All About the Veterinary Field

Household pets and animals can bring a lot of love to a household. They provide eternal loyalty and companionship. As complex as many pets are, they all seem to know exactly how to bring smiles to our faces.

Like humans, animals are susceptible to a wide range of health problems, which is where veterinarians come into the picture. Much like human doctors, veterinarians employ a wide range of methods and medical equipment to keep pets healthy. Let’s take a closer look at this ever-important occupation.

What Veterinarians Do

Simply put, veterinarians care for the health of animals. They treat, diagnose, and research various medical conditions and diseases using medical veterinary equipment. While they might best be known for taking care of pets and livestock, vets also help animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories.

Some of their duties include:

· Treating and dressing wounds

· Examining animals to diagnose health problems

· Performing surgery

· Operating veterinary equipment such as x-ray machines

· Testing for and vaccinating against possible diseases

· Advising owners about care, treatments, and medical conditions

· Prescribing medication

· Euthanizing animals

What It Takes

Being a good veterinarian takes a lot of hard work and a strong sense of character. A love of animals is the foundation for it all. Vets are around animals of all shapes and sizes all day. You should have an underlying concern for all animals, from dogs to lizards to goldfish and beyond. These animals are not always cooperative either.

Of course, it also helps to be a people person as well. Dealing with animals means dealing with pet owners. Many pet owners are often under a great deal of stress. They need to communicate effectively while displaying empathy and compassion.

Aside from a love of animals, veterinarians must have a great deal of focus, flexibility, and personal commitment. They have to be smart and creative problem solvers. Remember, animals can’t communicate the way we do, so vets have to use their knowledge and keen instincts to figure out what’s wrong with a patient.

Veterinarians are doctors, through and through, which means they need to have an expert understanding of science and medicine to make proper diagnoses and recommend treatments. They also have to deal with a large team of technicians, staff members, and other individuals. In the end, being a veterinarian mixes the tasks of scientist, social worker, health care provider, and team leader.