In this episode of The Mermaid Vet Podcast, Practice Manager Tim Hopson sits down with Mermaid Vet Hospital's Medical Director and Owner Dr. Peter Mosites to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in veterinary care: risk management.

What does it really mean when your vet talks about “risk”? How do veterinarians decide which treatments are necessary—and when it might be reasonable to wait and observe? And how can pet owners balance peace of mind, cost, urgency, and outcome without feeling overwhelmed?

Using real examples like dog bite wounds, vomiting, and itching, Dr. Mosites explains:

• Why no medical option is ever risk-free
• The difference between proactive vs. reactive veterinary care
• How vets frame decisions using probability, severity, and outcomes
• When it’s safe to monitor at home—and when to seek urgent care
• How diminishing returns can drive up treatment cost without proportionally increasing safety

This episode will help pet owners feel more empowered, more informed, and less panicked when something unexpected happens—and teaches the #1 question you should always ask your vet:
👉 “What is the best-case scenario, worst-case scenario, and most likely outcome if we do X or if we wait?”

📌 Key Takeaway:
Veterinary medicine is not about eliminating risk—it’s about managing it thoughtfully, communicating openly, and making decisions you are genuinely comfortable with.