In this episode of The Consult Room, I sit down with Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross, to ask a challenging question, are we over treating our pets?

As the cost of living rises, many owners are finding it harder to afford veterinary care. At the same time, vets face increasing pressure to offer every test and treatment, even when the benefits aren’t always clear. Alison shares her insights from decades of experience in both private and charity practice, explaining why sometimes “doing less” can actually mean delivering better welfare.

We explore the concept of pragmatic veterinary care - an approach that’s realistic, affordable, and welfare-first, and discuss how communication, confidence, and compassion can bridge the gap between clinical excellence and everyday practicality.

In This Episode:

• What pragmatic veterinary care really means
• Why the cost of care is driving an access crisis
• How to balance “gold standard” treatment with welfare-focused care
• The rise of defensive medicine in the profession
• The impact of pet owners’ expectations on clinical decisions
• Why confidence and experience shape better judgement
• Practical tips for affordable pet health care
  

Key Takeaways:

• Pragmatic care isn’t low quality - it’s high welfare and realistic
• Over-treatment can reduce welfare as much as under-treatment
• Communication and trust are key to managing expectations
• Vets need confidence to say “enough” - not everything needs testing
• Vaccination, diet, and prevention remain the best investments in care
  

Resources and More Info:

🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet care insights and episodes

🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for behind-the-scenes content

📚 Learn more about Blue Cross and their work at bluecross.org.uk

🎧 Listen to Alison’s recommended author, Atul Gawande, for inspiring insights on medicine and ethics

🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.