skip to main content

Visiting a pet in the hospital

17 years ago

I have no idea if I am nuts or not. Is it normal to do that? Is it nuts not too? Will they even let you?

Any postive thoughts for my Sadie also appreciated. They are not sure the extent of the damage to her kidneys and they are going to do an ultrasound to find out tonight.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

tess_5b
17 years ago
Completely normal. I know my Mom has done it in the past when we've had pets who've been hospitalized for several days. My own cat clinic has a special 2nd exam room that is used for owners wanting to visit their hospitalized kitties. So just ask your vet clinic, they should allow it.

Sending positive thoughts your way...

tess
bessiedawg
17 years ago
When our old gal Bessie had neck surgery, the doctor encouraged us to visit her at least once a day. We usually went morning and evening for 2 weeks. Her favorite treat is plain white bread and the day she got really excited to get it, the surgeon knew it was time to decrease her morphine.

Best of luck and Bessie, Maggie, & I are sending positive thoughts your way also.
Related Discussions
Hospital foundation visit
Q
Comments (12)
This is exactly what I used to do for a living. I was a fundraiser for a hospital that sounds a lot like the one you were in -- new over the top wing. I even looked at your member page to see if it could possibly be the same one. It isn't. Has your mother been making donations to the hospital before her surgery? When a current donor was admitted to the hospital we got an email saying they were there. We would go visit them to say thank you for their support and to be sure to call us if there was anything we could do while they were there. I never talked to anyone who was still woozy from surgery. I often took flowers and left my card so they knew how to reach me. Anyway, fund raising can be sleazy at times. You are always cultivating people in hopes that they will give money. I am glad to be out of it. On the other hand, many people really do care a lot about an organization and it is nice to be able to answer their questions and be sure that their gifts are spent as they want. We also sent letters asking for contributions to nearly everyone who was admitted to the hospital a few weeks after they are discharged.
...See More
Visiting someone in isolation room at hospital
Q
Comments (2)
One reason for placing a patient in isolation is to protect him from anything brought in from the outside by a visitor. For anyone in his fragile condition, a cold, or sore throat could be a disaster. In this case, the isolation is as much for him as it is for you. Remember, the nursing staff and doctors spend much more time with him than you will. They would not risk valuable personnel if there was any great danger. They would restrict him to NO visitors if he were highly contagious. The precautions would be much more than just mask and gloves.
...See More
Visit year-old puppy at the hospital?
Q
Comments (7)
I agree with checking with the Vet first. If you get the OK, then I would visit regularly. Dogs can get depressed when in the hospital and a visit can help. I remember when our Bessie (RIP) was in the hospital after her neck surgery. The Vets thought it best that we did not visit her for the first several days. After the 2nd day, they asked us to come in to discuss her prognosis as she was not improving. We were allowed to see her at that time and she lifted her head up for the first time since her surgery. In her case, it turned out that the visits were therapeutic for her. Good luck, Linda
...See More
Did you build a house with your pet(s) in mind?
Q
Comments (31)
What Is the Ideal House Temperature for Dogs and Cats? https://www.minisplitairconditioningsystem.org/ You love pampering your pet with gourmet treats, designer toys, and automatic pet doors. But are you confident your dog or cat is happy with the thermostat setting? The best temperature for your pet depends on various factors including breed, health conditions, and other circumstances. Consider the factors that affect your pet’s ideal temperature and how to choose the perfect thermostat setting to balance comfort and energy efficiency. Factors that Affect the Ideal Temperature for Pets There isn’t one perfect temperature setting to accommodate the needs of all pets in every season. Consider the following factors to help you determine whether your pet prefers a warm or cool home: Coat type: Dogs and cats with thick, long coats tend to be more cold-tolerant. In fact, they often overheat faster than humans. On the other hand, pets with thin, short fur (and hairless varieties) aren’t able to retain body heat as well and therefore prefer warmer temperatures. Size: Smaller pets have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio. This means they have more skin through which to lose body heat relative to their size than larger animals. That’s why small dogs tend to get cold faster than large breeds. Weight: Body fat is also a contributing factor. Overweight pets have a thicker insulating layer to protect against the cold. However, the health risks associated with obesity greatly outweigh the added warmth in the winter, so strive to keep your pet lean and fit. Age and health: Young puppies and kittens, as well as elderly pets, tend to require warmer house temperatures. Animals with acute infections or chronic joint conditions benefit from higher temperatures and heated sleeping areas as well. Choosing the Best Temperature for Pets With the above information, you can set the house temperature to the ideal setting for you and your pet. Here are our recommendations: Summer Temperature In general, you should set the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees F when you’re at home in the summer. If you have a large, long-haired dog, such as a Husky or Samoyed, around 75 degrees may be best. If you have an elderly short-haired cat, 78 degrees could be preferable. When you’re gone at work all day or on vacation, don’t set the temperature any higher than 80 to 82 degrees. To ensure your pet stays comfortable, provide fresh water and an area to cool off, such as the basement or a room with tiled flooring. Winter Temperature Plan to set the thermostat between 69 and 72 degrees when you’re at home in the winter. Large, animals with thick coats tend to prefer temperatures on the lower end of this spectrum, while you may want to set the thermostat higher for your hairless cat or new puppy. When you’re away, set the thermostat no lower than 60 degrees. Keep the temperature a little higher for small, young, or sick animals. Always provide your pet with a soft, warm bed, and open the curtains so the sun shines in, giving the animal a place a sunbathe.
...See More
cindyxeus
17 years ago
My Vet allows it, it's actually good for the animals in some cases.

