We took Porky into the vet yesterday for a regular check-up. While we were there, the vet asked that we leave while Porky got a shot so Porky would stay more calm. As soon as we left the room, we could hear Porky screaming and howling in fear. We have NEVER heard him act like that. We heard the vet and vet techs trying desperately to calm him down. After a few minutes, it got quiet.
When the vet called us in, he asked how often Porky becomes anxious when we leave the room. I explained that I had never heard him freak out like that before. The vet suggested that Porky's reaction to us leaving was not normal and we may want to consider a medication to give him when we are leaving him alone in the house or alone with a stanger to help calm him. He gave us the option of thinking about it for a few days and said the we could make the final decision about it.
This would not be a medication he would need on a daily basis, but I still wonder if it would be necessary at all. My husband and I are having a hard time, figuring out what we should do. I honestly think he only freaked out like that at the vet because he knew what was coming. (needles) Is there anything else we can do that doesn't involve medicating him? What would you do in this situation? My husband and I are just thinking about waiting and seeing how Porky does this weekend while we are away and then deciding whether the medication is necessary or not.
Sorry for the long post! I just need some advice on this.
If Porky doesn't normally act like that when you leave, then I wouldn't medicate him. It would be unneccessary IMO. If however he does seem anxious you could always try giving him a small treat with a few drops of Rescue Remedy on it. Cajsa has some seperation issues for a while and I was giving her RR on a biscuit as well as chamomille tea every morning before I left for work! I got teased quite a bit about giving "tea and biscuits" to the dog. It helped and eventually I didn't even have to do that. I can now just tell her "goodbye, Momma will be back later! Be good!" and head out the door. I always say the same thing. It's the routine that works for us and is just fine.
As for Porky getting all frenzied at the vet, I would say it was because of the environment being strange and the fact that the smell is not exactly "home". It smells like strange animals and sick there. That is what I'd think anyway unless I saw/learned of something to the contrary.
I agree with April - I wouldn't medicate him unless you are sure that he gets very anxious when you leave. I would think he freaked out, becuase you were in the room with him and then left. I have never been asked to leave the room - although they do ask that the technicians be the one holding the furkid. I am kind of curious why he would ask you to leave? Was Porky acting anxious while you were in there?
So many of our furkids just don't like the vets office - the "vibe" and smell (as April said) just aren't right.
My Rudy LOVES going to the vets - he drags me in the door and when they have to take him to the back for bloodwork or anal glands - he always goes just fine. My Brandy hates it and wants me to hold her the whole time, and when she goes to the back - she shakes the whole time.
A test to see how he does when you leave - is to put him in the normal place when you leave to go to work in the morning, and then go out and then just stay by the door to see if you can hear him getting upset. April suggested the Rescue Remedy also - a good calmer that is mild.
Let us know how he does!
I think what April said makes sense. The strange thing to me is, my vet has no problem with one of us holding our girls when they get examined or get a shot. Now I have, in the past, requested that a Tech hold them if it's a particularly yucky procedure, but with shots, we hold them and both girls are very calm. I hate to sound skeptical of the vet's advice but if Porky only freaked out that one time, I'd say the Vet is fishing for extra charges. Maybe I'm wrong though. Hope I didn't offend.
I agree with April, too. Ozzy starts shaking the second we get to the vets. He tolerates temperature-takings and shots, but freaks out at the simplest things. The last time, he freaked over having his ears looked at. Our vet has never suggested medication.
Frankly, I would be looking for a new vet right now. Our vet has never had a problem with us being with Stormy or Sophie for their checkups and shots. Stormy is pretty much a trouper at the vet's but Sophie is very nervous and shakes and shivers. I think that because we can be with them for routine matters, it makes it easier for them when we have to leave them for dentals.
Unless you're isolated in an area where you have no choice in vets, choosing a vet should be like choosing a doctor. If they do anything that makes you uncomfortable you should move on.
Granted, some owners are worse babies than their dogs and the dog picks up on their nervousness, but the vet ought to at least see you in action before he assumes you'll make Porky nervous. Our vet says that the majority of the owners help calm their pets in the exam room.
Thanks for your opinions! You have pretty much confirmed what my husband and i were thinking. Guess we will find a new vet. Even though we will have to drive further to get there, I think the piece of mind will make up for the long drive.
I think you are absolutely right to look for a new vet. I never leave mine while they are getting shots or any other type of exam for that matter. Going to the vets should not be traumatic when it is just routine shots and such.
If Porky was that upset and doesn't do than normally it may be just a fear of the vet. See what happens when you introduce her to another. It might be a good idea to call a few in your area and bring her in for a "get to know you" visit. See how she reacts and how the vet handles her. Porky will let you know if he or she is the right vet!
Ditto with all the rests input.
I or we always hold them for all procedures even when they have to under I hold them till they drop off and hand them to the girls and I'm back as they wake up.
We have great vets luckily, even on Emma's last day Ray changed his appointments to see to her.
Remember dogs are usually a good inicator of character.
Roberta