question- why the heck..

borzoimom

do people get on the internet when they have a medical problem with their pet????????? I mean holy cow- Like I would trust a room of strangers over calling my vet??? I mean- I am sorry but I do not understand this at all..

Renoman

I don't understand it either.

I also don't understand why someone would post a medical question this morning and after being told they needed to see a vet.. they post tonite about going to the dog park for the first time.

Hopefully it was after the seeing the vet.

RonE

People are afraid of two things.

They are afraid of having the vet find something serious and expensive. Most people I know don't have a grand or two socked away for a vet emergency.

And, oddly, some people are afraid of going to the vet and finding nothing at all. They seem to think the vet is going to ridicule them for being paranoid.

I will use the web to research nearly anything at all - including my own health issues (which are, thankfully, minimal.) But I call the vet at the drop of a hat if my dogs are ailing.

Sugar Daddy Otis

ummm... the "my dog had something sharp sticking out of his head, what can I do for him kinda medical problem??"
I just don't understand it. 99% of the time it is their first post, too...crazy!! It amazes me the emergency questions being asked on here instead of people picking up the phone. I think it is mostly that people "cant afford" a vet and try to find another way out. I am in complete disbelief too!!
I guess we are just different kind of pet owners that know to call a vet? Geez- I call my vet for the littlest things..haha I cant imagine asking strangers!!

Dakota Spirit

I think also, the internet is such a resource in our lives these days that people almost think it second nature to search the 'net for the answers to their health problems as well.

Heck, I've seen countless commercials for search engines that allow you to look up your symptoms for possible diagnosis. Granted they are human illnesses - but I can see where someone may thing the same 'quick search' could be applied to their animals.

ETA: There have been times where someone clearly wasn't thinking (ie. My dog is gushing blood, what do I do??), my comments are in reference mainly to those seeking advice for their dog's cough, rash, etc.

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Alygi

Obviously if it was an emergency (anything that needed to be treated immediately), I would have to take her to the vet. But the problem with living in a small town like this is that the nearest vet is more than an hour away, and you have to make an appointment. So if there is something that I'm concerned about, but I don't think it's an emergency, I will get on my forums and ask about it.

We are praying for no emergencies.

borzoimom

my belief is that people are looking for fix without checking with a medical doctor.. No different than having yourself as your own lawyer- ie a fool.. If I post something medical its AFTER I have been to the vet.. NOT before..

applesmom

I'm convinced that a large number of of the more controversial health and breeding questions are posted more for shock value or attention seeking than anything else.

The majority of responsible pet owners don't live in a complete vacuum and the rest probably wouldn't think to use the Internet!

briteday

Thank you, thank you, thank you....Every day I must respond to at least half dozen of these "first time posters" that there is no other answer than to consult a vet, we do not have the expertise to diagnose anything over the internet. Even a licensed vet won't diagnose over the phone! And then inevitably I get the nasty PM within hours telling me they want to be deleted from our database because we are so mean, they will NEVER post again... Bye!

Today was 105 fever, no money for ER vet. Then there was the bloody stool. Oh, and one that had been vomiting and had diarrhea too.

Blood, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, gagging, pregnancy/whelping issues, acting weird...please take them to a vet and leave us alone. We have more important things to do like eating frozen grapes, popcorn, and beef jerky. And these Easter leftover Jelly Bellys are great!

Sugar Daddy Otis

Question for the Moderators, then- do we let you tell them to take to a vet or do we if we read it first?? More often than not a Moderator steps in quickly-but what would you rather we regular ol' members do??

doxies13isenough

This is the type of thread that makes people not want to come here. It makes people seeking help and advice go other places.
I asked for personal experience on want to feed you dog that has trouble. I have been to three different vets and have done everything the vets have suggested to do.
also by getting others ideas and other experience I planned to take this information along with my observations to my vet tomorrow and get his input also. I think a lot of people just want to get others point of view some ideas maybe they had not thought of.
I think some might just want the shock value and some might not have anyone else to talk things out with. there are many reasons why people ask for the information and to me if I can help than as a person that is what I feel should do, and if you find the questions appalling or "stupid" then ignore or just say call vet and leave the thread.

Renoman

I think there's a big difference between asking for personal experience on what to feed a dog that has a problem and coming here and saying 'my dog has been constantly throwing up for 3 days and won't eat what should I do'.

Sugar Daddy Otis

We are talking about emergencies here- not problems you have seen a vet about or have an appointment about. This is a place to learn and ask for advice, but not when it is an emergency situation.

MegaMuttMom

I don't think that yours is the kind of post that is being questioned. I got lots of information here after Cherokee was diagnosed with Lyme disease. But, if I had come here and said, my dog is limping and throwing up but I don't have any money for the vet, what should I do? I would have gotten the pat response to go to the vet.

doxies13isenough

I agree there is a big difference, my point is dont run these people off educate all you can. and if you get tired of answering all the questions then just dont

Sugar Daddy Otis

This has nothing to do with not wanting to answer their questions. How can someone having an emergency situation with their dog come to total strangers for help when they should be on the phone with their vet is the question. We are not vets, nor are we there to see the situation, only read what is written to diagnose the problem. There is educating to be done after the dog has seen a vet- and this is the place to come for that-but only after your dog has been taken care of.

Curbside Prophet

I believe in sharing the abuse, so feel free to let that member know that our forum is not to be used as a substitute for veterinary service...or simply report the post.

If you notice many of the threads are closed but not deleted. If someone does have useful information, they can always PM that person.

What we're trying to prevent is someone asking our forum, My dog has a deep cut on his belly what should I do? And someone replying, Throw some salt on it, and let us know in the morning! And as stupid as that advice is, there is always someone even stupider who will try it. Not to mention a real remedy is delayed.

Really, the only use for our health forum is to discuss health issues...after you've consulted your vet, or to prepare questions for your vet. As much as we care to help other people and their dogs, sometimes we just have to admit we are NOT as well qualified as a vet.

Renoman

I think the educating starts when they're told they should be seeking advice from their vet. Unfortunately, some people don't want to hear that and in the end it's the dog that suffers.

doxies13isenough

ok first step to educate is go to the VET. I will go along with that. believe it or not people really do not know the line where to go to the vet or when they can handle it at home. I can tell you that people are like that with their own health. I worked in the health care systems for the past 20 years and believe me it amazed me more than once that they waited so long to come to the doc. I have seen people with broken bones that waited days to come to the doc.

salask

hahaha - Curb, i know exactly what thread you are talking about. I was somewhat new when i read the post that contained "throwing salt on the wound" and i was in such disbelieve i couldn't believe what i was reading and what others were suggesting on how to treat an open wound.

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