Best of luck.
sylviatexas1
17 years ago
When I visit, I leave the tee shirt I slept in so my pet will have something with my scent on it.
spiritual_gardner
17 years ago
Go.

I had to leave my dog in an emergency clinic for a weekend. I visited her at least twice a day. They really do appreciate it.

Good luck!

SG
Boopadaboo
Original Author
17 years ago
thanks all. I am going to visit her on the way home from work. DH has another pet there now for a check up, so he is visiting her now, and i will see if I can go in the morning too. I just had no idea whether it was typical or I would make things worse.

thanks for your support.
Elly_NJ
17 years ago
I visited my cat Finney. My visit helped him eat, which he would not have done otherwise.
dobesrule
17 years ago
Yes you can visit. Most of our clients with hospitalized pets come once or twice a day. Hope all goes well with your baby.

Lisa
Boopadaboo
Original Author
17 years ago
I am so glad I went. She hasn't been eating and she ate some while I was there. They told me to come back 4 times a day to get her to eat more.

Turns out it is her gallbladder not her kidneys which they said was a good thing and she will have to be on antibiotics for 6 weeks and as soon as she starts eating more than she can come home.

I am still not clear on how it happened, I don't think they know either.
webkat5
17 years ago
Visit? I stay with them....
oakleif
17 years ago
Vets do like for you to see your pets its good for the pets too. All my dogs have been mamas babies. Once when i had a sick dog the vet called and asked me to come back down till they put her under because she would'nt let anyone come near her after i left and they were afraid to manhandle her. she was a pretty big dog.
my thoughts are with you and your baby.
oakleif
sylviatexas1
17 years ago
"I am so glad I went. She hasn't been eating and she ate some while I was there. They told me to come back 4 times a day to get her to eat more."

& did they tell you *why* no one called you & ask you to come to try to get her to eat?

How long would they have waited?

It isn't just one vet, it's a widespread attitude.

We pet owners have to monitor what's happening with hospitalized pets to be sure the pets are actually improving & not just warehoused in a cage, dosed with drugs, & "observed".

sorry, didn't mean to rant on your thread.

but I'm sure glad you went!
socks
17 years ago
If they don't want you in the back where the animals are kept and the work is done, maybe they can bring your pet to an extra examining room so you can spend time there. Bring an old beach towel or something so he/she doesn't have to sit on those cold examining tables.

Related Stories

ENTERTAINING Easy Hospitality: 3 Basics for Successful Hosting

By Glamour Nest

Make guests comfortable even if resources are tight by getting these entertaining essentials down pat

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Ways to Give Your Hospitality a Tropical Touch

By Steve Asbell

Treat guests to the resort treatment with blossoms, fruit and artwork that stir up an air of the exotic

ENTERTAINING Modern Manners: Smooth Moves for Kids' Visits

By Laura Gaskill

For hosting kids or visiting with Junior in tow, we give you a plan to keep stress levels low and fun levels high

HOLIDAYS Set the Scene for a Stress-Free Holiday Visit

By Design With Science

Put your guests at ease and take the pressure off hosting by prepping your space with psychology in mind

LIFE Modern Manners for Conflict-Free Family Visits

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid thermostat wars, pet peeves and the great shower squeeze with these tips for having family as houseguests

Houzz Interview: Rhoda’s Southern Hospitality

Visit an Artist's Backyard Studio and Guesthouse

By Tiffany Carboni

An interior designer creates an inspiring workspace and welcoming getaway

HOUZZ TOURS Visit a Victorian Fairy-Tale Retreat in the Woods

This renovated cabin is an ultra-feminine getaway

HOME TECH Facebook Meets Fido: Pet Connections for the Digital Age

Three new products let you communicate with your dog or cat while you're at work

PETS Pet-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

By Marianne Lipanovich

Not all pet dangers are obvious. Keep furry friends safe and sound by handling all of these potential hazards

Sponsored

Frasure Home Improvements

2 Reviews

Franklin County's Highly Skilled General Contractor

More Discussions

Sick cat with eye covered with third eyelid and doctors aren't helping

4

HELP- need a small tub to bath baby and dog.

2

Pets and fumes from floor project

2

Vet invoice shock

6

tinted film added on windows

4