10 Embarrassing Questions to Ask VidiVet (No Judgement, We Promise)

Introduction

Every pet owner has had a question they were too embarrassed to ask their vet. Whether it is a smell, a habit or something happening in an area you would rather not discuss across a waiting room, awkward questions are one of the biggest reasons pet health concerns go unspoken for far too long.

The good news is that vets have heard it all before. There is genuinely no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your pet's health, and messaging VidiVet takes the awkwardness out of asking. Send a message, photo or video describing what is going on, and a vet sends back a video answering your question, all in your own time and without saying a word out loud if you would rather not. Here are 10 of the most common embarrassing questions pet owners want answered.

1. Why does my dog eat poop?

Coprophagia (eating faeces) is a common and usually harmless behaviour, though it is one of the top things owners are too embarrassed to bring up. It can be linked to boredom, a nutrient imbalance, a leftover puppy instinct or simply a taste for it.

It is worth a chat with a vet if it starts suddenly, as it can occasionally point to a digestive issue or a diet that is not being fully absorbed. A quick video consultation is often all it takes to work out whether it is behavioural or worth investigating further.

3. Is it normal for my dog to hump everything?

Mounting behaviour is not always about sex. Dogs of any age or gender do it out of excitement, stress, play or habit, and it is one of the most searched for and least talked about pet behaviours.

If it is new, frequent or the dog seems distressed, it is worth mentioning to a vet, as it can occasionally be linked to a skin or urinary irritation. Otherwise it is usually just a case of gentle redirection and training.

4. Why is my dog dragging its bottom along the carpet?

Scooting is almost always linked to the anal glands mentioned above, though it can also be caused by worms, allergies or skin irritation around the tail.

This is a genuinely common reason for a video consultation, since owners often feel silly describing it. A vet can help narrow down the cause and let you know if a practice visit for gland expression is needed.

5. Why does my cat spray or wee around the house?

Spraying is a form of scent marking and is different to a house training issue. It can be triggered by stress, a change at home, another animal nearby or, in some cases, a urinary problem that needs prompt attention.

Because it can occasionally be a medical emergency in male cats in particular, this is a good one to flag to a vet quickly rather than sitting on it out of embarrassment.

6. My pet's breath is awful. Is that just normal?

Persistently bad breath is not something pets should just live with. It is often an early sign of dental disease, which affects a large proportion of adult dogs and cats but is easy to miss day to day.

A vet can assess the smell, look at photos or footage of the mouth over video and advise whether a dental check up at a practice is needed.

7. Why does my dog lick or chew at himself so much?

Excessive licking, particularly around the paws, belly or private areas, is usually down to allergies, skin irritation, anxiety or, less often, a urinary or reproductive issue.

It is a genuinely common query and nothing to feel awkward about. A vet can help work out whether it is behavioural, seasonal or something that needs a closer look.

8. My pet has put on weight. How do I even bring this up?

Weight gain creeps up gradually and most owners are not being careless when it happens. It is one of the most common and least judged conversations a vet has.

A vet can give an honest, practical view on your pet's current weight and a realistic plan to manage it, without any of the awkwardness of raising it face to face at a busy practice.

9. There is discharge from my pet's private area. What does that mean?

Discharge can have a number of causes, from a normal part of a season or heat cycle to an infection that needs prompt treatment. It is one of the questions owners most often put off asking.

This is exactly the kind of symptom a vet would rather hear about early. A video consultation is a low pressure way to describe what you are seeing and find out whether it needs an in person examination.

10. I think my pet has worms. What do I do?

Worms are extremely common and nothing to feel embarrassed about. Signs can include a change in appetite, a bloated tummy, visible worms or irritation around the tail.

A vet can talk through the signs you have noticed and recommend the right treatment, and whether it is something you can sort with an over the counter product or needs a prescription.

Ask VidiVet, no judgement

If any of these sound familiar, you are in good company. VidiVet connects you with RCVS-registered vets over video, day or night, so you can ask the questions you have been putting off from the comfort of home. No waiting room, no queue and no need to feel embarrassed.

Download the VidiVet app to speak to a vet today!