As I say goodbye to my clients with dogs, I open the door to
the waiting room. Too often, the client
allows the dog to rush headlong into the seating area and run up to other pets. Most of the time the pets sniff each other
and all is well, but occasionally the hackles go up, and one or both humans are
tugging on the leash to prevent an altercation.
In a small waiting area, totally avoiding other pets is difficult. But a near miss the other day got me thinking: Shouldn’t there be some rules of decorum for
the reception area? After all, a clear
set of do’s and don’ts might help avert disaster.
I huddled with my staff, and we’ve come up with a dozen
waiting room protocol tips:
1. All dogs must be
on leashes or in carriers, but leave the retractable lead at home, or make sure
it’s locked. Keep your small dog in your
arms, and your larger dog close to your side, as you enter the waiting
room. Lots of dogs in our office sniff
each other, wag their tails, and seem to enjoy the experience. Nevertheless, I
suggest restricting your pooch’s interactions with his own species to the dog
park. Also, an excited dog running
figure eights on a retractable lead can wind around the legs of both dog and
human, resulting in injury to one or both.
I was once lacerated by a retractable leash with a 15-pound dog on the
business end; it took two years for that scar to fade!
2. Along the same
lines as Tip #1: Don’t let your dog run
up to cat carriers, even if the dog adores kitties. That will terrify all but the mellowest of
felines.
3. All cats, without
exception, should be in a cat carrier.
Even if your kitty lives with a dog and isn’t afraid, some dogs are cat-aggressive. To them, your furry little friend looks like
prey!
4. Be mindful about cell
phone use. If you’re the only person
waiting, a quiet phone conversation is acceptable. If others are around, go outside for all but
the briefest chat. Nobody wants to hear
about what’s for dinner, your cheating boyfriend, or your business
transactions.
5. Very young
children may become bored and whiny while waiting, which is apt to cause distress
for them and their parents. They are often uninhibited and curious, and
may approach a pet that doesn’t care for kids.
That could result in a serious bite (usually to the face). Arrange to leave your child at home if he or
she is likely to cause a disturbance. I
often joke with my daughter that she seldom saw the inside of a grocery store
until she was 7 years old; it took her that long to mature enough to handle the
situation without turning into a little monster.
6. I’ve overheard pet
owners dispensing behavioral and medical advice to other clients. I’m sure they mean well, but the person on
the receiving end isn’t likely to be in the mood to hear something that might
seem like veiled criticism, or something they already know about. Refrain from giving fellow pet owners unsolicited
suggestions.
7. For some dogs,
walking into our office is their cue to bark incessantly. It’s best to leave a barking dog in the car; if
it’s warm outside, both of you should stay in the air-conditioned vehicle. Call us when you’re in our parking lot to let
us know you’ve arrived, and we’ll give you a buzz when the doctor is ready to
whisk you directly into the exam room.
Consider having us prescribe an anti-anxiety drug such as Xanax to help
the poor pooch cope with his over-excitement.
8. The same goes for
aggressive dogs, whether they’re dog-aggressive or people-aggressive: Call us when you arrive, and stay in your
car. Also, all veterinary hospitals
really appreciate it when clients muzzle their cantankerous dog before they
walk in the door. If you’re unsure about
how your dog will behave, play it safe and use a muzzle (which we are happy to
provide). Dogs usually bite out of fear;
why subject them to such stress? I adhere to this variant of DuPont’s old slogan: Better living through chemistry! A little Xanax is in order.
9. Don’t pet other
animals without the owner’s permission. Better
yet, don’t pet other animals. I wouldn’t approach any but the most obviously
friendly dog in the waiting room, because some owners are in denial about their
dog’s propensity to bite.
10. If you suspect that
your dog has something contagious, such as kennel cough or mange, let the
receptionist know when you make your appointment. Other clients will appreciate it if you leave
your pet in the car until it’s time to see the doctor.
11. It seems like our
front desk bears the brunt of some people’s disgruntlement. If you have a complaint, It’s OK to tell the
receptionist, but please be gentle about it.
12. Unless another
client volunteers information, don’t ask them why they are at the animal
hospital. It’s really not your business,
and their reason for being there might be embarrassing. Even worse, they might be terribly worried
about their beloved pet, or they might be there to have the pet euthanized. When faced with having to make difficult
decisions, the most stoic person may dissolve into tears if they have to talk
about it.
Even if you are a maven of manners, sometimes your own well-disciplined
dog can misbehave or have an accident in the reception area. I know that might be embarrassing to some
pet owners, but to them I say, “Gee, this hasn’t happened … for at least ten
minutes!” Just do your best to follow
these tips, but don’t worry: We’re used to all kinds of rowdiness in the
waiting room. Unlike the supermarkets
where I wouldn’t take my grouchy young daughter, the vet’s office is a place your
pet can’t -- and shouldn’t -- avoid.