Dog Community

How often?

Posted : 6/8/2006 4:35:32 AM

How often should I be taking Benedict to the vet to be weighed? I am not concerned about his weight gain, he eats well and is active and healthy, but I am concerned about him becoming "vet shy". The first time I took him to the vet was for a checkup and injection, and the next appointment scheduled is for another injection and to be microchipped. I'm afraid he's going to think that every time he goes to the vet something icky happens to him. Should I take him in just to be weighed and fussed over before his next appointment? And should I do it regularly after that so he gets used to the place?

Kate

All Dogs Heaven

Posted : 6/8/2006 6:14:34 AM

one of our vets' office has a scale right in the waiting room... when we rescued Buddy 2 yrs ago, he was malnourished and greatly underweight, so I'd take him every couple of weeks to weigh him.
It's not a bad idea, and it will help your pup get used to car-trips and even enjoy vet-visits. Buddy's so funny, he was so anticipatory with his last visit to the vet for his booster/rabies 3yr vacc and checkup... he acted like he was the show of the day! And he didn't even mind the shots.
I wouldn't worry too much about him being vet-scared... but socializing him in various ways will be very beneficial to him... so trips to the park, walks in public, short car-rides to the store, etc, are all little ways to get him used to going places and seeing people. Good luck!! ~ Julia

jensw

Posted : 6/8/2006 10:35:15 AM

I take Roscoe to the vet's to get weighed approximately every week. When I stopped doing that, he gained weight 'cause I wasn't paying close enough attention. [&:] They have a scale in the lobby, so I just walk in, weigh him, say "hi" to the receptionists/techs up front, then leave. Going there is no big deal for Roscoe, and he's like Buddy - thinks it's just another opportunity to be the center of attention and fawned over.

mudpuppy

Posted : 6/8/2006 12:47:30 PM

I try to weigh the dogs at least once a month. Do you have any big pet stores near you that have a walk-on scale? our Petsmart has one, that's where I go, not the vet's office.

Xebby

Posted : 6/8/2006 1:51:31 PM

I take mine about every 2 to 3 weeks to the vet so I weigh her about every time I go. Even thoe she has been there plently of time she still makes a fuss about being there untill she goes into a kennel, then she's alright. But for a normal healty dog I would say weigh it at least twice a year to be safe. Most vets don't mind if you just walk in to get your dogs weight. My vet has a scale almost next to the door and many people come in just to see what their dogs weigh, ther is also no charge unless a vet has to do an exam or something like that.

Karen

Posted : 6/8/2006 3:03:43 PM

firstly how old is the dog?

We only took ours to the vet to get his needles or when he was sick as a pup and he would be weighed then. Now at 2 he only goes once a year for yearly vaccinations and he gets weighed at the same time, unless something is wrong. I would ask your vet what he thinks. As a pup the vet might say every couple of months to make sure it's gaining weight gradually, and not too fast. Once they grow and their weight evens out probably once maybe twice a year to make sure they stay around the right weight for their breed.

ron2

Posted : 6/8/2006 6:53:33 PM

Take him there as often as you feel like and give him treats and rewards while there so that he will associate the vet's place with good things.

I have a similar problem with my dog, who is skiddish of the vet because he smells like cows and horses.

Benedict

Posted : 6/8/2006 8:04:36 PM

Thanks all. I actually wound up taking him there this afternoon after posting. The vet said hi, the vet tech gave him treats and he seemed to enjoy the outing, so a positive experience all round.

Kate