concerned pet owner

[woofgang]

I am worried about the growing number of posts here concerning animals which should probably be taken to the vet pronto. Does antone else think that this section should have a header saying that while people are welcome to post here for advice, if they have a sick pet, they should take it to a vet as the first option (or words to that effect)

[Hippy]

Agreed! Many people who rush to the doctor's surgery at the slightest suggestion of a sniffle or headache, wait until their dearly loved animal companions, who rely wholly on their owners for their welfare, are knocking on the door to oblivion and suffering terribly before they eventually take them to the vet.

Animal poorly? Go to vet, no delay.

[Cetti]

I couldn't agree more,woofgang! Sometimes you can read a post about an obviously sick creature and wonder if the animal/bird has expired before the poster has the commonsense to go to the vet. In the same vein a lot of the Body and Soul posts are really worrying, so a warning to the effect of 'We are not medical experts, so please visit your GP if in any doubt' would be helpful.

[Wisebird]

Agree entirely. Also people should be aware that there is some help available for those who can't afford vet's fees from both the pdsa and rspca. I have five animals and they totally drain our resources, but I anticipated this before taking them on.

[kags]

Good idea cetti - most regular contributors are responsible, and are always careful to advise referring to a doctor or vet when replying to questions about health issues, but a general warning on the animals and nature, & body and soul sections sounds good.

[kags]

that should have said "good idea Woofgang & Cetti"!!

[norfolk boy]

I agree with every one.I also find that people will take on responsibility for an animal,and have not the slightest idea of whats involved,but they call themselves "animal lovers".I personally think that all owners of animals need to pass a test of competance before they get to own another animal!!

[IndieSinger]

"We are not a nation of animal lovers, we are a nation of animal keepers"

Sue Fowler, my driving instructor, a few years ago

[woofgang]

...so that's unanimous then.

[saffstar]

yes it is!