Pet Smart: Choosing Wisely, Caring Responsibly

This conversation delves into the responsibilities and considerations of pet ownership, emphasizing the long-term commitment required, the importance of understanding different breeds, and the financial implications of caring for a pet. We discuss the impact of COVID-19 on pet ownership, the necessity of researching pet needs, and the significance of the human-animal bond. We also highlight the importance of being financially prepared for unexpected health issues and the reality of veterinary care costs.

Takeaways

• Pets require a long-term commitment and investment.
• Understanding the lifespan of pets is crucial before adoption.
• Choosing the right pet should align with your lifestyle.
• COVID-19 has influenced many to adopt pets without considering long-term care.
• Researching breeds helps in understanding their specific needs.
• Financial preparedness is essential for unexpected veterinary costs.
• Pet insurance can alleviate some financial burdens.
• Veterinary care can be expensive; be prepared for costs.
• The human-animal bond is vital for both pet and owner.
• Consider the pet's needs and lifestyle before adoption.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Pet Ownership Challenges
• 0:35 The Impact of Pandemic Pet Adoption
• 7:14 Personal Experiences with Pet Ownership
• 10:31 Choosing the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle
• 13:12 Health Considerations for Specific Breeds
• 16:55 Financial Responsibilities of Pet Ownership
• 24:09 Understanding Veterinary Costs and Insurance
• 26:00 The Importance of Financial Preparedness for Pet Care
• 27:48 Choosing the Right Pet: Financial Considerations
• 29:11 Payment Plans and Financial Responsibility in Veterinary Care
• 32:01 The Reality of Pet Ownership Costs
• 33:53 Unexpected Health Issues in Pets
• 38:30 Preparing for the Unexpected: Financial Cushion for Pet Care
• 43:55 Prioritizing Pet Care Expenses
• 46:10 Understanding Pet Anxiety and Socialization Needs

Transcript

Dr. Wilson (00:00)
Hey y'all, welcome to Vetted and Vet Med, the podcast where two African American female veterinarians pull back the curtain on the life and the world of veterinary medicine. I'm Dr. Wilson.

Dr. Levy (00:12)
And I'm Dr. Levy.

join us as we dive into real conversations about mental health, career transitions, work-life balance, and the unique experiences we face as Black women in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Wilson (00:26)
So go ahead, grab your stethoscope.

Dr. Levy (00:28)
and get your favorite cup of coffee or wine. And let's get vetted in Vet Med.

Dr. Levy (00:37)
All right, hey, this is Dr. Levy. Welcome back.

Dr. Wilson (00:39)
Welcome back.

Dr. Wilson here. Hey y'all.

Dr. Levy (00:45)
All right, so we have come back once again. Today we keeping it light and we are gonna talk about these crazy people.

Dr. Wilson (00:57)
Yeah.

in these babies. Blindly.

Dr. Levy (01:04)
But we're gonna talk about today, people that decide that it's time to get a pet. They determine that they have had all the finances and the mental and physical capabilities to take care of a pet. Or they don't.

Dr. Wilson (01:24)
They don't. They don't

recognize it. They don't recognize it at all.

Dr. Levy (01:28)
This is the thing, people don't realize the investment of all of those things that it takes to take care of a pet because although a pet is not a child, it's not a human being. However, essentially it is like raising another child, especially if you're starting from the time that this, if it's a puppy or a kitten.

And I think even not really knowing the extent of like the time frame, like how long this pet is gonna likely live, which in some cases could be 20 plus years. And so, yeah, like, are you ready to have a pet that's gonna be around for at least 10 to 20 years?

Dr. Wilson (02:10)
Forever.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (02:20)
And I don't think that people realize that. I do think that there are different levels to introducing yourself and your household to a pet, including the type of pet that you get. Some people don't need to start off with a puppy or a kitten. Some people need to start off with a little hamster.

and may or maybe a guinea pig or a fish, you know, maybe a guinea pig.

Dr. Wilson (02:44)
Yeah.

Let's try a fish.

Let's try a fish because quite honestly, I'm sure if at least, know, PetSmart, Petco fish, I feel like you get a couple of chances because you can always die. Because they're going to die. They are going to die. Yeah.

Dr. Levy (03:03)
Right.

Especially them beta fish. Yeah, they're

not gonna last long at all.

Dr. Wilson (03:12)
I'm having some success

with these fish though. Once I get a couple, I throw a couple in there and them two, hang on, they some survivors. They are some survivors. Yes.

Dr. Levy (03:19)
Yes.

So I'm like, anyways, I know for me, I feel like when the pandemic came, like I stated before, that is when a lot of people decided that, you know what, we're at home now, we have nothing to do, let's go ahead and get a pet of all things. And a lot of those pets, unfortunately, when people went back to work,

And when they realized that this is a lot, a lot of those pets end up getting returned, whether it's to the shelter or rehomed in some form of fashion. And so that is an unfortunate thing for the pets, a being who has emotions and who has developed this bond with their owners to now have to be in a new home.

and some pets get re-homed multiple times. Some pets don't even make it to being re-homed and unfortunately they ultimately end up being humanely euthanized. And so, you know, that's the unfortunate truth. And some of these pets outcomes as a result to owners that have now decided that my life is too busy for a pet. And so I think they need to...

You know, we all need to really like think about what that all entails. Kind of looking at the bigger picture when you decide that, okay, I'm gonna go get a puppy. Cuz it's all cute and fun and it's all games until it's not.

