I've read several articles lately on the internet that have left me with a very achy heart and it has kept my mind spinning. In the past three weeks I have read 4 articles about pets being mistakenly killed by police, euthanized by veterinarians, and even a pet that was abused with food by allowing him to become so obese he couldn't walk!
I don't have children, so my dog is seriously like my child and I have the most unconditional love for him as a part of my family. If you knew me in real life you would probably think I'm some sort of whack job because I'm very protective and very particular about who cares for my dog and how my dog is treated.
(In my opinion, I have every right to feel this way. After all, I'm the one who slept with him on the floor for 12 weeks while he was recovering from his surgery. I'm the one who hasn't slept past 6:30am in three years. I'm the one who takes time off work to take him to the vet. I'm the one who hasn't gone to the bathroom alone since his first night home. However, that's neither here nor there.)
I completely understand that not everyone has the same fondness for dogs or pets in general. Everyone has a right to like/dislike things and I'm fine with that. What I am not fine with is the fact that people and professionals are not respecting others opinions and beliefs to love and care for their pets. Pet owners should be be able to trust that their pet will not be harmed or mistakenly killed when taken in for routine procedures. Extra measures and steps should be taken in all situations where medical care is involved, with pets AND people! When something tragic happens to a pet, its not a joke. When something happens to a person, its not a joke. People AND pets have feelings and we all should be able to take our loved ones (furry too) to have medical procedures without additional worry regarding malpractice mistakes.
But on the other hand, I'm human and I'm an adult who knows that there are two sides to every story and there is always a fine line or grey area to every situation. So don't count me out yet, I'm not that horribly.
I have the up most respect for my veterinarian and I'm sure that she would never harm Bronx in any way shape or form on purpose. However, mistakes happen. People are human and we are not perfect. Its not only the vet's job to care for their clients properly but pet owners should also be involved with things that happen at the vet. Ask questions, read forms thoroughly, don't sign anything you have questions or reservations about. Get facts and do your research before making decisions. Ask others about their experiences. Make notes at visits and keep all medical history information in one location for easy use in the future.
If you've been reading at The Coach's Wife then you know I'm an avid dog lover and my Bronx is my world! I'm always VERY careful and watchful when I take Bronx in for any procedure so these are my 10 tips to ensure you have taken all steps necessary when taking your dog to the vet.
1. Know EXACTLY what your pet is going to the vet for and why.
2. Do your own independent research about the procedure your pet is receiving.
3. Make notes and ask questions. You are paying for the service/care your pet is receiving and all your questions should be answered without problem. If your vet is hesitant in answering your questions or cuts you short because you have questions - it may be time to seek out a second opinion or another vet.
4. Ask for copies of information, pamphlets, or any material you can get your hands on directly from your vet. (Then always seek out your own independent information).
5. Never make hasty decisions about having a procedure performed without first thinking it through and making sure you are making the best decision for you and your pet.
6. Make sure your vet or vet tech explains every detail about the procedure or medication and take good notes or record the conversation for future use or additional questions that may arise.
7. Read EVERY.SINGLE form thoroughly before signing anything. Lots of forms at a medical practice look the same, but state VERY different information. Know exactly what you are signing before you place your pen to paper.
8. Call your vet to check on your pet if they are required to stay without your supervision for the procedure. Its your right to check on your pet, although if you have a really good vet they will call you periodically to give you status updates or feedback.
9. Request that your pet keep his personal identification tags/collar on during any procedure if possible and if not possible demand that a paper ID collar be placed on your pet in lieu of the personal ID. (I also go the extra step and paint ONE of Bronx's nails a specific color if I'm leaving him and his personal collar has to be removed. Yep, I'm THAT crazy dog Mom)
10. Keep your own records and review them before going to appointments. Its not only the veterinarian practice's responsibility to keep your pets records - you should do it too! I also make notes on Bronx's records as far as any reactions he has ever had after visits or medications. That way I can bring it up in the future if they want to prescribe the same med. (Its sure saved me a headache in the past when I've been able to tell the vet quickly over the phone not to prescribe a specific medication because it caused a reaction in the past)
Tell me, what steps do you take to ensure your 'little ones' of both the furry and human variety, are taken care of at their medical appointments and procedures?
I couldn't imagine not taking every step possible to ensure that sweet face is around as long as God will let him be!
