A good GP veterinarian serves as an invaluable source of guidance and support. However, just as people need to see specialists, so do our pets. Even better, these accredited experts in their field are not necessarily expensive and are sometimes cheaper in the long run.

I learned this the hard way when my Maltier developed a watery eye. After multiple unsuccessful trips to the vet plus numerous lotions, potions and medications, I was referred to a doggy ophthalmologist.

After the first visit I could 'see' we were finally on the right track. A small procedure using specialist equipment was performed on the day, some drops were dispensed and we were sent home with an Elizabethan collar (commonly referred to as a 'bucket") with a follow up appointment in 2 weeks. Our eye doctor also flushed out a blocked tear duct in the other eye - something I didn't even know was needed - which stopped the weepy brown stain. 

Not only did I have two problems solved the cost was less then all the previous visits to the GP vet. 

This experience lead me to seek advise from other specialists for an assortment of complicated issues, again providing a cost effective and more definitive solution. 

It is true some diagnostic testing can be expensive (scans and blood tests) but again, the difference between trialing different things and starting a pet on the most appropriate remedy immediately, was not enormous and certainly had a better outcome for my pet. If your pet is insured the cost could be zero.

​I have witnessed the slow decline of a dog due to what we now know was heart failure. The indecision of numerous GPs added to our anxiety as we desperately searched for guidance (I understand now because the situation was beyond the scope of expertise of these well meaning GPs). The matter escalated and our cherished pet was eventually euthanised in the middle of the night, involving an immeasurable amount of stress, shock, and trauma.  I would have preferred to have known things were deteriorating and put her on medicine earlier because apparently the signs were all there. Most of all we were robbed of the option to choose a time to let her go in a peaceful way. The specialist scan we needed was not recommended until it was far too late.  

Specialist areas include, but are not limited to:

• ​​Medicine
• Surgery
• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Imaging
• Ophthalmology
• Neurology.

Pets usually need a referral from their GP and it may take a few weeks to get in. However, based on my experience, I strongly recommend pet owners consider this option for complicated medical matters or even if they want a second opinion. You GP shouldn't mind, and will probably welcome your request because after all, they want what is best for your pet as much as you do. 

You have a developing situation at home involving behaviour that is making the relationship with your dog difficult. It might even be a safety concern. 

Should you consider rehoming your dog or call in the professionals to do some training?

A good animal behaviouralist or trainer (so called dog whisperers) will be able to assess the situation,  provide a practical written program and step you through how it should be implemented. For the most part it will work too. Unless, you are not in a position to uphold your part of the bargain. 

Committing to a training program is a bit like signing up to a gym membership.

You still have to turn up, every day and do the work. Over weeks and months. 

Despite your very best intentions,  if you don't have the time, skills, experience or support it is unlikely to work. 

Meanwhile, your dog's behaviour may deteriorate beyond a point where it can be rehomed. 

Owners should understand they are not failing their cherished pet by putting their hands up and admitting the situation is beyond them at this time of their lives. Owners are however, letting their pet down if they do nothing and allow a situation to escalate despite knowing something needs to be done. 

Dogs are here for a short time but a good time. If they are exhibiting problematic behaviour like excessive digging, barking, escaping, fighting, peeing in the wrong place etc, this often is their way of showing you they are unhappy, anxious or depressed. Medication, without behavioural modification, is unlikely to work and will simply sedate your dog.  Is it fair for you to keep your dog when there is a family out there ready to make them a central focus and give them everything they need?

We know you love your dog, but if an owner is unlikely to be able to commit to a long term training program (and do the work every day) professional behavioural support might be wasting valuable time. In this case, if you truely love your dog, let it go.