Dr. Wilson (04:54)
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I guess I can say I'm a little testimony to that because fun fact, we might dabble in breeding doodles every now and then because obsession with the breed. And they just go no labradoodles and now Yorkie poos and cock poos and all the other poodle. I know how everybody feels about it, but it's purely hobby. There's only been two litters.

Dr. Levy (05:04)
Hmm

you

Dr. Wilson (05:17)
But this last litter that was one particular one that stood out from the rest and

Dr. Levy (05:22)
no.

Dr. Wilson (05:23)
I love that dog. is so beautiful. I need him in my life. Granted, let's put in perspective that I have a 13 year old dog and a 15 year old dog. And everybody else is nowhere near a puppy. I also have a 4 year old and a two year old. Human beings, humans, two legs, okay? And they are...

Dr. Levy (05:25)
Thank you.

Yes.

Human beings. Yes.

Dr. Wilson (05:47)
far more than a handful and I have, you know, the two year old that has also learned to potty train completely and I decided to get a puppy.

Dr. Levy (05:49)
Mmm.

Mm-hmm. And potty train the puppy.

Dr. Wilson (06:00)
Who told me

to do that? Who told me to do that? It has been stressful, nonetheless. Seven months later, he's still urinating in the kennel. We're doing better. He's spending a lot more time outside because I am actually in a very similar situation of COVID where I'm at home a little bit more. So I have a little bit more time for him to, you know, go. But

Dr. Levy (06:24)
Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (06:26)
Again, something to think about, things you don't think about. He can't just be outside roaming because he also has a little thing called copraphagia So, Another fun fact, it is something that just, I can't, I can't. When I first saw it, I was like, no, not my dog, not my dog. So yeah, I mean.

Dr. Levy (06:35)
yes.

Mm-hmm. Yes.

Dr. Wilson (06:52)
Even that in a nutshell, that is a lot to think about. And if I know me as a veterinarian, I'm going to get stressed out. I'm going to get overwhelmed with the little things aside from, you know, everyday life with children and the dog and just moving around, going to work and all those things, making sure everybody's taken care of.

Dr. Levy (06:55)
Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (07:14)
you definitely have to think of the same things because I'm thinking on a different level versus a client or a new pet parent slash new pet parent. So I think it's very important that, like you mentioned, the breeds. I know what to expect of a doodle because I have one already, even though he is very rare because he does not get along for the most part, except I think he's been influenced by this one. So he's been making some

Dr. Levy (07:28)
Mm.

Amen.

Dr. Wilson (07:43)
poor decisions lately. But I also like for instance, I had an aunt early on in life and she used to get these dogs all the time and she's just like, it's too hyper. It's too hyper. Well, ma'am, you're getting Yorkie. You're getting a Yorkie. Jack Russell Terrier What exactly? Yeah, I know. What exactly are you expecting from these breeds? Your research.

Dr. Levy (07:43)
yeah.

I'm home.

Lord, yes.

Dr. Wilson (08:07)
you know, some things can look really good. I at one point wanted a corgi because I thought they were so cute. I know it would have never fit my personality. Never. So, I mean, along with having hands on experience and doing research, it's important to know your breeds, lifestyle is, what homes you live in, the space you have available.

Dr. Levy (08:12)
wow, yeah.

Yes.

Dr. Wilson (08:32)
Yes, the time and the mental capacity, but you have to consider just like these fish You can't throw five in a one gallon You have to be able to let them spread out and do their thing and Whether it be supervised because they like to eat poop or not just give them all it

Dr. Levy (08:52)
I don't know my 13 year old dog, she does that now. And I'm like, girl, you went your whole life. She could have been doing it longer than what I've seen, but I know that sometimes they'll do it for like anxiety purposes or just because it's soothing for them. And I'm like, if that's what you need in your big age,

Dr. Wilson (09:11)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (09:16)
you know, then I just don't want to see it. You know, this is the thing. I don't want to see it as...

Dr. Wilson (09:17)
Yeah.

Yeah, that part.

And he's also

a licker, so. know. I got to the girls. Don't let him lick you your face. Don't do that. Do not do that.

Dr. Levy (09:26)
Uh-uh, yeah, you definitely not licking me in my face. That's for sure.

We don't do that in this household. yes. yeah, definitely the breed, you know, the lifestyle. So if you are a couch potato, then you should probably get a dog that is also a couch potato.

Dr. Wilson (09:52)
Mm-hmm.

Dr. Levy (09:53)
and you know maybe get an English Bulldog or something if you can afford the maintenance that it takes to have a Bulldog.

Dr. Wilson (10:02)
Let's talk about it, Daveeta

Let's talk about it. Do you have English Bulldog though?

Dr. Levy (10:07)
may possibly have an English Bulldog.

Dr. Wilson (10:10)
Go forth, break your education.

Dr. Levy (10:12)
I definitely have an English Bulldog that I did not, you know, I didn't want that. I never wanted a Bulldog of any sort. It was my husband who, that was his dream dog, English Bulldog. And so I just wanted a puppy. So that was what we settled on.

Dr. Wilson (10:27)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (10:31)
and you know for me to get a puppy it was gonna have to be an English Bulldog and so I told him about all the things I mean they can have for one outwardly you see a lot of skin issues so they have all these cute nasal folds and skin folds and wrinkly skin and you got to keep that stuff clean you got to keep it dry

Dr. Wilson (10:48)
Okay.

Dr. Levy (10:56)
because they end up having a lot of infections with their skin. Anything slight can just cause them to break out. the environment, the changes in the seasons, the grass, which a lot of dogs are allergic to, that can cause them to have a breakout or some type of outbreak in their skin.

