Why is the work of a veterinarian important?

Many veterinarians treat traditional or exotic pets such as dogs, cats, birds, small mammals (e.g., hamsters, guinea pigs), and reptiles. Some veterinarians treat horses, pigs, or ruminants (cows, sheep, goats). So why is the work of a veterinarian important?

Modern veterinarians are doctors trained to protect the health of both animals and humans. They work hard to meet the health and welfare needs of all types of animals. Veterinarians also play an important role in environmental protection, research, food safety, and public health.
“In a way, we are doctors who are both therapists and psychologists,” says a doctor at our Begemotas Veterinary Medical Center. The duties of a veterinarian include not only the basic care and treatment of patients, but also reassuring and supporting the client (owner), as veterinarians spend as much time with pet owners as they do with the animals themselves.

“I would very much like most of my appointments with patients and clients to be wellness visits for animals that need immunizations (vaccinations), parasite (ticks, fleas, gastrointestinal) control, annual blood tests, and routine examinations, but the reality is quite different. Many pet owners have to make unplanned trips to the vet when their four-legged friends start to feel unwell or suffer unexpected injuries,” says a veterinarian at our Begemotas veterinary clinic in Vilnius when asked about patient and client visits.

It is very important to understand how much a small animal veterinarian is capable of and what a wide range of services are provided in modern veterinary medicine. Nowadays, neutering dogs and cats is a fairly common and routine procedure. Working in such a diverse field, veterinarians must have not only a wealth of knowledge, but also excellent technical skills. The therapeutic work of veterinary specialists requires seriousness, concentration, and dedication. Veterinarians, who spend most of their time working with patients who cannot speak, must pay close attention to building relationships and communicating with their patients’ owners.

It is easy to see that small animal veterinarians play an important role in keeping our four-legged companions happy and healthy.