People often think that a veterinarian’s job is playing with cute puppies and kittens all day. While this would definitely be fun, I often get the most job satisfaction and personal fulfillment when things are a little more difficult.
Let me explain… Working through challenging situations together as a team, with the common goal of making a dearly loved pet healthier and happier, creates a powerful bond between a pet parent and their veterinarian. This bond then supports the amazing and powerful human-animal bond. To me, this gives meaning to veterinary medicine.
If you are interested in forming this type of bond with your pet’s doctor, here are some tips to consider for your next visit.
-
Try to “prep” your pets for veterinary visits
For dogs—try to desensitize them to some of the things veterinarian’s typically need to do during a routine visit. For example: practice lifting their lips to look at their teeth, looking at their eyes, folding over ear flaps and looking at their ears, feeling their bellies and touching their feet, running hands down their backs, gently lifting their tails, etc. If these sensations and routines aren’t new to them, there should be less anxiety when we perform them in the clinic setting.
Always remember to use positive reinforcement (praise and treats) to reward them for being compliant. Importantly, if your pet growls or becomes aggressive to any of these sensations, please do not continue and be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the behavior to work out a solution.
For cats—in addition to the above recommendations for dogs, try to desensitize them to their carriers. The appearance of the carrier sends most cats into panic mode. In their minds, nothing good ever comes out of an experience with one. Leave the carrier out for several days or weeks prior to the appointment. Put treats or food in the carrier and spray it with Feliway (a feline calming pheromone), so cats experience some positivity with its presence.
-
Keep calm so we can carry on
Oftentimes, pet parents are just as nervous (or more nervous) about the visit. Dogs and cats 100% pick up on this nervous energy. This ability to read our demeanor is part of what makes them such great companions, but in this instance, it doesn’t serve them well.
Even if you have to hide your nerves, try as best you can to keep a calm, positive attitude about the visit. Your pet may still be nervous, but if you are calmer and more accepting of what needs to be done, they will be more relaxed as well.
-
Be prepared for responsibilities that come with being a pet parent
Pets are amazing and enrich our lives in so many ways. However, sometimes having pets is difficult and costly. I wish all my patients lived long, healthy lives and didn’t ever need anything more than wellness care, but that is not realistic. Pets get sick, and veterinarians need to try and figure out why in order to provide appropriate treatment.
Medical care can be expensive. It is your veterinarian’s responsibility to provide the best care they can for your pet, but it’s a pet parent’s responsibility to pay for and carry out that care. It’s a good idea to have a plan for unexpected illnesses.
Looking into pet insurance or having some money set aside for “just in case” is recommended. Keep in mind that pet insurance has pre-existing condition clauses, so the best time to get insurance is before your pet has any problems.
Stay tuned for part two next month, and please submit any questions you may have!
My name is Dr. Heather Smith and I have been a small animal veterinarian in the greater Seattle area for 20 years. I am medical director and veterinarian for Felix&Fido – Issaquah. We are reinventing veterinary care by utilizing technology and leveraging the talents of our DVMs, LVTs and assistants in a way that supports and honors pets, pet parents and the veterinary care team. We look forward to serving you!
Felix&Fido Pet of the Month Photo Contest
Submit a photo of your pet for the chance to win Pet of the Month and a prize from Felix&Fido.