Dr. Wilson (10:59)
Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Dr. Levy (11:21)
ear infections and I will say that my my bulldog I mean once I settled on it I was Just smitten because he was super super cute I did go and visit him at least two or three times while he was still like with his mom and his litter mates and so he was just a cute little chunky little thing and

Dr. Wilson (11:38)
I'm out.

Dr. Levy (11:44)
I do think that he was bred well, so I do think it does take research in the breeders as well and seeing pictures of like their previous litters to make sure they're not looking all just deformed and malnourished.

Dr. Wilson (12:02)
looking like mama and brother, had a baby Yeah.

Dr. Levy (12:04)
Yes, yeah,

like once you start seeing, especially with them, Frenchies when they be, when they start having them big heads and those little scrawny bodies, it's time to cut her off. Like, let's, let's get her, yeah, she's tired.

Dr. Wilson (12:13)
goodness. She's tired, baby. The genetics, the

uterus is exhausted. Take it out and leave her to rest. Yeah.

Dr. Levy (12:24)
Let's, yeah, leave her to be, yeah, leave her be.

Let's start a fresh line. That's how some of these puppies to be, that's how some of these puppies to be looking. But these, were nice and chunky and full. He was bred well and that has helped in the long run.

Dr. Wilson (12:31)
Yeah.

Bye

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Levy (12:45)
I think like his skin, he will sometimes have little bumps that just appear like he'll be fine, he'll go outside and then he comes back and then there's these little red bumps under his skin. But it's not been anything like moderate, it's been pretty mild. He doesn't have a lot of ear infections, but that is one thing that is common. But I think also because as soon as I see something, that's the other thing.

Dr. Wilson (13:02)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (13:12)
As soon as I see a little something, I'm just already jumping in there and cleaning the ears. And also I'll start medicating the ears if I see something, but he hasn't had any things too drastic. And then the elongated soft palate, that's another big thing with them.

Dr. Wilson (13:12)
Right.

Dr. Levy (13:32)
He doesn't do a lot of like the grunting and stuff that they be doing and having difficulties of breathing and always panting. In public, because he's excited, he will, but at home, you rarely see him doing any of all that excessive panting. Like they can't breathe. The nostrils, you want to look at the nostrils because, some of them, they don't have none.

Dr. Wilson (13:50)
Yeah.

They might not have.

Dr. Levy (13:57)
He does have open nostrils, but some of them, you know, be having little slits and they can't breathe. yes, anytime that you are congested or anything like that, like think about how they may feel 24 hours of the day. And some of them too, they may suffer from

Dr. Wilson (13:59)
nice!

Yeah.

Oh, check her out. Let's see if you can breathe out of it.

Dr. Levy (14:20)
having such a hard time of breathing all their life that that puts extra like pressure on their hearts. It makes their hearts work harder than it has to. So I have seen where some of these bully breeds, it was a Frenchie in particular that did end up passing away secondary to some heart issues that he had because of him just not being able to breathe for so long.

Dr. Wilson (14:38)
Yeah.

Alright.

Dr. Levy (14:48)
so that's also something to think about them being out in the heat. It's a no.

Dr. Wilson (14:53)
And

it ain't just like no regular heat. went to the St. Patty's Day Parade here not too long ago. Lady had her pussy down there. And I'm like, I'm perspiring just a little bit just because I'm putting my kids up a hill. But it's like, y'all don't even realize they can't even be outside in like 80, 75 degree weather in direct heat. I'm like.

Dr. Levy (15:00)
Excuse me.

Mm-hmm. Right.

Dr. Wilson (15:18)
We're gonna put that Pug up or it's gonna be a tragedy out here. This water isn't gonna do nothing for him. So You got it like you can't even have fun in the springtime in real life Not on a good day. You got you got pollen out there. You got the some wood fleas Like it's not it's not conducive to the brachycephalic breeds. They don't have fun

Dr. Levy (15:21)
Yeah. No.

Alright.

No. So much power.

No,

and this is for any of the brachycephalic breeds the flat, smush-faced breeds So those are things to take into consideration, that there are things that are more specific to them that, and I find like, I feel like Frenchies, I'm surprised if I see a Frenchie that doesn't have anything wrong with the skin. I've seen some good looking English bulldogs, but.

Dr. Wilson (15:45)
Hmm.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (16:04)
A lot of times it's either the ears or it's those granulomas in between the toes. And I'm like, girl, I say Saint we can't, we're not doing any of this. We're not doing it. And he doesn't excessively lick or scratch. So it could be his diet and he gets a lot of supplements as well.

Dr. Wilson (16:11)
Yeah, a little front.

Hahaha!

Dr. Levy (16:31)
that he's been getting since birth. So, I mean, I'm trying to do all that I know to do. I mean, anything after this would be cooking for him. That would be the next step. And I'm not there yet. I feel like he's been maintained very well for the most part. But, you know.

Dr. Wilson (16:34)
Omega 3

Yeah.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (16:55)
If his skin was really that bad, would probably just start cooking for him. But those are things to think about.

Dr. Wilson (17:01)
Yeah. I mean...

I'm definitely a cook for this little one. He eats anything. I'm never like my other doodle, he doesn't eat a lot of stuff. He won't eat anything outside of protein, Some broccoli, asparagus, even some fruit. He's not having it. This one will probably eat a rock if it appetizing enough. I was just like, you.

Dr. Levy (17:13)
Mmm.

Okay.

I don't know.

Yeah.

