Vet

I took Darrell to the vet today for his yearly checkup and shots. I decided to try a different vet that is closer to our home. I went there because our friend's have gone to this vet for years and had great things to say about the place.

Likes: closer to home, friendly vet assistant, cheaper, vet assistant was great with Darrell, free nail trim, most thorough exam Darrell has ever received

Dislikes: rude receptionist (I'm positive I scheduled the appointment for 10:00, NOT 9:30), no-nonsense vet (I know he's a dog but come on, at least appease the dog mom and speak to my dog, a simple "good boy" would be nice), Sure the shots are the same every year but please tell me what you're shooting into my dog's neck next time, the heart worm pills are more expensive and not the chewy ones that Darrell likes - the receptionist tells me to put the pill in a piece of cheese. Duh, you don't think I've tried that. Don't you know that I'm working with the world's smartest dog who will just lick off the cheese and leave the pill?

The vet seemed concerned about Darrell's "peach arms." Darrell has a habit of licking his front legs. The vet said it's not a problem right now because his legs are not inflamed or red. He suggested that I think about putting a cone around Darrell's head "only for a few months" so he can't lick his legs. FEW MONTHS? That's a couple years in the dog world. Darrell would be pissed. He would be miserable. The vet said Darrell would probably go back to licking his legs once the cone was removed - so what's the point? How is a dog supposed to sleep under the covers with a cone around his head?
Then the vet goes on a five minute ramble (which I did appreciate) about different medications that I could give to Darrell to sedate him enough that he wouldn't lick himself. First of all, No. I am not doping my dog up on antidepressants for a licking problem that really isn't a problem. Second of all, just because he's drowsy doesn't mean he won't still lick... right? Then the vet quickly mentioned the long term side effect of these medications - liver problems. No way, I will take "peach arms" over liver failure any day. The conclusion was that as long as his legs don't become red or inflamed then he doesn't need meds or a cone.

I left the vet office with mixed emotions. I want our old vet back. The vet who sits on the floor and examines my dog. Who rubs his belly and gives him treats after his shots (even though Darrell spit out the treat last time and walked away - ha!). Maybe I'll give this new guy another chance... we'll see what Darrell thinks.