Sometimes I feel that the vet is trying to milk some more money out of me by doing things like telling me that he's keeping the dog for observation and don't know when the dog will be allowed to leave his office and he's giving the dog saline for dehydration but my dog isn't sick or show any signs of distress, he was in the office for annual checkup and vaccinations. So can a vet legally force me to leave my dog for supposed rehydration for days on end?
2007-11-14 01:45:16 · 17 answers · asked by ♪♫Tweedle Dee♪♫ 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well, no - the vet can't keep your dog overnight without your consent. However, depending on the exact circumstance, you may be risking your dog's health if you do so. But it IS still your decision to make.
From what you wrote above, the vet's reasoning sounds fishy to me. If the dog is not acutely ill, he shouldn't be dehydrated. It takes a pretty severe case of dehydration to merit a saline drip and an overnight stay.
I would ask the vet what makes him think the dog is dehydrated - presumably he's eating and drinking normally, and you would know if that was not the case. Does your dog have a chronic condition that can cause dehydration?
Other alternatives to treat mild dehydration include offering the pup no salt-added fat free beef or chicken broth if he'll drink it. Frequently this stimulates dogs who aren't eating or drinking much to drink it because it tastes good to them.
If the vet is suggesting this as part of a routine checkup, you should really find another vet.
Good luck!
2007-11-14 01:58:10 · answer #1 · answered by Sherry C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to refuse treatment. At your own risk.
If the dog is dehydrated there must be a problem or the vet would not want to put him on a saline drip and keep him.
I have never known a vet to do something without cause ( I am very cautious bout vets before I use them)
If you think your dog is fine and you trust your thoughts then go get your dog.
2007-11-14 01:52:41 · answer #2 · answered by str8putter 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course your vet cannot keep your dog or give him treatment you do not agree too, you have every right to take your dog and go home.
However, I would seriously doubt that the vet says the dog is dehydrated if nothing is wrong.
You are taking a chance with his life if you don't approve treatment.
If I were you, considering that you obviously do not trust the vet you use now, I would take my dog to a different vet, one you feel more positive about.
Just make sure you are not penalizing your dog because you feel the vet is money hungry. Why did he think the dog is dehydrated? Ask yourself if it is possible - and take him to a vet you can trust.
2007-11-14 02:00:43 · answer #3 · answered by rescue member 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally the RSPCA would have you sign your dog over to them. However, IF this is an illegal Pit Bull, who was running loose, you have a problem on your hands, more so because the Police are involved. Get yourself legal representation, for the sake of your dog!! And meanwhile dig out any records you have to prove he's not a PB. I so hope this has a good outcome because this DD Act is a shambles and should never have been enacted.
2016-04-04 00:36:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vet can not force you to do anything, ask the vet why he thinks the dog is dehydrated. Get another opinion from another vet as well if you do not trust your own.
2007-11-14 01:53:39 · answer #5 · answered by bear 2 zealand © 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1) Demand a detailed medical explanation for hospitalization, including why the doctor thinks your dog is dehydrated.
2) If they refuse to explain, or if they do not give you a description to your satisfaction, demand the immediate return of your dog. Pay your bill, and never go back.
3) If the explanation is satisfactory and you agree that your dog needs hospitalization, thank them politely and let them know that clients appreciate being treated like adults, with full disclosure and education on their pet's health.
2007-11-14 01:59:14 · answer #6 · answered by JeN 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the vet thought your dog was that dehydrated that he felt he must keep him, there certainly must have been a problem. Vets don't really like to keep dogs / cats if they don't need to. They would rather they go home with you if they can.. I think you should have gotten more information before you left the dog there..
2007-11-14 02:01:44 · answer #7 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you don't have a clue why he's dehydrated (and you have fresh water available all the time), then find another vet.
Ask him why he thinks the dog is dehydrated. I think you are getting screwed unless you are clueless and don't care for your dog. There is NO reason, unless your dog is throwing up a lot, why your dog can't get water out of a food dish.
2007-11-14 01:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by K H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you really believe that, take your dog to another vet and get a second opinion.. They cannot FORCE you to leave your dog with them.. If they really believe your dog needs medical help they can call the ASPCA or other pet protection group.. if you can prove that you went to another vet and that vet doesn't see a problem you will be fine.
2007-11-14 01:53:47 · answer #9 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You absolutely need to get a second opinion. It's very possible that the vet you have now is trying to milk more money from you. My advice is.....take it to another vet; if that vet finds nothing wrong, ask them to document that for you, and go back to your previous vet. Show him/her the papers. See what they have to say. Then, tell your present vet you will no longer be seeing them, and that you are going to report them for false dianosis. Then you'll see a reaction!!!
2007-11-14 02:00:11 · answer #10 · answered by trueblond195 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