Dr. Wilson (17:29)
Give it to Mikey, he'll eat it. That type of situation. I mean, making something for him, because I could like some, because another fun thing, I don't eat turkey meat, turkey, ground turkey. I eat some like turkey legs and anyway, outside of the thing. But I'll make some ground turkey. So if you see me make ground turkey or something like that, you know, they like it. I try to give them some, you know,

Dr. Levy (17:33)
Uh-huh.

I love you.

Dr. Wilson (17:55)
omega-3s I'll go to the fish person and get like the little scraps and cook that and stuff like that and so you know you would think that would be more appetizing than poop but he loves it. I mean he likes it. He eat that too.

Dr. Levy (18:06)
Yes!

But you know what? The poops probably

taste like what he loved the food so good.

Dr. Wilson (18:15)
But the funny part, funny part is he wasn't eating his own until recently. It's it's just specifically Kato's, no matter what form is in. So, yep, yep. I'm gonna get off of it though, but it is literally my deal breaker. And I, you know, the Lord is setting me up for this test and I am here.

Dr. Levy (18:20)
It's not his song.

You've tried

giving them the pineapple.

Dr. Wilson (18:41)
He can't he only did He's going do He's not going to do it. No, I'm for so I just do my best to go pick it up. I'm watching what he you know He's not shortly this longest Kato goes way out there to use the bathroom He can't reach it and let's go I try my best but I mean aside from that just making sure because he eats everything

Dr. Levy (18:42)
Your Kato won't eat it. Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (19:10)
the money to take care of any possibilities because yeah, they can, especially him being a puppy, although he's vaccinated, you take them out into these stores and can't show them around and think that you're socializing, you're exposing them to a lot of bacteria and viruses. Parvovirus is about to start revving back up. Warm outside, so it is

Dr. Levy (19:22)
Mm hmm.

Dr. Wilson (19:36)
It is no way shape or form the silent killer. It is very aggressive and very loud and smelly. So you got to be prepared for that. Your dog is vomiting, having diarrhea. That first visit might look a little bit more expensive than the dog because we are definitely going to test for all the things because we don't want to be a possibility. But you know, it's just

Dr. Levy (19:41)
Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Yes.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (20:04)
It's a lot. So, use a coin. Do your research.

Dr. Levy (20:07)
Yeah.

Mm hmm. Mm hmm. We're gonna talk about this money. We got to go back to the money part because.

Dr. Wilson (20:13)
hahahahah

Dr. Levy (20:15)
The money. Now, although you may have gotten the baby for free, because this is a very strong, you know, that's one, this is two different scenarios.

Dr. Wilson (20:20)
Thank

Dr. Levy (20:25)
You may have gotten the baby for free and that's awesome. I love that for you. However, to take care of that baby, it ain't free. you know, me as a veterinarian, as, you know, an associate or a fill in and especially if I'm doing relief, I'm like, none of this money is coming straight into my pocket. I don't know what y'all like.

Dr. Wilson (20:46)
Right, none of it.

Dr. Levy (20:50)
I don't know what people's perspective or what they really be thinking, but the money is not coming straight to my pocket. And yes, in some of the roles that I have filled, I have been paid production, which means that I'm getting a percentage overall for the services and products that I provide. However,

Dr. Wilson (21:05)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (21:15)
That just has never been like the thing for me. It's not about the money for me. Like, I'm gonna sell you the Benz package. I'm putting everything together because this is gold standard. This is gold standard. And whether you wanna do all these things, that is totally up to you. And I'm also, I'm over...

Dr. Wilson (21:26)
Yeah, that's how the Jones family. It's the Jones family.

Dr. Levy (21:39)
the stress of trying to convince you to do what I am telling you is best for your pet. Now putting all this together, I'm not about to argue with you. Like, this is what I recommend based off of the symptoms and especially if you're coming in with a puppy or a dog or a pet that has a multitude of symptoms.

Dr. Wilson (21:46)
Right. Aka, I ain't even gonna argue with you, sis. What, bro?

Dr. Levy (22:06)
because that's another thing that annoys me is when yes, you may have just gotten a puppy so you can't really control everything that this baby has going on. But you also have to be realistic in what the outcome of this visit may be. If they have an ear infection, skin infection, and they have worms, they have intestinal parasites, they got diarrhea.

Like, we're all over the place and I'm going to be recommending tests. I'm gonna work it up.

Dr. Wilson (22:33)
It just keeps going. It keeps going. Yeah.

I'm gonna work it up

Hehehehehe

Dr. Levy (22:44)
And like, why would you feel if I didn't do that? You know, I'm like...

Dr. Wilson (22:50)
you'll be back complaining that she did, why didn't she do this? Why didn't she do that? So.

Dr. Levy (22:52)
you will be back complaining.

She didn't recommend

any of, you know, she didn't recommend this. They didn't tell me nothing about that. No, I'm putting it all together. So we're going to treat the ears. We're going to test the ears. We're going to test the skin. We're going to treat the skin. We got diarrhea. That's something different. Now I'm going to do tests specific for diarrhea. And they're going to be tailored around the age.

You know, also the history, that's very important. And, you know, I'm like, I'm going to treat that too. So whether and I do tell them, like, we're going to go over all these things together and one by one, you can decide if there's things that you cannot do today. And that's that's on you if you can't do them. Maybe you can come back for something else like.

Dr. Wilson (23:28)
Right.

Mm

Dr. Levy (23:45)
Now we have to think about what's the priority. If there's any issues with finances, I do always try to break it down. And, you know, because I do understand that stuff is expensive and prices are going up for everything and going to the vet, it is expensive, but everything else is too. And all these things cost.

