Leaving Your Pet with the Pet Sitter

We all love our pets. However, sometimes we need a break-even from them:) Whether it is a pet sitter or a boarding kennel you can avoid unnecessary heartache if you leave very clear emergency instructions for them.

Make a list of emergency numbers that can be left by the phone, placed in a chart, and a pocket sized reference card. This way the facility or sitter can grab and make necessary calls from the road or clinic. Information such as your preferred veterinary clinic, nearest 24 hour emergency clinic, your/alternate cell phones, and hotel numbers.

So now the sitter can call you, but what if you are lazing away in the ocean taking a surf lessen? Or in the woods on a hike with no cell phone signal? The next best thing is your wishes in writing. Now this does not mean plan for every possible emergency that could happen. This means a general overview of your wishes. Put a budget in your letter. Perhaps you are willing to authorize a budget of $400; put it in writing. No one ever wants to have to end their pets life, but consider adding a clause such as if bill will exceed X, all attempts to reach me have failed, and my pet is suffering please euthanize. Example:

I will be staying at X. I will be reachable at X, Y, Z. I authorize any medical services deemed necessary to be performed in an emergency situation. I want all measures used to extend my pet's life. Please take my pet to X clinic if they are open. Please take my pet to X emergency clinic if not.

or

I authorize up to $500 to be spent on medical services necessary in an emergency situation. I wish only the bare basics be performed to stabilize my pet. My pet is Do Not Resuscitate. If the bill will exceed this amount and my pet is suffering, please euthanize.

Don't forget to sign the paper. It can be considered a legal document. In case no attempts to find you work and you would authorize a high amount, consider leaving your credit card number temporarily on file with them. This type of financial payment arrangement frees up the clinic to perform necessary services in the security of knowing they will be compensated, and you the peace of mind to know your pet will receive care.

Little details like this can really give you peace of mind. Knowing that your wishes will be honored can take a large burden off of you when you can't be there.

chris

What IS Coming Out of My Dog?

As we go into the holiday season we begin to cook yummy foods, invite friends over for parties, and-it has to be said- share our bounty with man's best friend.  As we all know, what goes in must come out, often in BAAAAD ways.

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a pet, can make them miserable, can indicate serious illness, and can lead to death.  The trick is taking quick action to try to minimize a worsening of the condition.  (This must be balanced with common sense and knowing when to go to the vet)

At the first sign of vomiting withhold ANYTHING by mouth for 24 hours.  This gives the tummy a chance to rest and heal.  Hopefully this will clear the condition up and Rover will feel great in no time.  However, if your pet is lethargic, not acting right otherwise, or your gut says to be scared, call your vet or a 24 hour clinic.  If after the fast the pet continues to vomit or at any time deteriorate call your vet.

At the first sign of diarrhea or loose stool ( and your pet is otherwise acting fine) withhold food for 24 hours, but offer water.  When reintroducing food switch to boiled ground turkey/rice offered in small, frequent amounts.  This is bland and easy to digest.  You can also add in 1tsp-1tbsp of unflavored Metamucil to help absorb excess water in the colon.  If this does not resolve quickly, the pet begins to deteriorate, begins to vomit, or has blood in the stool call your vet or 24 hour clinic immediately.  

Always consult your vet at the first sign of illness.  This will keep your costs down and improve the odds of a speedy recovery.  These tips are only to be used to get you through the period of time until you can reach your vet.  Please use your best judgement when to seek emergency medical attention.

chris

What Is Love

End of life care is never easy or simple.  No matter how long you have been with your pet, whether it is months or years, it is never enough.  No only are you trying to decide the most compassionate course of action, you also have to consider that little thing that illness often drains: finances.  The already heavy burden of decision now is clouded by even considering putting a "price" on your relationship. (Heavey sigh)

Trying to extend life is rarely inexpensive.  Many times owners try to equate the deepness of the love with the deepness of the pocketbook.  Let's set something straight right now; love is not about how much you can spend on your pet.  While seeing how little you can spend and the pet manages to survive won't win you any metals either, love should be measured in the everyday kindnesses.

No one has escaped this economy.  Many of our clients who walk through the door and say "Do whatever she needs, doc" are now saying "Can I have an estimate first" and some even say (GASP) "No" to services.  These people still love their pets deeply.  They won't let them suffer, but sometimes they have to set limits.

Love is measured in the scratches behind the ears, the tosses of the ball, the tasty, wonderful treats, the furry mouse covered in catnip.  It is measured by how often we stop what we are doing and spend a few precious moments being unproductive and cuddling our little furries.  

We're not judging you by your financial statements.  You need to stop also.  Give yourself permission to do the best that you can.  Sometimes that decision is too end your pet's suffering, even when the checking account must surrender before medicine must.  If it comes from a place of love and commitment that is what is important.  Yes, love is measured in everyday kindnesses.

chris

"Dominance" and Dogs

Check out the findings from this recent study dealing with aggression in dogs.

"ScienceDaily (May 25, 2009) — A new study shows how the behaviour of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behaviour and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behaviour. The findings challenge many of the dominance related interpretations of behaviour and training techniques suggested by current TV dog trainers."

