Female veterinarians have a suicide rate 3.5 times the national average.

Veterinarians have a tough job. Besides patients sometimes inclined to bite them, many face harassment and bullying from pet owners. Experts say compassion fatigue is common, and many practitioners also have hefty student debts.

All that can add up. Recent studies, in fact, show that female veterinarians are 3.5 times and male veterinarians 2.1 times as likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.

Concerns about pets often comes up in my counseling sessions with clients. The are concerned about their pets health, the costs of veterinary care, and the choice to euthanize.

Given this situation, even though, pet owners are stressed, be kind to your pet's veterinarian. Don't take your stress out on them and express gratitude for their care of your pet.