Over 80 per cent of the veterinary surgeons surveyed said they have clients who bring their pets in for examination much later than they should.

Survey reveals that 98 per cent of veterinary surgeons say owners consult Google, with many seeing pets too late.

A nationwide survey of veterinary surgeons by the BVA has revealed that 98 per cent of respondents believe their client's behaviour is influenced by what they find online.

The BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey questioned nearly 700 veterinary surgeons working with companion animals. Four in ten said that the owner's online research was unhelpful, with only six per cent finding it useful.

The survey also revealed that skin conditions were the most common reason for pet owners to see their vets. Other common problems include gastrointestinal disorders, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and musculoskeletal problems, including lameness.

Over 80 per cent of the veterinary surgeons said that they have clients who bring their pets in for examination much later than they should. Early treatment is often crucial in preventing more serious health worries.

Of the 81 per cent who had seen animals they felt should have been presented earlier -  most suspected financial reasons and a lack of understanding as causes for the delay.  Attempts to self-diagnose and treat pets,  through medication kept at home, bought online or in supermarkets, were also reported as probems.

One vet who completed the survey commented: "‘Dr Google’ often results in owners misdiagnosing conditions, followed by the client being led to believe that there is a cheap and effective ‘treatment’ obtainable online or from a pet shop…And thus animals suffer far longer than need be…”
 
Another vet said how a client had checked Google on the phone during his consultation, and how another client had refused an operation on her dog “only to come back with the dog minutes later in a blind panic because the internet had agreed with my advice.”
 
BVA President and small animal vet, Robin Hargreaves, said: “It worries me to hear that so many people are relying on guesswork or unverified internet sources for health advice for their pets. While there is some useful information about pet behaviour and health available online, particularly from the established animal charities, the best source of information for animal health concerns will always be your vet who knows your pet.
 
“Given the number of animals with skin problems I see in my own practice I’m not surprised to hear how common they are. I’d strongly encourage owners to visit a vet early if their pet is scratching or licking themselves a lot or showing other signs of skin discomfort.
 
“Issues such as parasites, fungal infections and allergies are often easily treated but are difficult for owners to diagnose accurately at home. The outcomes are often good if they’re brought in early but can develop into more unpleasant conditions if left untreated.”