Getting vaccinated

Freya came in to get her DAPP vaccine, which is the core vaccine for dogs, and her Rabies vaccine. Before Dr. Melissa sees Freya, the RVT does an initial exam. This consists of getting a heart rate, a respiratory rate, and a temperature via ear thermometer.  This video is representing a Fear Free initial examination.  Freya is on the ground during the exam because dogs feel more comfortable on the ground rather than on the exam table. Generally, owners don't allow their dogs on the table at home, so it is very unnatural for them to be placed on ours.  You can see in the video that I get Freya to smell the thermometer and stethoscope before I use them.  This allows her to see it’s not dangerous and there’s nothing to be afraid of.  She is too busy eating the delicious treats that Christie is continuously feeding her!  We love giving cats and dogs treats during their visits and we even have hypoallergenic ones. 

Because Freya is still small she goes on the exam table with a towel underneath for some traction. We don’t put large or extra large dogs on the table, but medium and small dogs and cats go on the table so the veterinarian can examine and vaccinate the animal easier and more efficiently.  Dr. Melissa comes in and does a full physical exam on Freya and if there are no concerns we proceed with the vaccinations. Our clinic has now switched to using a non slip mat instead of the towels because we find the towels are still pretty slippery for the animals. The thing Freya was most upset about during her vaccinations was that I wasn’t able to feed her the treats fast enough!

We try to take a Fear Free approach to all appointments and we currently have three staff members with their Fear Free Certification.