut: “No one knows your dog better than you do. Listen to your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.” She explained how intuition often guides pet parents to notice subtle changes that professionals might overlook in the chaos of emergencies.
-
Ask for Alternatives: Not every recommendation suits every pet. For instance, instead of defaulting to antibiotics like metronidazole for diarrhea, ask, “Are there approaches that could address this issue without antibiotics?” Probiotic treatments or dietary adjustments might be more effective and less disruptive.
-
Request Time for Decisions: Dr. Loudon advised asking for a moment to think. “Can I make my dog comfortable tonight and revisit this decision in the morning?” This approach often allows for a clearer assessment and avoids rushed decisions during emotionally charged moments.
Breaking Free from Protocols
Veterinary protocols often prioritize efficiency over personalized care, which can lead to less optimal outcomes for unique cases. Dr. Loudon highlighted the common overuse of antibiotics like metronidazole for diarrhea, noting its impact on gut health.
“We know the dog has diarrhea as a symptom of gut flora imbalance. Now we're going to wipe out gut flora for a few weeks with metronidazole,” she explained.
Dr. Roberts elaborated on the importance of exploring alternatives. “Studies show that probiotics can often be more effective than antibiotics in restoring gut balance. Pet parents need to be aware of these options.”
Dr. Loudon acknowledged the rigidity of emergency protocols. “Default treatments, like administering antibiotics or recommending invasive procedures, are often used because they’re quicker, but they’re not always in the best interest of the patient.”
Chronic Disease and the Role of Nutrition
Dr. Loudon revealed a concerning trend: the increasing number of younger pets being euthanized due to chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and overmedication.
“My average dog euthanasia now is probably 8 or 9 years old,” she said. “These dogs are being given chronic meds with huge side effects and fed things causing chronic inflammation.”
The Case for Fresh Food
Both experts strongly advocated for fresh, whole foods over ultra-processed kibble. Dr. Loudon explained the nutritional inadequacies of kibble:
-
“Dogs need 70% moisture in their food. Kibble has only 8 to 10%,” she said, emphasizing how moisture-depleted diets can contribute to chronic dehydration and kidney issues.
-
“If we’re not feeding whole foods to our pets, how can we expect a different outcome?” Dr. Roberts questioned.
They discussed the harmful effects of toxins in food and water. Dr. Roberts emphasized the importance of filtering water and choosing clean food sources to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants like DDT and glyphosate.
The Impact of Early Spaying and Neutering
Early spaying and neutering can significantly affect a pet’s endocrine system, leading to increased cancer risks and other long-term health problems.
“How is it that 25% of all dogs in the United States will develop cancer and 50% of dogs over 10? That just is absurd,” Dr. Roberts stated.
Dr. Loudon reflected on the unintended consequences of early sterilization, acknowledging that while it aimed to reduce overpopulation, it inadvertently contributed to chronic health issues.
Rethinking Vaccination Practices
Dr. Loudon shared a tragic story of a 16-year-old cat who died after being unnecessarily vaccinated.
“Giving a pet a vaccine they don’t need actually does harm,” she said. “Unnecessary vaccines can exacerbate chronic illnesses and weaken the immune system.”
She encouraged pet parents to consider titer testing to determine immunity levels and avoid vaccinating pets with chronic conditions. Dr. Roberts reiterated the importance of informed discussions with veterinarians: “Read the label—these vaccines are for healthy animals only.”
Final Thoughts
Dr. Roberts emphasized the need to elevate paraprofessionals and educate pet parents.
“We need to make the shift from band-aids to root cause work,” she said. “Pet health coaches can bridge the gap between pet parents and veterinarians, helping navigate nutrition and chronic health concerns.” Dr. Ruth Roberts added, “You have options out there. Explore them, and never stop learning.”
Dr. Loudon concluded, “No one knows your dog better than you do. Be their advocate and listen to your gut.”
By empowering pet parents and embracing holistic care, we can transform pet wellness for generations to come.
