What to consider before becoming a Veterinarian
Working with animals can be a very rewarding career. If you are considering becoming a veterinarian, there are a number of factors to consider. Below are some tips about how to deal with the more difficult aspects of the profession.1. Making pets and owners comfortable.While most pets are a little nervous about coming to the vet’s office, they are usually friendly by nature and can be coaxed, and often convinced, that you are their friend. A small investment of time spent socializing with a new puppy or kitten can result in many years of enjoyable visits.Making an effort to ensure that the animal is comfortable benefits everyone. When pets are comfortable and content in your presence, owners are more relaxed, and will share stories with you, about their families, their pets, their jobs, and so forth. This can lead to bonds of friendship within the community.2. Helping owners with difficult tasks.Even pets that are not so friendly, and aren’t happy to see you, present an opportunity to demonstrate skill and expertise. Managing a hostile animal effectively and without anger or malice can make you look pretty good!For example, many people are unable to clip their dog’s nails themselves. The dogs learn early on that if they put up a big enough fuss, they will get out of it! Professionals learn to restrain the animal effectively and are usually able to perform this simple but essential procedure without too much distress. For those that are especially phobic about nail trimming, sedation in the veterinarian’s office is the best option.3. Dealing with euthanasia.The aspect that many students find most daunting about veterinary care is euthanasia. The inescapable reality of life is that everything that lives, dies. At some point, every pet will die. Many develop chronic illnesses that cause pain and suffering, which should be abated when the illness can no longer be managed effectively.Because animals live in the moment, and have no concept of the future, we must do everything possible to prevent them from having to endure pain or sickness. Our purpose is to reduce suffering, and when that is no longer possible, for whatever reason, then inducing a painless death is the only option.If you are hard-working, intelligent, physically strong, have a good sense of humor, and, of course, love animals, then consider a career as a veterinarian.Veterinarians are highly respected professionals, and have a long tradition of selfless service to animals and their owners. Working with household pets and service animals adds to the overall quality of human life, and that’s something we all want to achieve.
