04/27/2024
Lets break the STIGMA of the word MUZZLE. It has such a negative connotation when we hear the phrase, "Would you mind muzzling Sweet Pea, for us?" We at Kaaws and other clinics are in this industry because WE LOVE ANIMALS. A common theme is we love them more than people. We also know that the Vet can be a scary and stressful experience for your beloved family member. Sometimes, for no reason whatsoever. I would like to start by saying we do not believe ANY breed is bad. Below is my beloved now passed on, Doug, an American Bully. He grew up to be a giant lovable meathead that stole my heart like no other. While some adored him, others feared him, due to how he looked and sometimes he how acted at the Vet. He had a deficiency where his nails would split and come off starting very early as a puppy, and it was very painful for him. He was never happy to go, but not because he wasn't treated like a king. We recognize and understand that sometimes they react because they are in a strange place, they are in pain, or they simply have an unrealistic fear. If your Veterinarians office ask you to muzzle for them, it is NOT because we think your dog/cat is bad. We are trying to protect both you as an owner and our people. Protect you, you ask? Yes, if a staff member or volunteer is bit, there are protocols we HAVE to follow no matter how minor it might be. Understand, even when and if a bite happens, we still do not think your animal is bad. There are liability issues to worry about. The person must be sent to urgent care for antibiotics, because many people will have a reaction due to bacteria's in the mouth. Even the most minor nick cannot go untreated. The event has to also be reported to Harris county Rabies control. If not, trust me the urgent care will call and report it, and that looks very bad for the hospital. Rabies control, will call or show up and ask you to either quarantine at home or at a facility for 10 days and that is EXTREEMLY costly to the owner. Most facilities charge over 2k for this. So while hospitals do care about the people inside them, we also truly care about you and your pet and pocket book. Sweet Pea is not bad just afraid. We at Kaaws Aldine try everything we can to make your pets visit a positive one. We offer treats, toys, love and distraction because we want them to love us as much as we love them....sometimes, its not enough and we recommend mild sedatives, muzzles, or sometimes sedation so it is a better experience for everyone involved. If you know your pet does not like going to the Vet. Try buying a basket muzzle and make it a routine thing at home so they don't associate the muzzle as bad. You can even put a little spray cheese or peanut butter at the end and make it a treat to have on. We just want the best for everyone. I hope you like and share this post so we can all break this negative connotation about muzzling once and for all.
