Responsibility

For the past 18 years we have assisted those in need, owners of animals of all shapes, sizes and temperaments.  We have had dogs, cats, pocket pets, a few birds, horses and even cattle grace our doors with multitudes of problems.  Some bite, some lick, some shy away in fear and some just don't care one way or the other.  The same can be said about the owners of these animals: some lick, some bite, some shy away and yes, some just don't care.  The bottom line is that as an animal owner, we are all responsible for their well being and overall health, much the same as each of us is responsible for OUR own health.  Essentially, what you put into it, you get out.

Animals are dependent upon us to feed them and trust us to provide a good environment.  Our health, as well as theirs, dictates the medical problems that are plagued upon us.  We have had very overweight animals, including horses, come through our doors with a variety of medical problems that are directly tied to their diet and body condition.  Ironically, many of the owners are in the same condition and most likely have the identical health problems themselves.  It can be frustrating, as a veterinarian, to be presented with these animals because the treatment regimen is not an easy one, although the owner would like it to be simple.

If we take poor care of our pets and ourselves in terms of diet, exercise and environmental factors, we have to be prepared for the repercussions.  An overweight dog that presents with diabetes entails not only insulin therapy, but a change in diet and weight loss.  They go hand in hand.  A diabetic human that is overweight, cannot continue to eat candy bars, take insulin and expect to get the disease under control.  So, why is this not logical to the many?  Why do we have pet owners that get upset when their pet's sugar levels are not controlled, when they have not addressed the diet aspect and have not improved exercise levels?  They look to us, as veterinarians, or physicians, as having a magic blue pill that will just make everything go away so that they can continue to feed their pet or themselves junk food as if the disease never existed.

The bottom line is that we have to be responsible for our own health and that of our animals.  The only person to be upset with is ourselves on both aspects.  If we or our pet is sick with a chronic disease, the fact is that we are to blame.  Too many diseases in today's society are highly preventable with adequate exercise, the proper diet and the correct environment.  We can make the changes necessary to improve the health of our pets as well as ourselves.  It really is simple, but it requires effort.  Just do me a favor and don't point the finger at your veterinarian or your family doctor.  Look in the mirror for the one to blame.

Food for thought.

Tom Schell, D.V.M.