When bad news strikes about your beloved pet

There’s no doubt that in the back of every pet caretaker’s mind lurks the fear that one day, they’ll be on the receiving end of bad news about their beloved dog. In most cases, we humans live much longer than our dogs, so the chances are good that there will come a time when we all have to face some level of bad news about them.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you obsess about this what-if scenario: rather, you need to enjoy your life with your dog, living each day to the fullest with them and not allowing irrational fears dictate the nature of your relationship. That being said, each of us needs to face the fact that unfortunate things can happen, scary diagnoses can arise, and bad news can raise its ugly head. While it can feel overwhelming to receive distressing information about our dogs, there are a number of things we can do to make it easier for both us and our pups to cope during these tough times.

First, ask yourself if this is an emergency situation. If it is — for instance, if your dog has been hit by a car or eaten something poisonous — you can’t take time to think it through. You need to get to your veterinarian’s office immediately. If it’s not immediately life-threatening, then talk with your vet about how urgent the condition is, and whether you need to take steps right away or if you can take a few hours or days to think it over. You might want to sit down with a trusted friend or partner and discuss the situation in order to get some clarity.

If you have time, write down your questions — and if it’s relevant, the timeline and the dog’s symptoms — before you get to the vet. And because the stress of the moment can make even the most clear-eyed among us forget what our veterinarian recommends, take notes on what he or she tells you when you’re there.

If the condition calls for a specialist, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for a referral. The advantage of a board-certified specialist is that they have both the training and experience in treating dogs with the same condition as yours. Specialties can range from orthopedics to oncology to ophthalmology and more; in fact, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties lists 41 different veterinary specialist categories.

Don’t dismiss the idea of holistic care (which many pet insurance policies cover, by the way), which you could use as an adjunct to traditional medicine or by itself. My dog Joey has severe arthritis in his hips, and in addition to medication, we’ve been utilizing the services of an acupuncturist for several months. Make sure you find a qualified and experienced practitioner, preferably one who’s been trained in the field of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

That being said, don’t allow your desperation lead you into the realm of “miracle” cures. Remember the old adage that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And don’t be fooled by those convincing testimonials populating online websites that are hawking these products. Most often, these endorsements are entirely phony. If you’re tempted to buy a product from one of these sites, talk with your veterinarian first.

Perhaps the most valuable advice for navigating these kinds of bad news circumstances is to trust your own instincts to guide you. You are the best custodian of your dog’s welfare — and in the end, the best possible decision for your dog is based on the love you feel. Your dog trusts you, so trust yourself.

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.