How do vets find out what’s wrong with your pets?

Cristi Blackwolf, Veterinarian

Cristi showing one of the ways to find out what was wrong with a sick dog

What would most kids love to have? A pet! It’s not always easy for parents to take care of pets in addition to their own kids. Very often, parents have to give a white lie to their kids and say they are allergic to dogs and cats ;) Well, according to BBC, pets can provide kids with so many benefits such as having more physical activities, fewer mental issues, and, therefore, better relationships with others.

Our Jan 2023 Special Guest, Cristi, has been a vet for over 35 years since she got her Veterinary degree at UC Davis. She decided to become a vet when she was 6 or 7. She didn’t know that there was such a job as “a veterinarian” until her babysitter told her that she really wanted to become a vet but couldn’t. Cristi was fascinated by the fact that there were doctors for animals. She loved animals so much that becoming a vet became her dream :)

In 5th grade, her mom let her do little things for a vet in her neighborhood. Surprisingly, Cristi was never scared of seeing blood or wounds. She was more worried about helping hurt animals.

The bladder stones removed from the sick dog

She discussed how vets figure out why pets are sick by taking x-rays, blood/urine/poo tests, and other examinations. When she showed an example of a very sick dog she treated that had bladder stones, some kids had to close their eyes. However, everyone was fascinated with how Cristi was able to remove the stones and the dog survived. People that save lives are heroes. Yay!! :)

Cristi’s dogs :)

Some kids said they would like to become vets themselves. Some kids wanted to show off how cute their dogs and cats were. Some kids said they would really like to have a pet. It’s obvious that our kids love animals. They now think more about how it’s a huge responsibility to have a pet as a member of their family.

Pets (or animals) are great ways to teach compassion and responsibility to kids. Their kind attitude towards animals’ vulnerability comes naturally.

If you don’t have a pet friend yet, maybe it’s time to consider one for your kid. ;)

Wanna watch her full session? Here it goes: https://youtu.be/gJtztVcpQNs

BTW, Cristi works at Adobe Animal Hospital ❤️

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