Children tagging along to the vet?

Question

We took our new puppy in for his shots, and my 4 year old came with me (He's "her" puppy, so I thought it would be a good learning experience for her to come along and see that dogs need to see doctors, too). While I was there, another customer- NOT veterinary staff- told me that the vet's clinic was "no place for children" and I was irresponsible for bringing her where other dogs were because not all dogs like children. At first, I was offended, but now that I've thought about it more, I'm starting to see where they were coming from. Although my daughter was not trying to pet or play with other animals at the clinic, I do see where her presence could have been troublesome to other animals. I was wondering about opinions from some of you other dog owners. I really would like for her to continue to come to the vet appointments with me because I think it's good for her to learn these things firsthand, but at the same time, I don't want to be THAT lady that is rude and inconsiderate..

The lady had what I think was a boxer mix. My daughter didn't go near her dog, but he was barking at my daughter, who became scared and was hiding behind me. I think the lady was more or less embarrassed by her dog's reaction to seeing my child.

Answer 1

At all clinics I've worked at or patronized, we encourage well behaved kids. What better age to teach responsible ownership? If a person has not properly socialized their own dogs, then THEY should not be allowed in public. I say keep bringing your child as long as they are not poking at stranger's dogs and cats. Just 2 weeks ago, I was in my Dr.'s office. There was a kid aobut 6 years old that went running over to a lady with a newborn baby and was touching the baby and poking at the baby's soft head. The mother of the baby was apparently afraid to offend the negligent mother of the baby-poking kid, so *I* said something. THAT kid needs to be taught how to behave in public, and wouldn't be welcome in a vet's office anymore that it was anywhere else. Sounds to me like your kid is much better behaved and would be welcomed.

Answer 2

You're going to have to understand this lady was probably annoyed because her dog has fear issues with children and most likely the vets office as well.That's her fault not yours.
Having your daughter along is a good thing. She's never too young to learn. Have a little talk with her on the way there and explain that the other dogs may be afraid of the vets office like she probably is when she gets a shot so she needs to be careful not to look at,talk to or try to pet any other dog or cat but hers.She does not know these animals and some might be mean so stay by you at all times and ignore everyone else.
I wish I'd have been there cos I'd have told that lady having her dog exposed to a well mannered child was a good thing and she should be thankful that she had the opportunity for her dog to see and be near one but rather than be intelligent enough to use the opportunity as somewhat of a training exercise she chose to ignore her responsibility to her dog and the immediate public by allowing it to act in such a manner rather than giving correction.

Answer 3

What you did - bring your child along on a veterinary visit - was completely acceptable. What the other dog owner did - publicly chide you for being a responsible parent and pet owner - was not. The hard and fast truth is that, if this other dog owner had properly trained her dog, if she had dominance over it (as opposed to the dog thinking that it's in charge), the dog wouldn't have reacted that way to your daughter. Sure, the dog might not want to be petted by children, but a child's presence wouldn't have pushed its bark button so thoroughly.

But rest assured that you were responsible. It is indeed your job to teach your daughter responsible pet ownership, part of which is veterinary care. You also taught her that petting strange dogs is a 'no-no' without the owner's permission. (Not that most children would want to pet a crazy, barking, large dog.)

Another hard and fast truth: if your vet is OK with your child being in the office, then it's no one else's business to tell you otherwise. Most veterinarians are happy to have well behaved children in their offices. It's an important part of pet education. It's also how future veterinarians are made. Heck, sometimes seeing a puppy bravely face its vaccinations will help the child bravely face his/her vaccinations, too.

I'm really sorry that you had this experience. And that your daughter had to witness it. Perhaps it would be a great learning experience for her. For example, "This is the inappropriate way to share your opinions with a stranger," and, "One of the reasons that we train our dogs and act as dog's pack leader is so that they behave... especially in public and around children."

Yeah, the other dog owner WAS probably embarrassed, but she'll continue to be embarrassed by her dog's behavior if she doesn't get it under control... and if she doesn't get her mouth under control, too.

