“But I feed very little, and never scraps.” When the owner of an obese dog tells this fib, veterinarians know it’s not the truth.

Owners are sometimes less than honest about other things as well, from bathroom habits to chew toys and medications. They may fear being judged or thought to be not very knowledgeable. Or sometimes an owner just wants to pretend there isn’t a problem.

Whatever the reason, not telling the truth makes it more difficult for your vet to properly diagnose your pet’s illness. Animals can’t tell us how they feel, so vets rely on information from their owners. Leading your vet down the garden path may result in unnecessary testing, or even an inaccurate diagnosis and treatment.

So remember, tell your vet the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. He or she isn’t there to judge, just to make your best friend feel better.