Dr. Wilson (23:53)
Yeah.

Yeah, like you just happen to

be paying us on the front end. That's all. Like let's call it a spade a spade. Like that's what all that is. You just got to have your duckies up front. There is no payment plan for the most part. Yeah, so.

Dr. Levy (24:10)
Right, you just paying us on the front end.

Yes, because have

you a like I'm like, now you done had a baby in a hospital.

Have you had to pay the amount that it actually costs you to have that baby in the hospital? Have you seen a bill from after you've had one of your kids?

Dr. Wilson (24:32)
Right.

Well, yes, but I will say being on Dexter's insurance, he got some good insurance. So, yeah.

Dr. Levy (24:42)
This is what I'm saying. This is what I'm saying. You have insurance.

So yeah, and that's the thing with, you know, human health care versus, you know, veterinary medicine. Like yes, there is insurance for pets, but it is usually the other way around. depending on what type of breed that you have and how your finances are, then you probably want to go ahead and get that insurance for your pet.

Dr. Wilson (25:09)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (25:10)
You know, just to kind of cover you, because it really all comes down to just in case.

Dr. Wilson (25:16)
Yeah.

And I would definitely want to be like, although, you know, your argument earlier was like, do you want me to work it up or do you not want me to work it up? And.

Sorry. That sounded like something was in my fireplace. And I've been there. I've been there. I've had a whole great horn owl die in my, girl. We can talk about that on another episode.

Dr. Levy (25:36)
What?

You might be, you

must be out in the country.

Dr. Wilson (25:41)
No, no, no, Yeah, that's that. That was that's a good story. There's some symbolism, I believe, and there's two. But I feel like being on either side of that sword, I'd rather be on this side where you feel like I'm running you for your money. That's I rather.

Dr. Levy (25:47)
Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (26:02)
because I know my intentions I know that I'm working and you know and again like you say it is your choice to make the decision of what you can afford we are going to prioritize what I deem is gonna be the most important not saying all of it isn't cuz all because guess what this can be worse next time but we're lucky if I'm giving you a prescription for

Dr. Levy (26:04)
Mm-hmm.

Right.

Exactly,

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (26:27)
skin and you know all these things sometimes it can take care of more than one thing at a time if you look but you know i would rather feel like somebody doesn't understand my intentions versus me not doing what's right by this pet to feel better you know what i mean because when you when you are taught by the best you got to do the best so you know that's

Dr. Levy (26:32)
Alright.

Exactly about a pair.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

Dr. Wilson (26:52)
That's

gonna be my claim to fame is to sure that y'all are taken care of. I've had plenty of those conversations and I'm sure every vet has, but you gotta be able to back it up.

Dr. Levy (26:54)
Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

And I think too that sometimes even when you are picking out, know, some people have the opportunity to pick their pet, you know, whether it's from the litter or they go to a shelter, you know, and bless your heart, you know, on picking the sickest of them all.

you know, because everybody needs, you know, I'm like, everybody needs a good home. So they deserve a good home. However, the thing that gets me is the people who don't have the funds to take care of the sickliest of them all. Like, just leave that baby. If the baby is in the back if you got the little...

Dr. Wilson (27:31)
Yeah!

my breath.

Dr. Levy (27:48)
Look at the babies, okay? We do have your pick, you got your pickings, okay? The one that's way in the back, that's hunched over, looking sad, we probably don't want that one. We probably don't want that one.

Dr. Wilson (27:55)
Yeah.

Yay.

No good deed goes unpunished no good deed goes unpunished

Dr. Levy (28:12)
Hehehehehe

Dr. Wilson (28:13)
So you bring that one into your home. You think I'm running your pockets. Prepare yourself. Get that care credit, Get you some care credit.

Dr. Levy (28:18)
Prepare yourself!

Yes, yes, get you some care credit because this baby is about to cost you so money

Dr. Wilson (28:28)
Yeah, and for those who don't know what care credit is, it is a line of credit that you can be immediately approved or denied for and you can actually use it for yourself. You can use for pets for So you just pay it off. I ain't gonna say this interest ain't high or whatever, depending on like your income and credit and all that kind of stuff, but it's worth a shot if this is, you know,

Dr. Levy (28:39)
Yes.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, it's definitely work a shot

Yeah. And I mean, cause I know a lot of people, ask for payment plans and their payment plans are few and far between these days. If you can go to a clinic that offers a payment plan, then you might want to stick with them because...

Dr. Wilson (28:54)
Yeah.

Mm.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (29:11)
There are hardly any clinics. These are different times and people not doing payment plans no more because people don't pay their money.

Dr. Wilson (29:17)
Yeah.

We

have people who have walked out after we've done services. Like they just walk out, like who? The receptionist just let them walk out. They said they were going outside to get um Mr. Johnson is gone. He's gone. With his dog. With him. Yeah.

Dr. Levy (29:25)
Mm-hmm.

Mm-mm.

They gone. They gone. With the dog. Because sometimes

they'll leave the dog at the clinic. They just don't want to return the calls. And they approve everything. sounds great. Go ahead. Do what you gotta do.

Dr. Wilson (29:44)
Yeah.

Mm-hmm, sounds great.

Let me go get my card out the car.

Dr. Levy (29:53)
Then you

never hear from them again. And that's why some clinics, it's going straight to voicemail. That's why some of these clinics, they'll either take like a deposit or when you go to the emergency clinic, they are taking their money upfront. There's no, I know they, they, they do anything, your payments.

Dr. Wilson (30:15)
We need to see, we need to see that you that you're serious.

