Drop Off Vet Visits: Handle with Care!

(c) by Carrie Boyko

How does your dog manage visits to the vet? Is he nervous and fearful, or calm and friendly? Often your dog's acceptance of a veterinarian is related to your own body language and communication style with the staff and vet. Your dog is always watching you for cues that a new environment is safe and 'friendly'. If your demeanor says 'I'm comfortable and confident here', then your dog is likely to follow suit, especially if you employ this method from day one.

Here's one other strategy you might employ to assure you dog's vet visits are as smooth as possible. Many vets offer early drop off and late pickup for dogs of owners who work all day. This is, indeed, a convenient service for the owner, but sometimes we forget the dog's part in this equation.

A pup that is confined to a crate in the back of a vet's office for an entire day may become  nervous, stressed or even fearful. Of course, this is likely not the veterinarian's fault; let's be clear on that. The problem generally stems from the unfamiliar environment, the dog's inability to explore and become comfortable with it, and the noise factor.

We've all heard the barking dogs in the crates of a vet's office. Hearing a bunch of nervous cats and dogs barking and meowing all day could certainly rev up your dogs nerves. I'd bark too if I knew there were busy people all around whom I hoped would stop and give me some attention. It's just not an ideal situation for the dogs, even though it works great for us and the vets.

If getting your dog to the vet is urgent, and cannot wait until their Saturday hours, then by all means, drop him off for his needed care. If he comes home with an uneasy attitude and takes a while to pull himself together, you'll know why. Whenever possible, consider scheduling non-emergency check ups and tests on a day off from work. Your pup will feel more confident in your presence, and you'll have a happier companion at home.

Related Reading:

Preparing your Puppy for a Lifetime of Happy Vet Visits

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10 Signs of a Happy Dog Owner

by Carrie Boyko

This isn't rocket science. The dog owners who really enjoy a bond with their dogs show it by their actions:

1. You see them at the dog park, not sitting on a bench reading, but engaging with their dog, as well as the other owners. These owners realize the importance of socializing their dog.
2. They continue to train throughout their dog's life, not just during house training or the usual  Sit Stay Heel basics class.
3. Happy dog owners enjoy the company of their dogs whenever they can take their pup along--the bank drive through, the pet supply store, a friend's home. 
4. The owner that enjoys his dog's company is rarely ready to give up their pup at the first sign of trouble. They will seek out the assistance of a trainer or the evaluation of a veterinarian when problems pop up, seeking to find a solution.
5. Happy dog owners often are seen walking with their dog daily, and sometimes more. 
6. They may even enjoy other activities with their dog, such as playing Frisbee, fetch, herding, tracking,  swimming, biking, hiking, or group activities like Agility training, flyball competitions, diving training, and yes, even freestyle dance. The video at the top of this post is a good example of an owner who loves her dog and enjoys spending time with him.
7. Most importantly, happy dog owners have learned the primary lessons of dog ownership: dogs love unconditionally and a bond with a dog is forever. There are no divorces or family feuds. You'll have a true friend for life when you give yourself over to loving a dog.
8. Happy dog owners don't fret over providing proper care for their dog. Good quality food, regular medical care, fresh water, daily training exercises and daily physical exercise are all part of the equation for a happy dog owner.Oh, and don't let me leave out the occasional belly rub.
9. Truly happy dog owners have gained insight into the mind of a dog by reading, studying and learning more about canine behavior. The result of this is better problem solving and quicker resolutions to occasional hiccups.
10. Finally, the happiest of dog owners find themselves wanting to provide love and care to more than one canine, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the companionship a second (or third?) dog will provide the others. This decision is frequently made carefully, and an appropriate housemate will be chosen with the advice of a professional, to assure compatible energy, as well as breeds that can coexist peacefully with a reasonable amount of supervision.

You may have noticed that I have left out leadership as a sign of a happy dog owner. While I know that leadership in the home is important to a happy dog, it may not always work that way for the owner. In my lifetime, I have known many dog owners whose bonds with their dogs were strong, even when the owner seemed to give the decision making over to the dog. 

"Are you hungry yet, Fido?

 Would you like to go for a walk now?"

Keep this in mind as you enjoy your life with your dogs. Leadership can only add to the bond in a relationship where the animal wants, even needs, you to take charge. Go get 'em, pack leader!

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ASK THE VET: Annual Veterinary Checkups and Vaccinations

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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

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Annual Vaccinations are Crucial 

to your Dog's Good Health

Dear Dr. Jacki,

I just adopted Herbie from a local rescue. I was told he is up to date on shots (they gave me a list) and has had a health checkup. He is 9 months old and had gotten larger than the owner thought she could handle, so she turned him in to the rescue. Sad for Herbie, but good for me. We're both adapting well to new family members.

My question is about his healthcare. Since he has had his rabies shot and was neutered already, I should not need to take him to the vet until he is due for shots. But with so many, I don't know when they are all due. Are they all given one time per year? Some were given more than once. Would that be because of boosters or something? Please help me understand all this confusion. I'll try to find a vet near me to see, when the time comes.

You are in the Orlando area, right? I think I checked your website and it said you serve Central Florida. I'm in N. Miami. There are a lot of vet offices, but I don't know how to pick. Can you give me any suggestions on choosing a good veterinarian?

Thank you, 

Susan and Herbie

---------------------------------------------------

Dear Susan:

Congratulations on finding each other! Sounds like you both lucked out. 

It seems as though Herbie is up to date on vaccines until his 1 year birthday. At that time the vaccines (Rabies, DHPP, Bordatella and Lepto) will be boostered again. A heartworm and fecal check will be done, as well. 

After that time, only the Bordatella and Lepto will be given yearly. The Rabies and DHPP can be given every 3 years, but this depends on local laws and your local veterinarian. The heartworm test and fecal check are always done yearly. 

Herbie needs to be kept on flea prevention and heartworm prevention monthly too. 

As far as choosing a local veterinarian, I would suggest researching your area online or by asking friends or co-workers for suggestions. 

I hope you enjoy many happy years together! 

Dr. Jacki

Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog

LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com 

For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at  4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.


You can read more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page

Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian. 

Please thank our model, Roxy, whose photo was courtesy of blog reader K.W. Thanks Roxy!

Be sure to visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn what you can do to help protect our precious dog parks.

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