How Can Your Pet Get Healthier Quicker?

Have you ever gone to your vet with a sick pet and only understood about half of the stream of words and instructions they've said to you?

I know it all seems simple to them.  They're doctors.

But, I worked with veterinarians for 20 years, side-by-side, in the "trenches" and I still don't know what they're talking about in many situations.

Some of it is due to the anxiety I feel.  I'm upset and their lack of empathy or reassurance prevents me from being able to calm down enough to listen...

Some of it is due to their use of medical jargon. 

And a lot of it is due to the fact that they just don't connect with me.

'"Once we get the connection with the client, there will be a lot more follow-through and the animal will get healthier more quickly," according to Jane Shaw, DVM, director of the Argus Institute at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital in a recent article on denverpost.com.

Dr. Shaw is continuing CSU's leadership role in training veterinarians to truly connect with their clients.  This means learning how to communicate effectively with pet parents like you and me.

Shaw justifies her teaching by noting that clients who feel they have been listened to and consulted (rather than simply told what to do) are more likely to follow through on treatment plans for their animals.  And, when clients provide the right care for their pets, the pets get better---quicker!!

If you're a vet and would like this training, contact the VTH at CSU.  Dr. Shaw trains vets from all around the country.

And, if you're a pet parent working with a veterinarian who is a great communicator, don't forget to thank him or her for their skills and compassion.  Most vets work really hard to provide the right kind of treatments for their patients and that means caring for their human clients, as well!

Working with a vet who truly knows how to talk with you is the best and quickest way to get your pet back to health.

--Laurel

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Comments

[Dana]

Thanks for mentioning that veterinarians who do have good communication skills appreciate the positive feedback....a simple thank you or acknowledgement can make a huge difference!

[Angie, Catladyland]

There are two vets at our clinic -- I LOVE one and don't enjoy dealing with the other one. It's touch enough when your pet is ill, but even tougher when the vet isn't a great communicator. Thanks, Tammy :)

xx Angie

[Midge]

This is a minor example of communication. I was reluctant to have the usual round of vaccinations on my former street cat, Buddy. When I got him, he had been through much and I just felt 'cause he was indoors, he just may not need the full complement of vaccinations. But due to the great communication skills of my vets, Dr. Green and Dr. Cwick, along with the great Vet Techs, I was given an easy to understand, full explanation of why these vaccinations remain necessary, even for indoor cats.

[Laurel]

That's exactly what we're talking about, Midge. Communication that benefits everyone!

[Tammy]

The veterinarian I saw when we still lived in Colorado was not very good at communication. In fact, she was pretty bad. I went there because that's where my parents had taken their pets, and I never really thought to switch it up. (duh!)

The veterinary office we have found near us in Oregon is wonderful though. We drive 40 minutes to go there because they were able to save Henry's life, when the closer office wouldn't or couldn't fit him into their schedule. I continue to go there because they really listen and communicate with me very well. I appreciate that fact enough to continue the drive!

[Rick]

Your article is very true. A lot of vets have a poor "bedside manner", if you will. We are lucky enough to have a vet that is very empathetic and seems to truly love each pet he deals with. He communicates in a way that everyone can understand. When we leave his office we understand what's wrong and about how long the recovery will be. He's great at putting things in laymen's terms.