Dr. Levy (30:16)
We need to see that you're serious.

So I feel like

a lot of clinics, like we have, we still have a lot of trust in a lot of these people too. You know, I mean, they sign, you know, and that's why I get in an estimate, putting that together and having them, you know, sign off on things. It's also really important. Cause I don't think everybody even does that. We take a verbal, like, okay, you agree to this? Yes.

Dr. Wilson (30:29)
Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (30:50)
And...

Dr. Wilson (30:50)
It is $479.62. $479.62. You good?

Dr. Levy (30:56)
Mm-hmm.

I'm taking your word. Your word is bond I'm taking your word. So, yeah. Yeah, I get the variation going to different hospitals and I do see several of them do have where you have to sign off on their estimate, even if it's just for an exam and some vaccines because we not trustworthy.

Dr. Wilson (31:01)
Alright!

Right.

Dr. Levy (31:21)
We can't trust you. So yeah, if you can't afford it, and this is real talk, if you cannot afford it, don't get the sickest looking one. Get the happy one in the front and go about your life. Save that one. Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (31:21)
Right.

Can I be controversial for a moment Okay,

just to piggyback off what you said and I somebody ain't gone like this.

Dr. Levy (31:43)
Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (31:44)
But if you can't afford it, don't, don't get one.

Dr. Levy (31:47)
Just don't get one in the first place.

Dr. Wilson (31:50)
Yeah, uh, pets are luxury. Not a right. They are not right. So you might want to go ahead and just leave them where they're at. Um, they might be better off. Somebody can pick them up that actually and it's no shame. This is not a shame game. Um, this is an education. It's a part of the education. Like you have to understand that although this one, you know, happy, happy, happy, go lucky in the front too.

Dr. Levy (31:52)
Yes, not a necessity.

Somebody would get them, yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (32:17)
He might want to pull an okie doke and eat some buttons off your remote. And now we're here. $2500 intestinal surgery.

Dr. Levy (32:19)
And now we're here.

Surgery.

Yeah, all of that is the possibility with especially when they're young. Some dogs, just eat, they eat objects all their lives. You know, they eat foreign bodies forever to their old age. And some of them just do it when they're puppies. So then they'll eventually outgrow that stage. But you really can't put nothing past none of them really. If it's something that they like,

Dr. Wilson (32:40)
Yeah.

No. No.

Dr. Levy (32:53)
you know, they'll make it happen and surgery can come at any time, any time that has happened with myself. Thankfully with Saint, he still was one and that's when he did all of his time for foolery. He decided that he wanted to eat.

Dr. Wilson (33:02)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (33:13)
a hose pipe, the water hose. And we didn't know. He, you know, I knew that there were bits and pieces of like parts of the hose pipe that had been chewed up in the yard. And so we had picked all that stuff up. And, you know, so that's important, trying to keep just keep everything off the ground. And.

Dr. Wilson (33:23)
Mm-hmm.

Right.

Dr. Levy (33:33)
That was maybe two weeks. So we picked up everything up and about two weeks later, that's when he started vomiting. Back to back, back to back. He had vomited up a couple pieces of the hosepipe, the rubber, and just kept vomiting. And so I did have to end up taking him in.

and we did the radiographs or the x-rays and saw that there was still a piece left in his intestines. We did a barium study so that helped us see exactly where it was. And I'm like, boy, he just in the cage just looking sad. So we had to do fluids and all the GI medications, antibiotics, everything.

Dr. Wilson (34:08)
You

Bye!

Pitiful

Dr. Levy (34:20)
We just kind of let him sit for a little bit, because I was reliefing at that time. And the vet that I took him to, I was reliefing at her clinic. And so she was like, do you want to cut him? And I'm like, if we have to cut him, I don't want to cut him. I want you to do it. Because I was also, I was pregnant at the time too.

Dr. Wilson (34:38)
enough

Dr. Levy (34:41)
And I'm like, it's my dog. Like, I am just, I don't want to do nothing with my own dogs when they under, like, anesthesia. Like, I just want somebody else to do it. And thankfully, it started passing. So we repeated the X-rays and it started passing, moving on down. But it just was kind of sitting there. So we ended up giving him an enema.

Dr. Wilson (34:47)
Right.

Yeah.

You

Dr. Levy (35:04)
And then he did end up passing that last piece

Dr. Wilson (35:07)
Come on, we got

to wait. Evacuate the premises.

Dr. Levy (35:10)
evacuate, evacuate, it got up out of there because I was like boy listen

Dr. Wilson (35:14)
Listen, I

already have a look They know these conversations. These ones in here, we have plenty of conversations. You can do eat that if you want to. Play games if you want to. I just want you to know. I just want you to know. You might want to think about them before you venture into that realm of picking stuff up off the floor. This one, he has.

Dr. Levy (35:24)
Bye, guys, if you want to.

No.

Dr. Wilson (35:37)
a hard head so we got a lot of conversations all the time. He's probably been talked to more than any of these ones in here. But he gonna have the hardest lesson because he has to understand.

Dr. Levy (35:48)
Yes.

Dr. Wilson (35:49)
Don't put me in that predicament. I feel like I didn't say something to members, you know, from the brink. y'all can't even put yourself in this situation. Now I'm fussing. I'm fussing.

Dr. Levy (35:51)
Thank you.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Exactly.

Yeah. So nothing like that has happened since thankfully, but that was that was a close call. And then my 13 year old, she was this was a few years ago, maybe three years ago now. And I was still pregnant at this time. But I was like, you know, maybe a month or so from having my baby. So I was just big and pregnant and

Dr. Wilson (36:23)
I'll get you there.

