fantastic post:thumbup:

Thank you Nancy and Amber for your views and I think they are both necessary. I have often felt they should be at the vet immediately and why are they on here.

Then again, I agree with Nancy that alot of our members are new to having a dog and the cost may be part of it. I might add I've seen threads that at the end of it all we find out they live in a rural area and their husband took the only car to work. So it's a hard call, when you are nervous and worried you don't explain everything but I do think this is a great thread.

That's no excuse! Sorry...but I don't like to hear, "I don't have the money to take my dog to the vet." If that is the case then the person should not own a dog, as they do cost money. Even a "free" dog will cost you quite a bit of money and it is a responsibility you take on when you adopt them into your home.

I would never say that in reference to one of my children, so I would never say that about one of my dogs. It's just not ethical. It's called a credit card.

I don't like to hear that either and in 'good times' that could be an excuse that would bother me but with the economy the way it is, I think we will be hearing more of this from members who maybe have lost a home or job and not telling us the entire story so let's try to keep an open mind.

I suppose it depends on what reason there is to take a dog to the vet, but in the case of an emergency, there is no excuse. There are places to take a dog for care if you cannot afford it (although you may have to give the dog up for adoption), but if his life was at risk due to you financial situation, you should do what's best for the dog.

It's the fine line of humanity. It's why we've created child protection agencies for our own. I'd never condone a parent not taking their chid to the hospital when medical emergencies arise, why would I condone a pet owner not caring for their pet? Same rule, same responsibility that's all.

I know exactly what you are saying but so many are deciding to put their dogs to sleep or bring them to rescue so these are the ones that are doing everything they can to keep them and that is all I am saying. My dog comes before me eating but when you have a family of children to feed and are in dire need, it's rough.

It really bothers me when I read a post that has a serious issue such as "pooping blood," and the owner is not running to the vet asap. That would scare me to death. I have seen, though, actually this morning, where other members have encouraged the OP to take the furbaby to the vet and it was not followed. Lucky for the OP the doggie is okay this morning and hopefully will continue to be okay. All we can do is suggest in a polite way and then it is up to the owner to make the choice---the furbaby may pay the price but it IS the owner's choice. Good, thought-provoking post.

I agree Amber, some questions are better off getting a vets personal opinion.

Good post - I just saw this and I had posted earlier to someone who's dog WAS having blood in the stool - I know we try to help but you're right - our opinions are only that - opinions.....a VET is always the way to go in a dire situation - not here. In some cases though - people are told about things they don't know anything about - so it's a source of information - but not to take the place of a vet visit.

Great thread! I'll come here first if it's not a 911Emergency, like with Bella's eye a few weeks ago. If she was acting sick though at the time, it would've been different.

I think with this forum having so much information, sometimes people forget that not everyone here is a vet!

great post... I for one came on here this weekend.. I lost two baby from my litter.. took one to the vet and lost him, another one hours later starts acting the same way.. I tube fed and did what I could through out the night.. no sleep for either my hubby or myself.. I came on here for answers and support.. for what vets say is not always what a breeder would do in such a case..
I was at a loss as to why two babies had thrived for 6 days all of a sudden starts going down hill so fast.. for an unknown reason.. I talked to my vet.. but they mostly are vets.. the ones that we save the vet would have already given up on.. I have gracie that we tube fed.. the vet basically said well ya know some do not make it.. nothing encouraging what so ever.. well she is still here with us and turned two on the 23rd.. had I listened to him and not felt encouraged by myself and a breeder who taught me to tubed feed.. I would not have her today..
I do agree Amber that some should spend time going to the vet.. but at the same time.. like nancy said.. if we can help.. that is why we are all here. But a definite good way to grab attention with so many threads is to say something that is going to have us look at that post before another one..
anne

Thanks for posting this Amber :). Especially since I just moved no less than TEN threads from the General forum to the Sick Forum.

I also really appreciate Nancy1999's reply too - bc I agree we have to remember that there are a lot of new yorkie owners who come on YT and really may not know what does/doesn't constitute a doggy emergency. So, they may need to gently, but firmly (!), hear it from fellow yorkie owners.

Sometimes, people come into the sick forum totally freaking out about something that is nothing (haven't we all been there, me included?) - and we can all lend a hand and an ear there, thankfully (and, possibly save a very costly vet trip). And sometimes, people come into the sick forum asking about something that is clearly a BIG thing - but really don't know any better - and again, we need to lend a hand and light a big fire under their butts without totally offending them in the process. :)

Believe me, I feel your pain - a la "my dog has had bloody stools for a thousand days straight - should I give pumpkin?" --- um....at that point, I want go downstairs, grab hubby's hammer, and bonk my head 10 times.:rolleyes:

thank you, I agree we dont always know the whole story.. The way things are today you can go from well off to broke in no time,I think most people understand there is no such thing as a "free puppy" and referencing the other post not everyone has a credit card. Yes, you should be financially stable enough for emergencies when you have a pet but you can go buy a dog then next week get laid off from work, a month later your puppy gets sick..I mean there could be a million scenarios

Amber I agree with you 100 percent. It has always amazed me how someone can find time to post when their Yorkie is in trouble. If you are unsure about something for God Sakes take your Yorkie to the vet. I do understand that there are situations where it's an odd hour and there are no emergency vets in the area then by all means post and hopefully, someone will be able to help but DO NOT USE YT AS A MEANS TO SAVE A $$ BY NOT GOING TO THE VET. Just my.02. Very good post Amber.

Elaine

Very good reminder! Even if some of our members have wonderful information, that does not replace a vet visit. Only a vet can actually diagnose and treat issues.

Please, please, please know that you can come here for support, information, and encouragement, but YT is not a replacement for a veterinary evaluation.

Thanks for posting this!! :thumbup: