ASK THE PET: DON'G VISIT HOSPITALIZED PETS

Question: Several days ago my dog had to be hospitalized because of dehydration. It seems she ate something that did not agree with her, and with the resulting vomiting and diarrhea, she became dehydrated. The vet put her on an I.V. for a few days, and she did okay. I have her at home now, and I am very grateful. However, there is one thing that bothers me. They would not let me visit her while she was in the hospital. I was really aggravated by that. They said it was hospital policy, and in my dog's best interest. All I wanted to do was cheer her up, and let her know she was not being abandoned. Why is it in my pet's best interest for me to not visit her in the hospital?

Answer: Visiting animals is different than visiting people when they are in the hospital. Often when animals see their masters they get very excited thinking they are going home. When the owner leaves, the pet feels let down by being left all over again. Every time a visit occurs the process is repeated. Exhilaration is followed by frustration and depression. Pets simply do not understand that you are there only for a visit.

When a pet is left in the hospital there is always a period of adjustment that lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. Once the adjustment is made they do quite well, and most actually seem entertained by the activity and the other pets that are near them.

Nearly one in four owners is reluctant to hospitalize their pet. The reason almost always given is "I know my pet. She is different. She has never been away from me. The separation and depression will kill her. I know it will." In over 26 years of practice I can truthfully say I have never seen a patient die from depression caused by separation. Even the smallest and most delicate of breeds are much stronger than owners often realize. This is not to say that separation anxiety does not exist and it is precisely for this reason that many hospitals do not want owners visiting their pets until they are ready to go home. When a pet goes through this 15 to 30 minute adjustment period, they can demonstrate destructive behavior, or worse, become ill from it. I.V.s get chewed out and have to be replaced. Vomiting or diarrhea can occur because of excitement to the nervous system brought on by visits and then being left. One of the most important aspects of being hospitalized is that it forces the patient to rest. Often this rest is as important as the medication received. Visits are not restful.

Prolonged stays in the hospital are sometimes a little different than the usual short periods of confinement. If your pet requires a long period of hospitalization, then discuss visits with your veterinarian. There are times when visits maybe beneficial. However, it is best to leave this decision to someone who can be objective in their judgment. Owner judgment is almost always clouded by subjective feelings for their favorite fur-covered friend.