No.

Dr. Levy (36:30)
she

had a mask on the back of her leg that had been there for years. you know, prior to me having Demi, she just decided, you know, I need attention too, you know. So that mass when I tell you, it went from just being dormant for years to just

exploding overnight. I mean it grew so fast it literally grew overnight and it ruptured overnight and I had just not experienced that myself and you know things that I experienced with them I feel my clients when they come in and they be like it just happened now that's not always the case.

Dr. Wilson (37:14)
Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know when a wound just happened. Like I'm looking at you. But I feel you. I have been in that situation and something just happened. Yeah.

Dr. Levy (37:19)
Yeah, yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Like, it just happened. Mm-hmm.

And that's how it was for her. So at that time, it was a different clinic that I was reliefing at for, a long term. And I called that doctor there, and he was able to get me in to remove the mass for her. And it was a mast cell tumor.

Dr. Wilson (37:45)
Mmm.

Dr. Levy (37:45)
And that

explained why it just exploded. And that one never came back, but I know she has other ones that I'm just like, okay, we just keeping an eye. I mean, you just never know with some of these, but it is about being financially prepared for.

Dr. Wilson (37:48)
We'll see you there.

Right.

Dr. Levy (38:04)
those instances that are just least expected. It's always the least expected time when something happens with these babies. And so you do need to be financially prepared. So that may mean, you you may need to have, like I mentioned before, insurance. And even if you don't have pet insurance, like, you know, technical pet insurance, you still need to have some type of pet cushion.

Dr. Wilson (38:11)
Yes.

Thank

Dr. Levy (38:31)
You know, so you're setting aside savings and I would try to have a few thousand dollars. I'm like, if you could have a cushion from three to $5,000 just as a start, something to build on, then I think that would at least get you a good start for if something happens. Like you can do something with that.

Dr. Wilson (38:31)
the two cards with him.

Right.

Right.

Dr. Levy (38:58)
You know,

Dr. Wilson (38:58)
Yeah.

Dr. Levy (38:59)
you can do a lot of diagnostics with that. You can do medical management and treatment with that. Now, if it comes to surgery, that's when, I mean, you may or may not be able to do, depending on where you go, you can even get surgery done with that, depending on the type of surgery it is. So.

Dr. Wilson (39:15)
Bye!

Dr. Levy (39:18)
I think that is a good expectation, a realistic expectation. And it's not to say that you're chunking this aside at one time because not everybody can do that. But if you're taking a little bit of money, saving it for a rainy day, whether it's for yourself, you need to also have something saved for your pet as well for when like life threatening situations happen.

Dr. Wilson (39:30)
I know.

Yeah, because Fido or Fifi you can go run out in the street in a heartbeat

Dr. Levy (39:48)
Mm-hmm. Oh, yeah, absolutely.

Yep. And on the other end of things, I'm like, if you're already starting off with no money and you got a pet, there's also the people that come in there that have spent $10,000, $20,000 on a pet. There are some pets that cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Dr. Wilson (40:04)
Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, yeah. I actually had a lot. Yeah.

Dr. Levy (40:10)
And then they come in.

They come in and they decline everything.

Dr. Wilson (40:15)
This costs this much. What exactly are you telling me right now? Because it does not make me feel any better about this situation. It's almost like you want me to judge you based off of your decisions. So you want to spend that much money on a pet, but you don't want to spend anything to make it. So your investment, you're a poor investor. That's what you're saying.

Dr. Levy (40:24)
Mm-mm.

Yes!

Yeah

Dr. Wilson (40:39)
I wouldn't gamble with you. I spent $10,000 on something, baby. I'm going to treat it like gold. They're not gonna have a real gold necklace with something.

Dr. Levy (40:42)
No. No.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And that

is it.

And that's the thing, because you can do whatever you want to do with your money. Yes, people are probably going to judge you if you spend $20,000 on a dog. Sure, you're going to get judged for that. I'm sorry. But if you do that, that's you.

That's your money. Do whatever you want to do with it. My issue is, like I said, I'm like, you coming in here, you're going to spend all this money on this dog, but now you can't spend no money to make the dog better. Like, that's where you definitely about to get judged. And if you... Yes, like where are the priorities? This is crazy. And then also I'm like, I try not to judge people by...

Dr. Wilson (41:27)
You gotta re-evaluate some situations here.

Dr. Levy (41:38)
You know what they have, like you don't really know how much money people got in their pockets, regardless of if they come in there with their Louis down or Gucci down. Like, cause I don't know if it's real or not anyway. It could have the least of the least. Yeah. I'm like, you never know. You, and I try not to, you know, try to count what's in people's pockets or whatever. Cause you don't know what other things they have to pay for.

Dr. Wilson (41:44)
Thank you.

me had the least, had the least of the least. Will say no and hug me.

Absolutely.

Dr. Levy (42:06)
Whatever.

But I mean, it's not to say that it's not gonna cross my mind that you Gucci down, but you done declined all the things for the baby. can't, you, you, and the baby got a Gucci shirt and a Gucci collar and a Gucci leash, but he ain't feeling too Gucci. The hair is dyed.

Dr. Wilson (42:12)
Yeah.

and the baby got a Gucci shirt on too.

Hahahaha!

The hair is dyed. The hair is dyed, honey.

Just went to the groomer. But can we get that Rabies. We're throwing up, can we get that rabies? Go to the groomer, Can we get that rabies? Can we get these nails cut?

