Handy Hints with Dr Harry: Why It's Important to Have a Good Relationship with your Vet


Having a strong relationship with your veterinarian is an important part of pet ownership. While they’ll never know the animal as well as you, Dr Harry explains why knowledge of the pet’s medical history and behaviours may mean your vet can ascertain a diagnosis more efficiently.

“You understand your animal better than anyone else because it lives with you and you know its daily routine. Whether it’s a cat or a dog you know its daily routine.”

“So, if it suddenly starts to do something different, maybe it refuses to eat something it would normally eat and enjoy maybe it just doesn’t eat at all, maybe it’s drinking more water, maybe it’s not drinking at all, something is different about your pet and you know because you’re there 24/7 seeing what this animal does.”

“Your veterinarian only gets to sit down with them for fifteen minutes, so what can you do as a pet owner, to help them understand your pet's needs?”

“Well, you can make notes and I think that’s very good, but get out your mobile phone and take a picture because if your dog has collapsed, for argument’s sake, there’s a collapse because:

  • it is having an epileptic seizure


"All these things look very similar but are entirely different.”

“Your vet, however, can pick the difference. That’s why, if you’re going on a regular basis and you’ve got that important relationship, your vet can help you out.”

“And sometimes prevent problems and that’s even more important.”

Please note: Not all conditions, vet visits and treatments are covered by Everyday Pet Insurance. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of coverage.

Written by Dr Harry

Dr. Harry, is an iconic Australian veterinarian, celebrated television personality, and passionate animal welfare advocate. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become a household name, educating and entertaining audiences with his wealth of knowledge and genuine love for animals.

 

After practicing as a veterinarian in Sydney and the UK, Dr. Harry's warm personality and expertise caught the attention of television producers, hosting his own shows. Beyond his television career, Dr. Harry is a tireless advocate for animal welfare, using his platform to raise awareness and promote responsible pet ownership.

 

Dr. Harry Cooper continues to inspire and educate audiences of all ages with his infectious enthusiasm, vast knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals.

Dr Harry

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* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

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Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

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= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

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Any general advice provided by Dr Harry Cooper in relation to Everyday Pet Insurance is provided as an Authorised Representative of Hollard and PetSure through an arrangement with Woolworths AR No. 1000933.