Vet telling me off for my dog breed

[Copenhagener]

My usual vet retired, so I went to a new one.

At the appointment (annual check-up) he spent the whole time telling me my dog shouldn't exist. He wasn't particularly friendly or gentle with my dog.

My girl is a pug. I adore her, and have never had a health issue in the 5 years I've had her - she's also got a longer snout. She came from a breeder who did all the genetic testing, not some backyard puppy mill.

He went as far as saying 'well, don't be surprised if she falls down dead if she runs'. (She actually does agility training and loves running around). He spent so long telling me off for having her, that I wasn't able to ask any of the questions I wanted to. In the end, he said there was nothing wrong with her, but that we should have purchased a 'real breed' instead.

I understand the controversy around her breed, and do everything I can to keep her happy, at a healthy weight, and in good condition. My parents always had dogs when I growing up (Rottweilers, Alsatians, Boxers, Scottish terriers) who all died quite young from genetic issues, and I never once experienced a vet telling them off for owning these breeds.

Would I be unreasonable to leave a review of the vet saying for people with pugs not to go to this particular vet, as he clearly dislikes the breed so much?

[RandomButtons]

That’s utterly unprofessional

[Lovelyview]

Given that some vet practices seem to be treating their customers as a cash machine at the moment the least they can do is be pleasant and make sure their customer service is excellent. A review focusing on what you can expect from this vet if you've got a pug is entirely reasonable.

[StridTheKiller]

Sorry, I'm team vet here.

[thismummydrinksgin]

New vet for me.

[Chipshoptea]

I understand why he did it but if the aim is to deter people from buying / breeding pugs it’s likely to be counterproductive. Much better to explain things nicely and to ask you to consider a different breed in future.

[MrsDoylesLastTeabag]

I wouldn't use the vet again and would definitely leave a review saying that his (understandable) reservations about the health of brachycephalic breeds segue into treating both dog and human dismissively and an unprofessional attitude.

[BarbarasRhabarberBar]

Whilst he has some valid points, and probably should be saying something, he shouldn't be saying that or affecting the quality of the appointment. I'd leave the review and ask specifically not to see him again when booking an appointment.

[Notimeforaname]

I do understand the vets frustration of seeing and treating dogs with awful issues, because of how they were bred but jesus, it's not your fault!

You have the dog now and are taking care as best you can, this vet need to start a campaign or something if it bothers them so much and not take out their frustrations on innocent dog owner.

[YeahComeOnThen]

there must be a way to report him.

I agree that they should stop breeding brachycephalic breeds, but that's not the way to go about it, nor to treat an owner going in for an annual check.

no way would I go back & id be leaving reviews as well as reporting him.

[Copenhagener]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I definitely will not be going back! I found another vet who specialises in brachycephalic dogs, and took her there. He took the time to carefully examine her, make sure there were no issues related to breathing, facial skin, etc. It was like day and night, and actually the thing that prompted me to want to leave the review of the first vet.

I just felt like what the first vet was saying isn't helpful. I know brachycephalic dogs have certain health issues. I've had one for years. But what does he want me to dog, shoot her? Abandon her? Go back in a Time Machine and not get her at all? It just seemed unhelpful to spend time telling me off, rather than discussing how to proactively manage her health. I'm concerned it'll embarrass people so much they will avoid taking their pugs to the vet at all - which would be much worse for the dogs!

[Tontostitis]

No one should be buying ir breeding pugs. Your vet is correct.

[Beamur]

I wouldn't go back to the that vet.

[schloss]

Pleased you have found a vet who specialises in the brachycephalic breeds. There is a lot of work being done to improve them which need vets on board, not ones who act like the one you have described.

I had it once with a locum vet who tried the same thing about having a breed which can be docked.

[Dearg]

Glad you have found a vet you prefer. For what it’s worth, I think vet 1 was very unprofessional. Deal with the animal in front of you. That is the role. I would be leaving a review, and if he is not an independent vet, I would be contacting his company to ensure they know too.

[ginasevern]

Well, it is true that nobody should be breeding pugs but if people keep buying them then there's no incentive to stop. Dog breeders are in it to make money, even the "good" ones. They make their money through supply and demand. The vet is a medical professional faced with examining dogs deliberately bred with deformities and often purchased as a fashion accessory. He must get so exasperated.

[tonyhawks23]

I think it's really good you've brought the issue here as it's so important to raise the issue of brachycephalic breeds.vets should be working with people to help change the popularity of the breeds but please understand that vets frustration of having to see another person buying a brachycephalic dog,it's really demoralising in practice to see dogs bred with the inevitable suffering,whether by lack of oxygen or by hips etc as you also mention,I'm sure that vet is equally as downhearted seeing other breeds bred that will have lifelimiting suffering.its very demoralising for the veterinary profession to see brachycephalic breeds as fashionable and if anyone doesn't know why please do look at it,perhaps bva is a good place to start and do not buy them,it's very sad for these dogs to need surgery to breathe.im glad your second vet was supportive and hope by putting this here you can raise awareness to others who may think a pug is a good idea.

[BabySnarkDoDoo]

I wouldn't trust his judgment if he's that openly unprofessional. It would make me think if a pug presented to him with breathing problems or similar, he may just put it down to the breed rather then thoroughly investigating the issue. I'm not normally one for leaving bad reviews, but I do think it's warranted in this case and will hopefully save another Pug owner from wasting their money going to see him. I'm glad you managed to find a better vet.

[MyOtherHusbandIsAWash]

@Notimeforaname

I do understand the vets frustration of seeing and treating dogs with awful issues, because of how they were bred but jesus, it's not your fault!

You have the dog now and are taking care as best you can, this vet need to start a campaign or something if it bothers them so much and not take out their frustrations on innocent dog owner.

Edited

But it is literally the OP’s fault, along with every other person buying a pug from a breeder. Not saying the vet should necessarily have handled it this way but people will keep breeding pugs as long as idiots keep buying them.

[schloss]

If you stop people buying the brachycephalic breeds all that will happen is more puppy farmers will sell the breeds, cross them to make stupid crossbreeds and all the health issues will escalate. The only way to solve any health issues is to be open about it and get breeders on board, demonising the good ones does not help.

[YellowDaffodilRedTulip]

What would peoples opinions be of a doctor who said to a smoker ‘don’t be surprised if you fall down dead’?

Unprofessional. If he has opinions he should express them in a professional manner, or not at all.

[ObliviousCoalmine]

He was unprofessional and that's not ok.

He was also right.

[ginasevern]

@Notimeforaname

"This vet need to start a campaign or something if it bothers them so much and not take out their frustrations on innocent dog owner."

But she isn't just "an innocent dog owner". Unless the OP rescued the dog or someone died and left it to her, then she deliberately and with full cognitive ability chose to buy it. There's been enough information about the immorality of breeding pugs for a long time now. There really is no excuse other than the fact that you just don't care.

[heathspeedwell]

You bought, not rescued, a brachycephalic dog.

Of course people will judge you.

[stormonasummerseve]

@heathspeedwell

You bought, not rescued, a brachycephalic dog.

Of course people will judge you.

Exactly. I guess he thinks by being so abrupt with you it might make you think twice once this dog has died and you want a replacement ??

[FrannieGallops]

My nephew’s a vet and gets on his soapbox about many breeds (and people that actively seek them out), including pugs.

But he would not say the same to owners, although he might warn them of issues they’ll likely be facing.