Vet checks

Yesterday I took Django to the vets as he has been itchy and chewing himself. I was really worried as to what could be wrong. Fully prepared for the possibility of an allergy test, pharma medications, imaging…

Our vet team is absolutely brilliant and they are so helpful and make us feel safe. This was Django's first time at the new vets surgery yesterday and he was made to feel welcome and safe which is really important.

The vet took his time with Django allowing Django to acclimatise, he watched his movements and asked lots of questions. Then listened to my worries and gave a diagnosis and possible treatment options.

The vet was quick, gentle, assisted by a team member and allowed us to comfort Django and support him as he needed.
The vet explained how the next 48 hours will be and then to observe for the next three weeks and a follow up option too.
He then explained that Django will need to come in regularly for checks to monitor him for the future now that his anal glands have been expressed.

They also give information as to why they do what they do, for example antibiotics and how the antibiotics work.
Good vets really have patient care at the centre of their work and make the patient feel safe and secure despite uncomfortable treatments.

6 month regular checks are really helpful for your vet to get to know your dog and create a baseline of what is normal behaviours for your dog, their diet, environment and routine. So that when the day comes when something could be wrong, just like your own doctor your vet knows your dog too as well as you!
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Image description: A pale blue background of an infographic. The title reads: The importance of veterinary checks in white. There is an orange paw in the background.
The subtitle reads: what to seek in a veterinary check.
The main body of text reads: Your vet will see your dog promptly
The vet will ask questions to make an assessment
the vet will listen to your answers
They will allow your dog to acclimatise to them and the clinic before touching your dog
They will allow the use of collaborative care
They will discuss possible diagnosis and the treatments
They will give a choice to you in the treatment routes
Vet will observe your dog's movement and also ask or be interested in any videos of the behaviour as it occurs naturally as to your concerns
They will ask about diet, environment, any changes, current treatments, for example worming and flea treatment
The second main body of text to the right reads: a Vet check is more than a booster appointment
a Vet check should be routinely done every 6 months or sooner if your dog has a problem
A Vet will be keen to discuss with you the Helsinki pain scale, a possibility of a pain trial if needed
A follow up consultation following the treatment
To the bottom left is a Wolfdog with his mouth open next to a treat bag. The background has been removed.