by Jodiann Cates, 2008
 
We have all walked into a vet’s office with a sick or broken Great Dane scared and confused and walked out just as scared and confused, hundreds of dollars lighter wondering how the experience could have been better.
 
Here are a few pointers to help you build a better relationship with your vet so there are fewer surprises and more agreements. By and by you will build a partnership of trust  where you are more of a participant in your Great Dane’s care and not banished to the confusing sidelines until its time for you to pay and go.
 
Educate Yourself. Learn more about your Great Dane’s routine needs and the special health issues Great Danes have. The more acquainted with these issues you are the less scary they seem and the more equipped you will feel discussing them with your vet.
Visit Here to learn more about Great Dane Health issues.

Observe Your Dane.  Be a good detective, observe symptoms and behavior. Be ready to offer this  basic information at your next vet visit:
Time of last meal, or refusal of.
Time of last defecation, was it normal? Or how long it’s been.   
Time of last urination, was it normal? Color, Amount, etc. Or how long it’s been. 
Behavior that is not normal…Lethargy? Clingy? Grumpy? Fitful Sleep? Overactive?
Note any medications you might have given at home over the counter or prescription, even if the vet prescribed it and it’s in the chart. Don't forget Vets are busy and human and they can forget things just like we do and overlook things in charts as well. After a time, all the pets and their meds run together, help them out, know your dogs meds. Many vets appreciate the time you save them with the reminder.  I just bring all the meds in their bottles in a ziplock bag so my vet can take a quick look if he wants and I don't have to fumble around at the bottom of my purse. 

If it’s an injury, when did you first notice? What you think might have happened.  What have you done in response? Note any medications you gave at home or treatments like ice/hot packs, healing sprays or ointments. 
 
Bring A List.  Make sure you remember what you know or need to know. Write down your observations, questions, and concerns, especially if your Dane is distracting at the vet. You might remember these things easily at home, but the vet office can be a busy place and often what you thought you could remember is lost in the hustle and bustle.
 
 Take Notes. Either when your vet is explaining, or recap when you are alone waiting for test results, or between pop-ins from techs and vets, especially if either say something you don’t understand or need clarification on. This way you can ask about it later in the visit or look it up on the internet when you get home.
 
Call Back. If you did not understand something or think of a question when you get in the car don’t be afraid to call and ask. Most vets realize the need to follow up on the phone and often issues taken care of over the phone can make future visits go smoother.

Talk It Out. If something just doesn’t seem right after a visit. Call a friend in the know or email them. The saying “Two heads are better than one” applies here. Often just going over the visit with someone you trust can clarify issues for you. Often the gate of your ears is opened by your own voice. Just the act of speaking your thoughts can bring up new questions and new directions to go in.  Your friend may think of things you haven’t yet.  Sometimes posting to a Great Dane List or Message Board can be more confusing than talking to just one person. Many different opinions abound on these boards you can get all manner of extreme answers. Post if you wish, but be prepared for every gambit of advice from the very informed to the outrageously irrational. Keep that delete button handy and don’t be afraid to use it.
 
 Sometimes despite our best efforts partnerships with our vets do not form as we would like. Not all vet offices are the right fit for everyone. If you need to find a vet better inclined to your needs, the next article in this series “ Finding A Vet” will help.