Full article http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm

chris

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

As pet lovers we want the best care for our beloved pets, but that care can be very costly. You may have heard of pet insurance and wondered is it worth it and how does it work? VPI Pet Insurance www.petinsurance.com/ has a very comprehensive overview of how pet insurance can benefit you. Pet insurance is a reimbursement program so you will never hear “We don’t accept that.” You recover a portion of your bill so this frees you up to pursue treatment options that would have been too cost prohibitive. This also helps to take the sting out of the price of extensive surgeries, procedures, or diagnostics that would otherwise have to be declined. Some insurers even help with yearly routine care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea/heartworm medications. Purchasing pet insurance brings peace of mind. At the end of the day, in an emergency, when your pet’s life may hang in the balance, only you can answer “Is it worth it?”

chris

Old Age is Not A Disease

It doesn't matter if it be pet or human, we have the wrong end of the stick.  Elderly has become synonymous with one step from checking out.  Why put good money after bad.  They're old, they won't care.  In some cultures the elderly are revered.  Not in the disposable society that we have learned to become.  

I have a theory that you go out the same way you come into the world; naked, not exactly potty trained, maybe not too coherent, time consuming, a money pit, and you can't get anyone to take you seriously.  In television the key demographic is 18-34 year olds.  

So whose criteria should we use?  What is the criteria to not "bother" giving, let alone offering quality of care?  To me the criteria should be on the other side of what price will that pet pay and how will they come out?  A surgical procedure is going to be much more traumatic on a 10 year old Great Dane than an 11 year old toy poodle.  Does that mean that I pass?  Dr. Morris always weighs the risks verses the benefits.  What is the procedure?  How painful will it be?  Can we keep the pet relatively comfortable?  Can the family financially handle the burden of the procedure or medication?  Is the pet healthy enough that it will receive benefit?  Will the pet be healthier afterwords? 

In my practice you will never hear the phrase "Well, he is just to old to do X".  Unfortunately, there are certain diseases and conditions that affect older patients.  Certainly age and infirmity complicate matters, but they don't necessarily remove treatment options.  Performing dental procedures can improve cardiac, renal, and liver function and extend good quality of life.  Removing cancerous tumors can sometimes be curative.  Medications can drastically improve pain in our arthritic dogs.  Never should age on a piece of paper be the deciding factor when considering treatment options, medications, or diagnostics.  

We can't prevent death, nor should we try.  Not every procedure is right for every patient.  Not every family can afford to go to the ends of the earth in options.  There are many factors considered when deciding which patient and plan fit.  It is a personal decision made between owners and their vets.  But the least of these is a number decided by a calender.

chris

The Makings of a Veterinary Clinic

 "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. " - Confucius

This is such a deep, powerful quote.  Coming to work with a cheerful heart helps you to support your clients, heal your patients, and gives you the drive to learn everyday.  Making a successful clinic is like a recipe; you start with the basic concept, you tweak and always strive to get it a little better, you take others' ideas to improve it, and you share it with many.

Your first ingredient is the staff.  That correct mix of veterinarians and support staff makes you efficient and strong.  These people must know their stuff, constantly work to know more, and care about the people and pets they serve.  They must respect each other, support their clients, demonstrate compassion, and be able to communicate with various people.

Your second is to add pets.  These are the cuddly little well and sick creatures that we become attached to.  We watch the little puppies and kitties come in as babies and help them until their last days with us.  They teach us so many things; don't move so quickly, sometimes just a scratch behind the ears will make me happy, I hurt and I need help, I love you and I'm so glad you're here.  Listening to their genuine little hearts keeps us all working a little harder.  

Your third ingredient is the client.  Without their trust in us to help we have no business.  We become so close to our clients.  We celebrate their joys, and grieve their sorrows.  We watch their human and pet families grow and change through the years.  We really get to know our clients' preferences, needs, personalities, and how to individualize care to them.  

Lastly, season with a generous sprinkling of good diagnostics, equipment, and products.  Stir, serve, repeat as necessary.  No fat or calories in our recipe.  Just wholesome, heartfelt service.  Feel free to pass this recipe on to your friends.

chris

Finances Schminances-The Vet Clinic and the Dollar

It is often said in the veterinary world all we think about is money.  We focus on finances.  All we care about is money.  Well, I'm here to say, yep, we are guilty.  When we go into an exam room we are not supposed to think about money.  We are not supposed to judge, predetermine, or allow finances to color our recommendation.  However, when our clients that we have come to accept as part of the Morris family tell us about how they have lost their jobs, or their homes, or how they can't afford their own medications, finances quickly become all we can think about.  

How do we suggest that blood panel that your 11 year old Golden Retriever needs so that we can pick up early kidney disease or cancer?  How do we look you in the face and ask to perform a blood pressure to monitor cardiac disease in your 19 year old cat?  Simple; you are here asking us to help you to keep your beloved Fluffy as healthy as we can.  You are asking us to do a job and we have to get over our discomfort and give you your money's worth.  Sometimes that is just our doctor's opinion.  Sometimes that is on a full blown diagnostic and treatment plan.  We have an obligation to help you be an advocate for your pet and offer the best.  If you can't afford it we trust that you will tell us and we will work together as best we can to work within those confines.  

This has been an exceptionally difficult summer season for us.  We are watching so many of our clients hurt.  But, we cannot let you down by not doing the job you are paying for.  We will let you know what needs to be done.  We will help you then to decide what can be done.  We will work together.  This is the only way we will get through this very painful time in our history.  Our promise to you: not to let you down.

chris