Taking my dog to the vet tomorrow
The ridiculous list I made to send in with him.
Like most things in the year 2020, visits to the vetrinarian look a lot different nowadays. A quick rundown for those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of visiting your pet’s favorite person during the pandemic — First, a stranger comes out to meet you and your furry friend in the parking lot. They put their own slip lead on your pet and off they go while you stand next to your car holding his fancy collar and matching leash, hoping he doesn’t trip her or slip out of that thing and take off into the busy road. Then, the doctor calls to say whatever doctors say and that they’re sending your pup right back out after you give your credit number to the stranger over the phone. Finally, the stranger is dragged back out of the building by your bouncing ball of fluff and you all wrestle in the parking lot trying to get said ball of fluff back into his original collar and leash.
He gets a shot and I get a bill for $175.
Well.. I am a childless, elder millenial and that is just not enough for me. I refuse to drive away from another doctors appointment without all of my concerns and questions heard. I love our vet. She is the most caring pet doctor I’ve ever met. I just usually find it hard to fit everything I want to address into the quick visits. But not this time. I am sending him in with a piece of notebook paper. I hope it isn’t too extra of me.
Here’s what the paper says:
- Cooper has a small lump on his upper left shoulder blade. It has been there since the last time he was in for his influenza shot(~8weeks)
- We started phasing out puppy food in the last month but both of our dogs have been getting picky about eating the adult food without the puppy kibble mixed in. Since the puppy food was Purina we decided to try switching them to an adult Purina formula. They seem to like it but should I be concerned about the quality of a “cheaper” food. We would love to be able to save money on food if it is a healthy option for them.
- Cooper walks 3.5–5 miles every day. It’s the only way to get his nervous energy in check. This week was hard because it got so cold. Is it okay for him to be out on hour long walks at these temps?
- Is he developed enough to start practicing jogging together?
- I just read in a “doodle” grooming group that the redness in his beard could be due to metal dishes/unfiltered water. I just thought that was his coloring. Should he not have a red beard? Should I do something about that?