Dr. Levy (42:38)
They always gonna ask for a pedicure. That baby could be on his dying bed, okay?

Dr. Wilson (42:41)
Listen, have

been on the death bed. Baby was good to go to glory, was good to go.

Dr. Levy (42:45)
On the deathbed.

But can we get a pedicure? Can we get a nail trim?

Dr. Wilson (42:48)
Listen,

all I gotta say is I'm real surprised at myself for doing this, but I'm about to quote Cash Doll and say, don't get a bag. Don't spend money on it. Don't spend no bag on no bag. You can't put a bag in it. Same thing applies to the pets, okay?

Dr. Levy (43:06)
Yes!

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yes.

Dr. Wilson (43:09)
Don't do that. Don't spend money on the bag. Can't put a bag in it. So you

can't put a bag in, if you cannot fully invest the amount of money you spend on this pet immediately, then we're gonna re-embrace you. We just gotta re-evaluate some things. That's it.

Dr. Levy (43:19)
Mm-hmm.

We just have to reevaluate, yeah. And

number one would be priorities, yeah.

Dr. Wilson (43:28)
you might

get you a coach instead of a little bit.

Dr. Levy (43:31)
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And that's your personal, you know, that's your personal thing. Like, it's just gonna, and it's not just us. I'm like, gonna look at you different. They gonna look at you different if you coming in there and you can't afford or you're saying no to everything. So now we're doing nothing for Fluffy and she's still going home sick, you know.

Dr. Wilson (43:44)
Thank you.

Right.

Dr. Levy (43:56)
Like that that's the issue. So if you if you got it then great and If you can at least pay for the things that's gonna help her feel better like, okay So I'll get off that I Mean go ahead cuz I'm like I could beat that was I could just beat it

Dr. Wilson (44:08)
Get up. Who said that I was so buff, huh?

Dr. Levy (44:14)
No.

Dr. Wilson (44:15)
I mean knock it up the side of the head a couple more times, because we don't get it. You don't get it But you know just I guess some takeaways is sure that you got the money you invested in this pet and To take care of the expenses of the pet we understand it's not a child is not going to school But it's very reminiscent of such because pets can get the exact same things that we can get and more so

Dr. Levy (44:20)
Mm-mm.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (44:43)
just be prepared for the unexpected. So we're expect the unexpected, how about that? And just making sure you research your breeds. Compare your lifestyle, be realistic. You know you don't run 5Ks. You know you like to sit at home and watch Love and Hip Hop, okay? You're not going outside to run with this Vizsla okay?

Dr. Levy (44:49)
Mm-hmm.

Yes, research agrees. Nice.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Wilson (45:10)
Just be realistic and know, because in the long run it's gonna save you a lot of money, a lot of time, just the health of the pet in general.

Dr. Levy (45:13)
Yes.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, and a lot of stress because the human animal bond like that is real. It's important and it's important that your personality suits the personality of the dog. And so I find that in a lot of situations where it's more like chaotic that

Dr. Wilson (45:22)
Yeah.

Right.

Dr. Levy (45:43)
it's usually not a good fit personality wise and lifestyle wise. Like somebody that works long hours, that may not, and it's almost every day, then you may have a dog that may have behavioral issues. They may suffer from anxiety and that's,

Dr. Wilson (45:55)
Okay.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (46:11)
That's real, and that's because they're not getting the socialization that they need. They're not even, you know, whether it's with another pet or with you, like they're not even spending enough time with you. And so those are, and that's not fair to them. So that pet, you know, instead of having to necessarily put them on like medication for anxiety,

Dr. Wilson (46:26)
Right.

Dr. Levy (46:33)
They may be better off in a different environment actually. And don't go getting another pet. Yeah. Like not that type of pet, right. That's gonna require your companionship because we have domesticated these animals to now be our companions. Like that is a very important role.

Dr. Wilson (46:38)
And don't forget that's not what they

Right.

Mm-hmm.

Dr. Levy (47:01)
And that's a big role for them to play in our lives and for us to play in their lives. Like we are their companion. And so we really do have to fit the job. Like you gotta do your part. And so that's why, like you said earlier, it's a luxury and it is not something that is for everybody. Or if you travel a lot.

Dr. Wilson (47:01)
Yeah.

Yeah.

Dr. Levy (47:27)
and you gotta leave the pet with somebody else for weeks or months on end or board them.

Dr. Wilson (47:34)
That's their dog. That's their dog, Not yours.

Dr. Levy (47:36)
And you're right. And then the dog

is so stressed every time they go to boarding, they have diarrhea, know, or bloody diarrhea, or they not eating I mean, if it's something every now and then, then that's one thing we all got to get out. But if that is your lifestyle to where you're always gone and then your pet suffers as a result of.

Dr. Wilson (47:47)
Right.

Dr. Levy (48:01)
you know, not being there with you, then that also may not be the best environment for them.

Dr. Wilson (48:02)
Yeah. Yeah, I know. And another

takeaway is thinking about not just yourself.

Dr. Levy (48:14)
Yeah, yeah. Right, and I think, mm-hmm, yeah. And the other thing I wanted to talk about too was preparing. So, you know, now you have takeaways on picking out this pet and whether a pet is good for your lifestyle, but also when something is wrong with your pet and you have to bring them to the doctor.

Dr. Wilson (48:15)
So I know it's I know it's hard.

Vetted In Vet Med (48:41)
Hi. Sorry to interrupt. I know you guys are feeling this conversation and I know y'all like to hear us talk, but you're gonna have to stay tuned for part two of this episode.