How to start advocating for your dog at the vet
Trixie, a small white dog with a long nose, rests her head on a brown dog bed. Trixie’s head leans on Ilya’s arm. Trixie’s eyes are half shut. Trixie is in a blue and grey jacket. In the background is a blue stool and off-white walls of a veterinarian’s office.
Video of this post!
Trixie had a dental yesterday.
When we scheduled the dental, the veterinarian said I'd be dropping Trixie off.
I've seen Trixie's fear when she's taken away for a drop-off appointment. I asked:
“Is it possible for me to be with Trixie for as much of the dental as possible? I know she's less afraid with me there right before and after.”
The vet said I could be there for certain steps and not others and why.
Yesterday, at her dental appointment, I asked:
“Can I be the one to restrain her? That's less scary for her.”
“I know she’s less afraid on the floor. Is it okay for us to do this part on the floor?”
The vet said they did some things for the first time that day so I could be with Trixie for more of the process. I am grateful to the vet and vet techs for supporting Trixie that way.
I know me being there made a hard day a little easier for Trixie. Like when she leaned on me while we waited for sedatives to work.
I'm scared myself going to the doctor or dentist. So I get Trixie being scared. Trixie needed this dental. Advocating for Trixie or for our toddler or myself at the doctor’s... it's not my comfort zone.
If your dog is afraid at the vet, and you want to advocate for your dog:
It's very okay to start with one thing. Can you think of one thing that could make your dog's next vet visit a little less scary?
That could be:
asking to stay with your dog
giving your dog treats (unless your vet says no food for your dog just then, like Trixie before anesthesia yesterday)
asking your vet if behavior meds to take before a vet appointment are appropriate for your dog
