Are You Avoiding Veterinary Check-Ups For Your Pug?

Recently, waiting to welcome a friend at the airport, I witnessed many departures and arrivals. The one I liked best involved a young couple returning from some far-off island who couldn't wait to see thier "son".

“How is he?”

“Did he sleep?”

“Did he eat alright?”

“Where is he?”

When the “son” was brought forward and turned out to be a tiny, quite excited Pug, we wondered why we weren't more surprised. Then we remembered that it is not at all uncommon for dog owners to regard their pets as children. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with such a situation; neither owner nor dog appears any worse for it.

The trouble is that it often doesn't go far enough. Right now, for instance, with our friend standing in the wings during a harsh winter, many of us are telling one another to get down to the doctor's office for a flu shot, and while we're there, we'll have our annual check-up.

Your Pug Requires Check-Ups Too

But what about the tiny Pug and all their canine brothers and sisters? They require an annual check-up too.

Indeed, according to no less an authority than thousands of professional veterinarians, a yearly check-up is five to seven times more important to a Pug than it is to an owner, because Pugs mature five to seven times faster than humans. A Pug ages as much in its first year as his owner does in twenty!

Many Pug owners put off taking their family pet to a veterinarian until they notice something wrong. The Pug won't eat, or he sleeps all the time, or he's biting everybody on the block. Perhaps, had he been checked by a veterinarian long ago, none of these conditions would prevail.

Also, it is well to remember that Pugs are subject to many hidden hazards, just as we are. Pugs get arthritis, they suffer from tumors, heart trouble, kidney ailments, etc. Caught in time, a lot of pain can be avoided.

What does a visit to the veterinarian involve? Some owners we've talked to think it's an all-day affair, costing a fortune. Not so. The cost is moderate and the time consumed is seldom more than an hour. Most often, it's a matter of minutes.

The doctor will use a stethoscope, an otoscope, and an ophthalmoscope, the last two instruments for the ears and eyes. He will have a good look at the Pug's teeth and gums (dogs can get pyorrhea), he'll check the dog's coat, weight, pulse, and temperature.

Most Pugs learn to enjoy their visits to the veterinarian. Incidentally, it's a very good idea to take the Pug to the same doctor each visit, just as you would yourself. In their own way, some Pugs even demand it!

Veterinarian Visit – Your First Meeting With A Brand New Veterinarian

When calling to set-up a meeting with a brand new veterinarian, let him know right away that you have a new dog and that you would like to meet with the vet and his staff. Inform the receptionist that you would like to get to know his practice before they examine your dog. Do not apologize or feel bad for this type of visit. The receptionist knows that you deserve the right to get acquainted with the vet before you decide to give them your money for the caring of your dog.

You could say something like “Hi, I have a new dog and I am calling to make an appointment for a visit. Right now I'm in the process of selecting a veterinarian and I would like to know if I could see the office and get more information about the doctor and his practice”.

Your First Appointment

When you meet the veterinarian for the first time, make sure to ask your questions in a friendly, non-interrogating manner. Do not cross-examine as though you are waiting to hear the wrong answer. Doing so will make the vet feel very uncomfortable and defensive. It is unlikely that you will get a good description of his or her character, and the doctor is definitely not going to appreciate getting cross-examined!

Bring Your Checkbook

Be ready to take out your checkbook on your first office visit. Although you are not there for a check-up with your dog, this is still a meeting between you, the vet, and your dog. It is, therefore, reasonable for you to pay for the time that it will take for him or her to get to know both you and your pet. In return, the vet should give you his or her undivided attention, answer all of your questions, and be able to provide you with all of the necessary information about his practice.

Once you get to your first appointment with a vet that you have chosen, you do not have to feel obligated to stay with him or her if you did not feel comfortable with the initial visit.

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