[Laz]

A few years ago I switched vets because the old vet seemed to have a bad attitude.
The new vet looked at the records and asked if our cat was allergic to any vaccines because he was missing some. I said no, and they called the old vet to be sure. They reported that the old vet said "oops, we forgot."

I was disgusted that a vet would 'forget' routine vaccinations!

Anyway, the reason I bring this up here and now is because I just realized that my puppy missed
a distemper shot because the (different) vet didn't remind us!

I'm really surprised this happens. Don't most vets these days have computer programs to remind them of such things?

Laz

 

[storyist]

Yes, modern vets have computers. However, mistakes do happen, and IMO you should be keeping records yourself. Your dog. You are the one who cares the most.

 

[Laz]

Good advice. Do you think I should ask the vet for a schedule or find my own online?

Thanks!

 

[Shell]

You should do both- ask your vet for a schedule and do your research for your preferred schedule.
For example, many states (assuming U.S.) allow 3 yr rabies vaccines but vets do the standard 1 yr unless requested otherwise.

Its on you as the pet owner to keep track of all medications and vaccinations. Heartworm monthly, flea and tick seasonally or monthly depending on climate, vaccines 1-2 years each depending on risk

Etc.

 

[Knute]

Ultimate responsibility lies with the pet owner.

Get educated on what the core vaccinations are and when they are needed. Execute on a timely basis and keep your record of dates, dosage and the label from the vaccine(s).

 

[bestfriend]

To err is human, but I would hope that vet errors are not common. One of the things that prevented me from going into the vet/medical/nursing field is the responsibility. I don't think I'd be able to handle making a mistake and being responsible for someone's death. I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you, luckily it was not so serious. I think that you should probably be more careful and keep these things in mind in the future. After all, vets have a lot of patients and sometimes things fall through the cracks. It's unpleasant, but it happens. But like I said I'm glad it wasn't a big deal. The puppy of one of my cousin's was left with a permanently awkward leg after the vet assistant didn't correctly vaccinate him and it was quite sad.

 

[Jen2010]

I would think a good vet would keep track of vaccination requirements and send out reminders when they are due. After all - they would want your business. However, that is a courtesy the vet provides. Ultimate responsibility is on you to make sure your dog is up to date.

 

[parus]

I think there are two different situations here.
1. The vet doesn't remind you to come in for a vaccination
Those notifications are a courtesy, not a duty. It's your job to keep track of when your pet is due and bring them in for an appointment.

2. You bring your pet in for an appointment, requesting a routine vaccine update, and the vet overlooks a required/highly recommended jab
Unless there's some extenuating circumstance, this is a screw-up on the vet's part - unprofessional. That said, it's the sort of error an attentive pet owner should probably catch.