Ho-Hum Vet Visit
Rory, my shy but sweet 15 week-old pup once again had some issues at the vet. We were seeing a different vet because of some digestive concerns that I wanted to get checked out right away (and his normal vet wasn't in). Once we sorted out that it was more than likely the new kibble giving him his tummy problems, the vet decided to go on ahead and do his last puppy exam and give him his shots like we were planning to do at his regular check up later this week.
I thought we were going to do better because I discovered his ardent love for string cheese, and he hopped right up on the scale when I pulled it out (unlike last time). However, once the exam began, the vet wouldn't let me lure him with the cheese while he looked in his ears and attempted to look at his teeth. Rory growled and snapped the minute that he came in with the otoscope, after which the vet looked at me and said "See, that's aggression, and it's not good."
A few more minutes of this passed and out of sheer frustration, I insisted on giving him the cheese and Rory immediately calmed down so that the vet could examine him. The vet was taken aback but then said, "Well, clearly he isn't afraid. He is just being difficult. You really need to work on that." Following that came the two shots at which Rory yelped and tried to jump off the table before calming down and licking the cheese some more, and once again came the "your dog is headstrong and aggressive" lecture.
I have been working on desensitizing him since the day I got him. I can probe his paws, pull on his legs, stick my pinkies in his ears, etc. with no problems (as long as his mouth is distracted with a toy or a bone- mostly because he thinks it's a game when I mess with his feet). I even have started practicing putting him on the kitchen table and doing it so that he gets used to the height. We are still working on bite inhibition when treats or chew-bones are not present, but he has just started teething so it is an uphill battle right now. We see our normal vet in 2 weeks for his first lepto shot so hopefully, he will do better with her (and she was the one who suggested the string cheese to begin with).
Aside from inviting strangers to come over and give him vet exams, I am at a loss. (I guess we will continue work on that in CGC class, which I plan on doing in the future after the next level of puppy classes)
I don't want him to become aggressive, and I don't think that he is aggressive, but I don't know where to fall on the spectrum of "freak out" vs. "it's going to be okay,"
I feel so discouraged and it makes me not want to take him to the vet out of embarrassment, which is not only impossible to avoid but feels awful.
I guess this was more of a vent as opposed to a discussion, and hopefully things will get better next time with our normal vet, but does anyone else have a sweet, otherwise docile pup who has V-E-T issues?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Holly on
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Sully was fine with the vet, who performed many invasive tests and treatments, but the vet tech had trouble finding a vein to draw blood which ramped up the collective anxiety. She immediately put a tiny, soft muzzle on Sully before trying anything else, but she was clear that the dog wasn't being aggressive, and she may bite out of fear only. I have no way of knowing for sure, but I would not be surprised if some vets encounter more aggressive behavior from more animals due to their bedside manner. Is there a way you could have a brief, positive telephone or email consult with the regular vet to ask if she has any suggestions to make future visits easier for all concerned? I sounds like the regular vet would be helpful.
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Permalink Reply by Roger/Laurie on
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One of our corgis (Chepstow) is a perfect angel at the vet..then there is the other one (Tenby). Our vet comes into the room says hi and then sits on the floor. He gives Tenby a treat and then talks to him and exams him, even shots were given on the floor. He stills gets all exams on the floor but atleast now shot can be given up on the table.
And of course it is Murphy's Law.........Tenby needs to go to the vet twice as much as Chepstow.
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Permalink Reply by Kristen & Rory on
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Thanks everyone for your encouragement! Really, it makes me feel like a less-horrible dog owner. :)
We had an EXCELLENT visit tonight with our regular vet for his lepto shot and to address the tummy issues that we still seem to be fighting (he has been on Panacur 3 times and flagyl once for giardia but his stools are still not great- he is no longer showing it in his labs, so now we're just trying to eliminate causes).I was so happy with her willingness to work with him, she sprinkled pork rinds on the table and gave him frequent breaks and ear rubs between exams. She was thrilled with his progress in the area of being touched. He even took the shot well! No talk of aggression (it helped that he didn't try to bite her).
I am feeling much more confident tonight, despite the fact that it was our most expensive vet visit to date due to one more round of flagyl, a month's worth of probiotics, and putting him on a prescription diet (Purina EN) to try to help his little belly along. I am really proud of the little booger and happy that we got to see our normal vet and had such a great experience! And now, onward to full digestive recovery!
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Permalink Reply by Alison Prasavath on
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Kristen-I just wanted to say that Noodles is permanently given his probiotic with his breakfast ever since he had intestinal issues early this year. He also is permanently on the Purina Veterinary diets EN as well. Ever since making these 2 changes, no intestinal issues. That's just my experience with Purina EN and I only have positive things to say. (Of course Noodles is 9 compared to Rory.)
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I have read nothing but positive stuff on here about probiotics and EN as well! Thanks Alison! I priced it out and it looks comparable to the Blue Buffalo he was on. I only wish it was a little less expensive!
But, If it works, it will be a heck of a lot cheaper than getting stool panels run every 2 weeks! ;)
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Permalink Reply by Chris Payerl on
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We always stand at the exam table or sit on the floor with Sophie. We just do it; never waited to be invited and were never told to get back. Hubby or I usually scratch her behind the ears while the vet or tech works on the back end and then scratch her rump while they do the front; we talk softly to her too so she can hear a familiar voice. She has never been aggressive but does get nervous. The vet will give me treats to distract her with if I have forgotten mine if she is too nervous and antsy even with me right there. An energetic play session and a nice walk before the vet appt. might help tire Rory out a little and burn off some of his excess puppy energy. 15 weeks seems mighty young to label a puppy as aggressive, IMHO.
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I always stand at his head, he just gets anxious! He was so much better this last time though. I think he is starting to get used to our vet. She is very gentle and calm and knows his "freak-out" triggers. We did go on a very long walk beforehand and I think that helped too. :)
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