Have you tried having your dog under general anesthesia at the vet? I have! Repeatedly!
And it hurts in the heart. Every time…
The first time was an emergency situation. My labrador had severely cut itself in the paw and it had to be sewn together.
Now my labrador is not very excited to get to the vet to say the least. But after some visits just with vaccination, weighing and health check, it actually went very well that day.
The paw was checked, the decision was made that the dog should be under general anesthesia and sewn together. And then the vet asked me to turn around and walk without looking back – that is, before the dog was put under anesthesia. I should not say anything to the dog, for my nervousness and pity did not benefit. It made (and still makes) good sense. But off …. i regretted anyway that i just went.
So … the paw was fine syet together and my dog was in good spirits when I picked her up again. But my sweet labrador, got ‘relapse’ in relation to the joy (or lack of the same!) Of going to the vet. And I should have foreseen that.
When I left her, she was awake. She has presumably been put in a cage before they have had time to put her under anesthesia and then sew the paw. During that time – short or long – she obviously has to be insecure and maybe scared. It’s perfectly fair and right after the book what the vet does, but I can beat myself up for not staying with her. Then she had at least a little security around her until she was under general anesthesia.
Well, but happened has happened. It is a couple of years ago, and we can now come to the vet again without too much trouble – but still without enthusiasm. And I’ve learned the lesson – it’s not going to happen again.
Second time, planned - and just as unprepared!
So when our little cavalier should have removed a few loose teeth, I of course stayed with her. The very sweet vet gave her the syringe and then the dog sat in my lap. Safe and well – more and more relaxed.
I had not really thought about the process to the end, because I actually sat with the feeling that my dog just as quietly died in my arms. Off, where it stuck in the heart. I just got sniffed at the feeling of losing my dog. But luckily my dog is one who can really snore. Be it sometimes so loud that we have to wake her up to be able to hear the television.
So when the tears gradually pressed on, and I considered calling the vet to have the dog checked, my little fine princess dog pulled a proper cod ashore. And then the close-knit tears of lightning were quickly turned into a big laugh. So if you have not tried to put your dog under anesthesia before, prepare yourself mentally so you do not get a shock like me.
I can only recommend staying with your dog when it is put under anesthesia. Not to pity or create nervousness. But to give your dog (and maybe yourself!) Reassurance in an unfamiliar situation.
