Stress Free Visits to the Veterinarian

Do you get anxious having to go to the vet? I do sometimes and I know my humans do too!
Does your dog have behavioral issues with other dogs in the reception area?

Today I had a visit to my vet and wanted to share my experience and thoughts. 

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful place to go for great healthcare!!

I walked in and there were a lot of dogs and people in the waiting room.

There were two little girls that approached me and asked my human if they could pet me. Of course they did and I gave them a big smile:) There were two dogs talking to each other at first, then it escalated and the humans thought they were arguing but I know they were just anxious. A nice lady, I think she was a vet tech, told me that I am a celebrity, which I know I am, but it was nice to hear it. She took my picture and put it on the wall of fame. Wow what a deal, where else can you go and get this kind of treatment? I had my exam with a very nice doctor and my human was with me the entire time. 

Now not everyone is as lucky as me! There are clinics that don't make their clients feel so warm and welcome as mine does. Also there are clinics where they don't allow the humans in the exam room. Or the tech leashes the dog and escorts him in the back and after a while the humans are called in. For some this is terrifying. I hope that all dogs that need medical attention get the benefit of a warm welcoming environment that is sensitive to the clients needs in the reception area and in the exam room to reduce anxiety and fear for both pets and their humans. If technicians recognize anxiety and fear they can help reduce it.

My thoughts on reducing stress during a vet visit would be for humans to be organized. Plan ahead, if there are any known issues or behavioral concerns call ahead and ask if your pet can go directly to the exam room. Also, if there is another entrance away from other patients. Be on time if you have a scheduled appointment. Bring a simple toy and treat (if appropriate) to distract an anxious animal. Have all your questions ready for the doctor. 

Please share your thoughts or experiences. 

Do you love your dog?

My humans LOVE me and my brother! I want to share a story and my views on it.

I recently read a post on social media where the human was looking for someone to take her dog. She called her dog difficult, drooling, destroys the house and eats like a horse. The worst part was the negative names she called him. I was really horrified. I hope she does find someone to take her dog as the dog deserves better! Why do people get dogs if they have no heart to give love, patience or compassion for what an animal might have gone through. How selfish some are where they won't share their time to help an animal that has difficulties or issues. 

So no two humans are the same right? Well, in my opinion, no two dogs are the same either. I believe this to be true even if they are the same breed. So just like people have different personalities, some dogs have tendencies to be more shy or high energy, low energy, anxious, dog friendly, people friendly, not friendly, social or not social. Regardless of how they got there whatever the personality it should be respected. I do believe that how they got there is important to understand to an extent to help determine where to go from there. I want to focus on dogs with issues. It seems that people that have dogs with little or no issues don't understand when other dogs do. Training and the humans that interact with the dogs have a huge impact on the dogs behavior but sometimes they come to humans with issues based on their past. 

After all, no one is perfect, right? So why are dogs held to impossible standards. We are not stuffed animals, we are living breathing creatures that need love and understanding too. 

I am a big fan of adopting! I think humans should do some homework to make sure that the breed they are considering is compatible with their lifestyle and energy level. Humans should be sure that they have the ability to care and provide time, love, and patience. Having any dog is a big commitment so a little research will ensure a good match!

Please share and let me know if your dog has had any issues and what solutions have worked for you!