Raw diet and Vet's opinions

T

Toffee's Mom

Forums Sage
I finally changed my vet after my last interaction with him. He didn't have the best social graces to begin with, was too expensive and too patronizing... But the last straw was the complete and utter lack of respecting MY decision on going with mostly raw feeding in the end, after much soul searching.(Allergies, general tummy issues, personal preferences etc etc.)

I wasn't there to discuss anything nutrition related, I was there to have his paws looked at which he had cut on rocks on the beach. During that visit he actually printed out stuff from the web like the following and insisted that I take it:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm
Now, I don't mind information like this in general, as you may know I generally enjoy a lively debate, but I try to respect others and their opinions!

What got me going was his insistence of sharing his analogy which went something like this: "I was a young man once and I was taking risks with driving sports cars although they could go faster but I have changed, so now I don't take these risks anymore, so I want to tell you to stop taking these risks with your dog's life"
I told him that I needed a vet that was able to support me in my INFORMED decisions and calculated risk taking and he could give me some credit or listen to my opinion. I ensure my dog never gets cooked bones, never gets weight bearing bones, is not a chomper nor food aggressive, is a very slow eater and that I have done lots of research in achieving a good balance and only feed bones marginally. To ME the risk of crappy, processed kibble feeding is higher than an accident with a bone.

I said: " I know too many feed smoked bones sold from the pet store/grocery store...or even bones right off a cooked roast! THOSE make me nervous. Raw, non weight bearing bones don't. Accidents happen, dogs choke on kibble and treats and toys but you don't see the FDA telling us not to use any of those. So that is my risk that I am willing to take now COULD we talk about why I am here today...

So my new Vet which I have gone to since, before I did anything else I came straight out saying, if you have a fundamental problem with raw feeding you need to tell me now...
I can tell he's not a huge fan of it, but he said:"As long as you're okay with it, I am okay with it."

This is NOT to malign any Vets out here, just sharing of a personal story and my preference in what I want to feed my dog, it shouldn't be such a hot debate, just like I don't really understand the hot, emotional responses when I discuss how much I disagree with Caesar Milan or Brad Pattison's outdated way of punitive based training!?
 
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Amen.

I saw a new vet in the practice for the stone issue Liesl is having (of still unknown origin, come on U of MN!) When I said "no prescription foods, we'll find another way", she said "not a problem, I have some books I just got at a conference" AWESOME! When I talked to the owner later that night, I told him how much I liked her, and he said she did things "different". Good! But yes, it's totally easier to work with someone who is not adamantly opposed to they way you do things, especially when it's working.
 
I'm glad you switched vets. It's kind of like a doctor who who don't get on with that well. It's a pain to switch, but SO worth it when you find the right one.

My vet calmly asked what I fed when I mentioned raw feeding. I could tell he was concerned. I explained the diet I've chosen, and he relaxed so much because he could tell that I had done my research and fed a balanced diet. He thinks my dogs are perfect weight-wise. (Well, Pierre is a little under but I feed him as much as Duncan, who is both heavier and much more active. Nothing sticks to his ribs, though! I've considered giving him a milkbone regimen. Haha...)

<3 great vets!!
 
I'm having the same problem! One time we couldn't get in with our usual vet so some new one stepped in. She practically yelled at me for feeding Chase RMB's to keep his teeth clean and on special meals like Thanksgiving and his birthday. We walked out of there and now make sure that whenever we go, it's only with the vet we are comfortable with.
 
Thanks, guys I am glad I am not the only one.
Now I agree a Vet definitely keeps us informed, and I don't mind advice... But just because something is not main stream (yet) it doesn't have to be all bad. I truly believe the article from the FDA is a tad biased and not based on science. I believe it to be flawed, as it isn't talking about a study at all... as we don't know the margins or if they even did a fair study
 
nope you are not alone. I have switched vets while ago. Similar story. She told me my dogs will get allergies if I feed raw.
New clinic we go to has 2 great vets out of 3 so I just make sure I do not schedule 3rd one.
Wish our chiro vet was doing regular vet stuff, she is great and totally supportive of raw food etc, very progressive but between chiro, laser and underwater treadmill she is booked for months.
 
This is an issue that stresses me out a bit.

My vet is also a really good friend of mine. She's wonderful with the dogs and an excellent vet, but we have very different views were food is concerned.

She believes that vet foods and foods like Science Diet are the best foods, but I don't agree with her. This was hard when Sadie was having digestive issues, but ultimately I switched her to the vet food she recommended for about a year and Sadie's problem went away.

I don't know where she stands where raw feeding is concerned but my guess is that she wouldn't be for it. She wasn't crazy about Wellness when I was feeding it to my dogs and feel that she's even less impressed with Orijen.

She is, however, respectful of my decision, which is nice, but I'd feel so much better if we agreed on all aspects of my dogs care.

My thoughts personally, are if your vet can't respect your opinion when its informed, I'd look into getting a new vet.
 
Toffee's Mom said:
This is NOT to malign any Vets out here, just sharing of a personal story and my preference in what I want to feed my dog, it shouldn't be such a hot debate, just like I don't really understand the hot, emotional responses when I discuss how much I disagree with Caesar Milan or Brad Pattison's outdated way of punitive based training!?
Click to expand...

Btw, I had the 'privilege' of meeting Brad Pattison at an event about a month ago. I was completely disgusted with him, it makes me sick that he's a 'public figure.' He was so completely inappropriate that a number of people walked out after he began speaking on stage and he will not be invited back to the venue. That man should not be interacting with the public, let alone 'training' animals.

I'll tell you about it some time on FB.
 
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