The Perils of Health Care
Dear Frankie,
I am an eight-week-old bloodhound puppy. The other day my dad took me to the vet to get my shots.
The minute he opened the clinic door, a terrible feeling came over me, and I started shaking like a leaf. I hadn’t even seen the vet or had a shot, and wham I was scared out of my wits.
My dad couldn’t understand what was happening to me. All I know is I was terrified. Do you have any idea why I reacted this way?
Confused, Rufus
Dear Rufus,
The same thing happened to me when I went to the vet’s office. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why I reacted the way I did the first time I went and ever since.
It just didn’t make sense why this was happening. I never had a bad experience with the vet or the staff at the clinic, and I didn’t find the yearly shots a big deal. Nonetheless, every time I walked into that clinic, no matter how many breathing exercises I did ahead of time to help me remain centered and calm, I started shaking.
It was driving me crazy, so I decided to do a little research to see if other dogs reacted the same way. What I found out is all dogs can spray when they feel threatened. It is their way of alerting other dogs to danger in the area. Many dogs go to the vet because they have been injured or sick and in pain. Some of the treatments they receive can hurt or be scary and can cause them to spray.
Although the rooms where the dogs are examined and treated are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, the scent of a spray can linger, and dogs with a strong sense of smell can pick it up.
Now that I understand why I was shaking, I can’t say it has stopped my reaction, but it has helped me feel less anxious. Maybe this is the price we must pay for having sensitive noses.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
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