>Use vets for such info, not pet store clerks, and you'll be far better off.
 
Exactly!  I work at a pet store, and it confuses me why so many people come
to us for medical advice.  We make minimum wage, we don't have degrees in
medicine!  I know people think we should know a lot since we are selling
animals to people, but we don't.  Most of the animals we care for are
healthy, and *our* veterinarian handles those that are sick.  The majority
of people who work at pet stores (myself included!) don't know more about
animal care than the average person.  There are exceptions, but I wouldn't
trust my pet's life with the knowledge of someone without any credentials
whatsoever.  Heck, I wouldn't trust my pets' lives with the knowledge of
*any* of my fellow employees. :/
 
A pet store is not a vet clinic, plain and simple.
 
Amber, Sitra ("Ooohhh, I found the secret bathroom behind the couch!"),
Jasmine ("If that oddly-shaped kitten sleeps in my spot one more time.."),
Callisto ("If I hang on the bars long enough, the door's sure to open!"),
Isis ("No no, you have to push up on it, not pull down! Let me.. Mmmm,
food!"), and Willow ("Did you guys hear that noise?! The cat's going to
get us!  Jasmine's going to eat us!")
[Posted in FML issue 3186]