Apprehensive about yearly vet exam Monday

[love2rotts]

Working Dogz, I hope you're out there.

It is time for Lucy's annual. I got her one year ago from rescue. She has come sooooo far in her training. Annette, you were so incredibly helpful, thank you. But I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about Mondays appt.

I decided not to go with the sedative the vet gave me. Instead, I am going with a pound of hot dogs. It worked with every thing else. She has done great with me bathing her, clipping her nails, checking her ears, teeth, anything. However, she still has this over reaction to pain. For example, stepping on her foot or whatever, she screams and makes such a racket. Just tonight Dolly must have bitten her too hard and she snapped like a lunatic. I'm worried about her shots.

Any advice on wheter to sedate or muzzle or just to continuously feed during the exam? My husband is coming with me, which may or may not help. I feel confident that she won't bite me, but I can't gaurantee the vet. Is this just an occupational hazard that he is expecting?

Char.

[Paxx]

I am moving this to General Info. Questions must be posted to the Forum at large. If you wish to communicate with only one member use the private message function.

[WorkinDogz]

Hiya Char!! Long time no talk to!!

Lucy is a pain sensitive dog. She also anticipates that something "might" hurt. (Remember that LAST foot we trimmed??)

I know you've worked very hard with her; and she IS a VERY BRIGHT and willing dog...who has a couple of "issues".

I would NOT sedate her. I WOULD muzzle her however. Position yourself where she can see you while she is on the table. Use your commands. "STAND/STAY!" Do a few minutes of obedience with her before you leave home...and then when you get there....a few sits, stays and downs. Use your weenies :D

YOU put the muzzle on her RIGHT BEFORE it's time for her to get on the table. Tell them you'll be out in the car; to call you when it's your turn. (I really wouldn't want Lucy to get nervous having to sit in the waiting room.)

USE YOUR COMMANDS even when she's muzzled on the table.

I really would like to get her over this table aggressive thing. (Lucy WOULD bite the vet...lol I've SEEN that look in her eye when she said "HEY! That one was just a little close LADY!")

You're welcome to give me a call and come to the office and work with her when we aren't busy....PM me if you need my number.

Lucy is a lovely girl :) I did have a good time with her! She's a very quick mind; and enjoys learning.

OH! Make sure you THINK POSITIVE!! If you're worried; she'll worry. Be confident. Give her commands on the table with conviction. If your hubby makes her response to commands slower; or she blows you off when he is there.....give him a "honey, please do" list while you're in the appointment :D

YOU CAN DO THIS THIS...and so can Lucy! Think positive!! You KNOW what to do when she's being obnoxious; use the time to TEACH HER; worry about apologizing to the vet or being embarrassed by her behavior LATER!

"Field-trips" would still be a very good idea though.

Keep in touch Char!!! :)

[ February 11, 2001: Message edited by: WorkinDogz ]

[love2rotts]

This wasn't meant to be a personal post just for WorkingDogz, it's just that I value her opinion, as I'm sure everybody else does, she is a very knowledgable dog person. I apologize if it sounded like it was soley for her. I am certainly open to everybody's opinions and personal experiences.

Believe me, I'll take advice from anybody!!!!!!!!

WorkinDogz: thanks for your advice and direction. I'll let you know what happens. I'm trying not to be nervous so that Lucy doesn't sense that. But, I am. I know she is going to be ugly. How on earth does the vet get a blood sample for heartworm from such a chicken like this?

What have you all done with a dog who is not vet friendly?

I'm looking at this bottle of Acepromazine saying "No way". I'm going to go with the muzzle and work for the best.

Char.

Have you gotten her used to wearing a soft muzzle? I now have a good-sized rottie who I think will be fine at the vet, buut I am going to get him used to wearing a soft muzzle in case they are uncomfotrable. I'll make a game of it and he'll get treats as he wears it. If all is fine and it is not needed, great, but if it is needed at least that won't be another trauma.

Sounds like you WILL do fine.

[WorkinDogz]

"How on earth does a vet get a blood sample for heartworm from such a chicken like this?"

That's why God gave them hind legs :D Lovely little vein there...go look..LOL

Suggest he go there if he wants a front leg..."OH! Look at that GARDEN HOSE of a vein on her HIND LEG...WOW!" :D LOL

I know you're nervous Char. :( I'm telling you though...Lucy really is a VERY bright dog...she doesn't trust easily; but she IS cooperative when required to be. (You saw how her attention was after 2 mins of working with her...you saw her heeling..you saw that "she'll never do it" down. Give her some credit and give YOUR TRAINING and ABILITY to handle her credit too!!)

Please do let me know how it goes!! I wish you were coming to our office instead. We could have really made this a training exercise and you wouldn't have had to feel embarrassed if she acted like an idiot...I've already seen her act "goofy" LOL :D

Think positive..think positive...think positive...you can do this...you can do this.. ;)

[Judi W]

You sure don't need to appologize for addressing your post to Workindogz! I don't think you will find anyone better equipped to give advice in that arena or with your specific dog. The best suggestions are taylored for the individual and it sounds like that is what you have received. Lucky you.

[love2rotts]

I guess I'd better PM you WorkinDogz, because who said I couldn't come to your office? That's like a bright light coming on. "Common sense is not so common."

Thanks, Char. :D