Answer 4

I've worked in a veterinary hospital for the last 8 years. I don't think there is a specific answer for what you are asking. There are lots of things to take in to consideration. First can you handle dealing with a puppy and your child at the same time? It is very annoying when clients try to use the staff as babysitters. We actually have other patients to see and treat and cannot watch your child. Secondly you do have to keep in mind that not all dogs/cat are friendly there is a risk of injury especially in small children. This is more likely to happen in the waiting room when owners aren't doing a good job at controlling a rowdy animal. The last thing is the sensitivity of your child. Your puppy may scream/yelp when getting it's vaccinations or having some other necessary procedure done. Will this cause her distress? Children can learn alot by taking part in the care of their pets. This includes the vet's office. While it is a place for some children it is not a place for all children.

Answer 5

I have always taken my children to the vets with me when we had pups here and when they were young.. It not only was fun for them but also a learning experience too. It is not up to anyone else to tell you it is wrong at all. It is THEIR problem.
This is a decision you alone to make. It is also up to each owner to control their dog at all times. If your daughter was not trying to pet their dog then she was fine. People are just grouchy and mean sometimes I'd completely ignore them and take her. It is a very good thing for her to see what the vet does to take care of her puppy! Most vets love it when you bring the kids this way they get to explain it all to them. Some of the most wonderful questions come from their mouths.

Keep taking her and don't let the Grinch's put you off ok.

Answer 6

I don't mind seeing well-behaved children at the vet's office. It sounds like the lady who was offering her unsolicited opinion might be trying to deflect why "some dogs" are so poorly socialized.

I think children should be taught not to scream and run around animals. They should also certainly be taught to always ask before approaching a dog they do not know and see if it is okay to pet the dog. But a child with these basic manners should be no problem at any vet clinic.

Answer 7

ABSOLUTELY NOT --- The vet office is the perfect opportunity to train children and pets for acceptable behavior. Talk to your children beforehand and remind them that they must ask (you and the owner) before they touch ,pet, or approach any animal. Point out the responsible pet owners who have their dogs on leashes and under control, so that your child learns this aspect of responsible pet ownership. This should be a wonderful and educational experience -- ignore the ignorant my friend.
PS- This is also a good time for children to practice compassion, remind your daughter that many of the animals in the office may not feel good and would like it nice and quiet to feel better. Children can be very sympathetic and this will guide quieter more acceptable behavior.

Answer 8

I agree with not taking children to vets. I found out the hard way. Not by having a child with me but going up to a dog I did not know & try to pet it. I was in Petsmart. Me...thinking I know it all sometimes because I do rescue ...went up to this lady who had a problem with her dog...which was on a lease. I was talking to her & I reached down to pet the dog or greet him also & he about took my finger off., He was a dog that was at one time lost and was used as a fighter. The police brought the dog back to the owner because the dog was micro chipped. I was shocked at this, not only did she have this dog in a store where children were & had it walking down the isle...it was very unruley. She did not think before she brought the dog in the store that it could have killed someone. The dog had been taught to fight til death. The police advised her to put him down but she thought he could be rehabilitated. It was sad & I was stupid.

Answer 9

I can see both sides in this, but I think teaching your daughter to care for animals far outweighs inconveniencing owners who can't make their pet behave in a public place. It is ultimately the dog owner's responsibility to make sure their dog is safe to be in a public place.
I happen to own a dog who is afraid of children and is therefore child aggressive. She actually charges. After spending much time and money on obedience training, my vet still accomodates me by putting me and my girl in an area where she wouldn't be able to harm anyone, should she decide to be afraid again. I simply call ahead to let them know I am coming in, and they make sure it is safe to do so.
So if an owner has a dog that doesn't do well with children or other dogs, I feel it is up to the owner to find a way to keep that under control.
Good for you for teaching good dog ownership!

Answer 10

Let me get this straight, the vet's waiting room has people with dogs of all sizes and temperaments and cats of all types but some lady is worried about your child? Please. If a person owns a dog that has problems with children then the dog should be at least be muzzled when in public and probably should be put down because it's a public safety hazard.

Trust me, you're not the rude one.