Imagine being in the car and suddenly pulling into the parking lot of the doctor's office. You are forced in the door and you have no idea why you're there. Random strangers drag you onto a scale and take your temperature (and I don't mean a thermometer under your tongue). A doctor you don't recognize starts at your head and prods at every inch of your body all the way down to your toes. You're injected with vaccines unknown to you and your blood is drawn as well. This is what a pet experiences every time they visit the vet clinic. And these are the simple check-up appointments without complications or additional worries from the owner.
The vet is the scariest place in the world to most animals. A cat who is social and cuddly at home may turn into a ball of nails and teeth once he's carried through the clinic doors. Employees of a vet clinic are fully aware that it is not the most fun place for your pet. Some owners tend to forget their manners and the minute their animal is frightened or uncomfortable, they turn on the doctor or get snippy with the receptionist. But I am here to tell you that everyone from the doctors, to the technicians, to the assistants, to the receptionists want the very best for your animals. In case you forget whose side they're on, here is a list of a few things to thank your vet team for the next time your furry friend needs a check-up:
1. Being the bad guy
We'll clip the nails, give the shots, and clean the ears so you don't have to.
2. Dealing with bodily fluids
Whether it be blood, urine, feces, anal glands, or drool. Just because your vet team deals with them every day doesn't make these fluids any less gross.
3. Getting there early and staying late
No, a vet's day doesn't go from 9-5. They're there early to do write-ups and prepare for surgeries and stay late when those urgent appointments inevitably come rolling in at 20 minutes until close.
4. Putting your safety above their own
When the claws come out (and they will come out), the doctors, technicians, and assistants put themselves between you and your very anxious animal so that you're not the one who is bitten or scratched.
5. Caring even after the appointment
The care doesn't cease the moment you exit the clinic. Vets will worry about their patients for a long time to come and will make multiple follow-up calls to check and see how they are doing.
6. Being there for your pet when you can't be
You can't possibly be with your animal all day while they are waking up from surgery or a dental. Believe me, your vet team spends copious amounts of time checking on your pet and giving it the love and attention you would be giving it if you were there.
7. Playing the role of a vet, a groomer, a counselor, a friend
The members of a veterinary team wear many different hats. Not only are they there to treat your animal (and occasionally bathe and groom them), but they are also there for you when you are in aguish over the health of your furry friend.
8. Making the tough decisions easier
The only bad thing about animals is that they don't live nearly long enough. When it's time to make those really hard decisions, your vet team is there to provide all of the facts and help you decide on the right thing to do.
9. Accomplishing the seemingly impossible
We've all had those experiences at the doctor where a nurse has a hard time hitting our vein. Now imagine trying to hit a vein covered in fur, attached to a wiggly animal who isn't afraid to use it's teeth to prevent you from poking it. This is just one of the many difficult things your vet staff does dozens of times a day.
10. Always doing what is best for the pet
Your veterinary team will never do anything that isn't in the very best interest for your animal. Why would they? They spent years studying and learning to do just that.
So the next time your little furry friend needs a visit to the oh-so-loathed veterinary clinic, take a moment to appreciate all of the hard work and dedication the team there puts in. The doctors and technicians are not looking for praise, but maybe try practicing a little more patience and kindness at your next visit (and if you want to bring chocolate, that is always greatly appreciated)!
