Dr Cath: The One Thing I Want All Pet Parents To Know

Kiwi vet Dr Cath Watson hosts our pawsome PD Insurance pet care vlog over on YouTube – where she answers important questions around raising healthy pets. From how to give a dog medication to having difficult conversations around euthanasia – Dr Cath shares her expertise.

We caught up with her to chat all things vet related – including the most pressing problems pet parents face and what she wants everyone to know about pet care.

1. Hi Dr Cath! First off, can you tell us a bit about your background. What made you want to become a vet in New Zealand?

I grew up in the small beach town of Ohope and didn’t have a particularly animal-orientated childhood, apart from living with a very temperamental cat who barely tolerated us until she was 19 years of age!

From high school onwards I became involved with horses second-hand to my sister’s enthusiasm, and it was here that I had my first introduction to the world of veterinary medicine … outside of James Herriot books and TV programmes, anyway.

This introduction was to both the good and the bad sides of the job – miraculous recoveries of serious medical issues, to the euthanasia on the side of the road of an escaped horse following a collision with a vehicle. Quite a traumatic time, but fortunately the horse was the only casualty, as it could have been much worse!

From here I spent some time in a family friend’s practice and decided it seemed like a great opportunity to put both my practical and academic skills to the test. The alternative was to be geology, and I have no regrets of which path I followed.

2. Can you tell us about your practice – where are you based and what do you specialise in?

Following my initial couple of years in vet practices in New Zealand, then a period locumming overseas, I was a part-owner of a mixed animal (production and companion animals) practice in Invercargill for 12 years, where I progressively became more and more a companion animal veterinarian only.

I developed a reasonably high level of surgical and ultrasound skill, both through necessity and interest, but more recently have chosen to pursue a more balanced life and now contract out as a locum veterinarian to practices around the country in need of temporary relief.

This has been a great opportunity to work with some wonderful veterinarians, see different ideas in action, as well as allowing me more time to pursue my non-veterinary interests, all of which involve outdoors sporting activities – mountain biking, tramping, skiing, kayaking, packrafting, adventure racing, off-road running being just some of them.

3. What’s the most gratifying part of doing what you do?

Working with clients and patients to a positive outcome where there is genuine appreciation of the effort and skill required to achieve this. It can be something as simple as removing a fish-hook or grass seed, to a diagnostically challenging medical or surgical case requiring a full team effort. 

4. What would you tell a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young person who dreams of becoming a vet in New Zealand?

Do your research. Talk to those already in the profession, as well as to people who may have left for various reasons. It’s not a job for everyone, and requires a big commitment to training as well as an ongoing commitment to continuing education. It has some massive highs, but also some massive lows.

Read more about the tolls the vet industry can have on vet mental health – here.

While I did go straight from high school to veterinary school, there are some significant advantages to seeing a bit of the real world first and making sure you’re clear about your career opportunities and possibilities, as well as taking the time to understand your strength and weaknesses. It can be a very rewarding career if it’s the right fit, but unfortunately for many it’s a short-lived career before they move on. 

5. What would you say is the average pet parent’s biggest concern in terms of the treatment and care of companion animals?

This is a complex issue and it varies with age, gender, wealth and other socioeconomic factors. However, access to affordable veterinary services is a pressing concern for pet parents in New Zealand.

This is driven by both access to vets given the current shortage in New Zealand, along with rising costs that disproportionately affect those on lower incomes or facing unexpected expenses. This financial strain often leads to delayed care or less than ideal treatment choices, which effects the well-being of companion animals.

The issue is worsened by a lack of pet-friendly rental properties. This has forced some owners to surrender their pets or forgo pet ownership altogether.

The recent announcement by the Government to introduce pet bonds and other pet-related changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will go some way to making rental properties more accessible to those with pets. However, there’s still the pressure on the housing market that also has a significant impact on those already under financial strain.

6. What’s one thing you’d want pet parents to know about pet care?

Regular vet check-ups are essential, even when your pet seems healthy. These visits allow us vets to spot underlying health issues early, preventing them from getting more serious.

On top of that, routine check-ups open up discussions on vital topics such as vaccination schedules, nutrition, dental care, and parasite prevention.

Moreover, being prepared for unexpected health issues or trauma is crucial, as emergencies can happen at any time. Having reserves or pet insurance for those situations is an integral part of pet care.

7. Thank you so much for your time, Dr Cath. Onto our last question – have you noticed a shift in how humans view pets; if so, how has this impacted your work?

Yes, there’s been a noticeable shift in how humans view pets, with a much higher value placed on them now compared to the past.

Pets are increasingly treated as integral members of the family, leading to heightened expectations for New Zealand vets regarding their healthcare. Sometimes, these expectations border on the unrealistic, particularly concerning lifespans, treatment options, and putting a pet to sleep.

However, our understanding of the human-animal bond has deepened, revealing the mental and physical benefits of owning a dog or cat. The COVID-19 pandemic sped this up, as pets became essential sources of comfort and companionship during times of uncertainty. Consequently, more owners are seeking specialist care for their furry family members, facilitated by the increased availability of specialised services in New Zealand.

The pet accessory market has also expanded significantly, with a growing trend towards items like clothing and raw food diets. These changes have had a significant impact on our profession and influence the types of services people demand and the way vets engage with pet owners. 

Ask a vet – expert advice from an actual vet!

Want to hear more from Dr Cath? Check out her answers to some of your most asked questions:

• Is Pet Dental Insurance Worth It?
• What Happens To Dogs At The Pound In NZ?
• Why Are Vet Costs So High?
• Sniffles And Scratches: We Asked A Vet About Seasonal Dog Allergies
• How Do You Find A Good Vet? We Asked A Top Vet!
• How To Stop Your Dog Peeing Inside: Vet Advice

New Zealand vets recommend insurance

New Zealand vets agree – pet insurance is a vital part of pet care and being a responsible pet parent. Taking out an insurance plan for your pet means that everyone in the equation, from you, to your vet and everyone in between, can focus on doing their job well. That job is always to provide the best available care or treatment for your pet so it’s happy and healthy.

Consider looking at PD’s dog insurance plans and cat insurance plans to not only potentially save your pet’s life one day, but to take pressure off the shoulders of your valued vet care provider. You could get one or more months free when you sign up.