Visiting the Vets’ Office
We know that some pets enjoy going to the vet and many humans don’t. But than you have the pets that know they are going for a ride, but as soon as they walk through that door, they know the place they are at is not going to be fun.
In the past 6 weeks I have been at some vets at least 4 times for my pets. While I was there I observed the people just as much as the pets that they brought in with them.
There were the cute little puppies there for their first set of shots and the elderly dogs for their check-ups and every type of dog breed and cat carriers with meowing and the much panting from dogs. The dogs with growths the size of small soccer balls on the side of the bodies, ailing and aging dogs with joint problems and partially blind, dog with digestive problems either with running poo or no pee! Cats meowing loudly while confined in their carrier. All of them; cats or dogs, were very unhappy to be there no matter what the reason.
It was the people I looked and observed.
Some of the owners were relaxed awaiting their turn, and others had as much anxiety on their face as their dog. You could see the worry on their face as they sat their quietly waiting to talk to the vet either because their pet was severely ill or it had a sudden change in their health that was unexpected, all making small talk to the others waiting their turn. First question that most pet owners asked of those waiting was, “What kind of dog is that?” Small talk helped rid us of some worry and desperation we all must have shown on our face. But it didn’t remove the worry or the thoughts racing through our minds.
You could overhear the conversations between the vet tech and the pet owner. “When did he/she last vomit?” “Did they vomit blood?” “When was the last time he/she ate?” Along with other various questions and the pet was whisked away behind a door of unknown territory. Emergencies were ushered into the back by a person dressed in scrubs; some with happy cats and dogs and others were just the plain blue color. Those that had emergency pets really showed worry on their faces and body language; unable to sit still or get comfortable in the waiting room not making any eye contact with the others. Most of them making phone calls or sending texts on their cell phone informing other family members or loved ones of what was happening to the family pet.
Bringing your pet in for an emergency makes one feel so helpless. It is not like a child who may have a fever or belly ache, it is a pet that often hides their ailments like a mask on Halloween hides a persons’ face. They are fine one day and the next they are vomiting, lethargic or showing signs of distress. You feel so helpless. I experienced that too in the last 6 weeks.
I too sat there with worry going through my head wondering what the visit would entail and if my pet was going to be ok. Waiting for the vet tech to come out and give me some sort of encouraging words. Or trying to keep my dog calm as he pranced around wanting to meet everyone or go sniff a butt of a dog that was 1/10th the size of him and not understanding why he was there to begin with, giving me the look like, “I’m OK. Let’s go home now so I can continue to lick and chew on my tail!”
Whether they were there for an emergency or just for a check up, the worry and concern showed up on their faces, some more than others. Visiting the vet is never fun for either the pet or the owner; it is always stressful for both parties.
Always remember, don’t hesitate to take your pet to the vet especially if you see a behavior change in them. Whether it is a digestive issue or something as simple as them being lethargic, the most common thing you may take for granted could actually be a life threatening condition in a cat or a dog. Your pet depends upon you, take care of them and they will repay you 10-fold.
Have a Great Pet Day Everyone! Happy Memorial Day! Keep your pets safe this weekend!
