When Less Is More : Rethinking Modern Veterinary Care

2025-11-11

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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 welfa...

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: