Oscar’s Vet Visit

That didn’t go so well! The tranquilizers said “Give one pill at least one hour before appointment.” I didn’t know I was supposed to give it to him on an empty stomach. I had given him half of one several weeks ago when Chad, Nicole and Addie were coming over and I guess it was a few hours between him taking it and their arrival but I wasn’t paying attention or thinking about it. He was just the sweetest little guy after that pill kicked in.

So, this morning, I gave him the pill about 7:30 for a 9:00 appointment. Nope, needed more time. We got there and he was not happy. I had asked for an early appointment so we wouldn’t have to wait long in the waiting room as people and other pets seem to make him more agitated. There was no one else there when we arrived and they took us back very quickly but that’s where the good part ends.

Oscar was not happy being there and wanted to get out! I suggested we put a muzzle on him and we did. The tech took him back to have help to cut his nails, express his glands and give him his shots. Then she brought him back to us and he was so upset and so unhappy with everything and everyone. He still had the muzzle on. The vet came in to talk to us. He’s a nice guy and a friend of a friend and we’ve had met him a few times with them so he kinda knows us. He’s so kind and patient with Oscar – much more so than I would have been with a dog behaving like he was but . . I’m not the vet.

He said he was not able to look at Oscar’s teeth because of the muzzle and Oscar wo not let him look at his ears so Vince held Oscar, I held his ear back so the vet could look inside. They were fine. Then I took the muzzle off, Vince continued to hold him and I held his lip up and then opened his mouth for the vet to look inside. I usually get my dogs’ teeth cleaned once a year but (1) it’s right at $500 and could be more if they have to do anything out of the ordinary and (2) the vet said he prefers not to sedate a dog as high strung as Oscar is unless it’s absolutely necessary and (3) the vet said his teeth look amazingly clean for a two year old who hasn’t had his teeth cleaned (and I cannot brush them – I’ve tried numerous times). So, we’re going to try the T/D Dental Care food (which is the same price at the vet’s as it is at Chewy) and use it as a treat – give Oscar and Cooper three or four of them a day and cut back a little on their dog food. Rita has barely any teeth left so we aren’t too concerned with her teeth . . so we aren’t going to get Oscar’s teeth cleaned this year. I think I’ll get some of the T/D Dental food for Boots and see if that cleans his teeth and if so, save the $500 (less the cost of the dental things).

Honestly, how do people pay $420 (or more – that’s what it is here) for an annual visit, shots, one year of heartworm meds and one year of flea meds AND pay $500+ for teeth cleaning annually – especially with three dogs and a cat? Rita goes next week for her annual visit so that means we’ve had three pets at the vet in two weeks. Cooper doesn’t have to go back til I think January. I’m not complaining – I know with support staff, several vets in the office, maintenance, etc., it’s costly to have a vet practice going – I’m just saying . . how does the average person do it with everything going up so quickly?

The other not so great news is that Oscar weights 21 pounds. He was supposed to be a mini but he’s now the size of two minis! The vet said “He’s a perfect size for a bigger dachshund”. He said Oscar is all muscle and in fine shape but . . he doesn’t need to gain any more weight. He said almost all dogs put on extra pounds in the winter and I know as soon as we start going outside more (right now a critter chewed a big hole in the dog fence and that has to be fixed), he’ll lose a couple of pounds. I had already cut back on how much he’s eating.

Otherwise, Oscar is fine. The vet said he thinks he’s a very typical dachshund and a great dog. He also said that 40 years ago, almost all dachshund acted like Oscar but through the years, and research, breeding has produced a happier, calmer dachshund . . but not always! 🙂

I’m very thankful that our vet is a dachshund fan and has at least one now and has always had dachshunds and loves the breed . . even the grumpy, high strung ones.

About an hour after we got home, Oscar was sleepy and about to drop so he got in his crate and slept for several hours. He’s now (6 p.m.) on my lap sleeping. I’ll know next time to give him the pill much earlier and on an empty stomach. I’m so glad Cooper is a bit more cooperative and much more friendly.