Pet Care Mistakes Good Owners Make

When I saw her, she was physically, mentally, and financially exhausted. And Felix was really sick--he was in severe kidney failure and needed much more aggressive care than either his regular vet or the after-hours clinic could provide. He survived, but it was touch-and-go.

Related: How to Pick the Best Vet

I promise I don't have my eye on my wallet when I say this: There are times when your pet needs someone other than the wonderful vet you've been using for years. I know it can feel uncomfortable to ask for a referral to a specialist. But from my vantage point as an ER vet--I work and teach at a tertiary care center, where the very sickest animals end up--that reluctance can cause major problems. Here, my short list of the top errors and omissions in pet care.

You Don't Call In a Specialist

I have a simple rule: If you'd need to go to a specialist for a problem, your dog or cat probably does, too. Most general practice vets simply don't have the experience that comes from doing hundreds of ultrasounds or bone marrow tests a year, even if they have the equipment. The same holds true for other advanced or invasive tests or treatments. (Besides, if your pet does end up at a major center like mine, those tests will likely be repeated--at extra expense--because we'll want them done by specialists.)

You Overvaccinate

I know you can't believe a bona fide veterinarian is saying this, but chances are good that if your pet is full grown, you should skip the shots this year. The reason: Once he's gone through the full puppy or kitten series of shots and has had annual vaccines for 4 to 5 years, his immune system is in good shape.

Related: Are Annual Pet Vaccines Necessary?

At that point, current veterinary recommendations are to switch to vaccines every 1 to 3 years (depending on your state's laws on rabies shots, which must be kept up to date). This doesn't mean you can skip the vet between shots. A middle-aged or geriatric pet still needs an annual physical exam, which should include routine blood work (among other things) to check how well his kidneys and liver are working, and to look at his electrolytes and red and white blood cell counts. Abnormalities in these levels can be warning signs of disease.

You Don't Get Help Fast Enough

The last pet care mistake on my list actually happens at home, which is where even the most caring owners can mistakenly remain when their pet has a problem. It's understandable, because signs of illness can be subtle--such as decreased appetite, lethargy, more panting than usual, or general malaise.

Related: 3 Pet Symptoms to Never Ignore

But vets know that it takes a lot for your tail-thumping dog or self-contained cat to show these kinds of symptoms. So don't give your pet too long to improve on his own. A day is generally fine, but you can have a full-blown emergency on your hands if you wait 2 days with no signs of improvement. Bottom line: When in doubt, call for advice immediately--or just grab your pet and head to your vet!