The GOOD: I just moved to Takoma Park from the Baltimore area and have yet to find a regular vet for my dog. I chose this clinic after my dog ran into the wall, giving herself a corneal ulcer. After h... Read More
The GOOD: I just moved to Takoma Park from the Baltimore area and have yet to find a regular vet for my dog. I chose this clinic after my dog ran into the wall, giving herself a corneal ulcer. After having read the Yelp reviews, I was hesitant and had spoken to other vets in the area who were either booked up or could not take us immediately. This vet was within walking distance and they were able to squeeze us in on the spot, so we went. THE BAD: During the exam, the vet and techs were particularly rough on my 10lb dog. I will say, that my dog is hyper. She loves new people and it takes some soothing to keep her still around strangers. I insisted that I keep her on my lap during the exam to keep her quiet (like at my regular vet), but was shown a sign that indicated that only the vet staff could handle the animals during the exams. Anyhow, the vet went to inspect her eye and she kept moving, so their solution was to muzzle her. I have never muzzled my dog a day in her life, and she has never bitten anyone. My 5 year old brother is frequently putting his hands in her mouth, so she learned pretty early on. So of course, not being used to it, she was frantically trying to break free and I ended up putting it on her myself. Eventually, they examined her eye and diagnosed the ulcer. She had had one before so I had already known what it was prior to admitting her. Since I was already there, I decided to get her nails trimmed, which again, they unnecessarily muzzled her for. And even with the muzzle, they felt that it was necessary that one tech needed to hold her body down during the nail clipping. My dog is a Shih Tzu. She has a lot of hair and has been to many professional groomers, AND I groom her myself, and again, there was never a need for any restraints. Anyhow, we were prescribed meds one of which were eye drops. I asked the vet if he could put some in at that moment, and he responded that she seemed irritated so he didn't think it'd be a good idea. At that moment, I literally sat down, placed her on my lap, opened the cap, and placed a drop in her eye ... her tail wagging the entire time. He then asked if I lived alone and whether I'd need help, and if so to come back and they could put the drops in. Needless to say, I was more than annoyed. I understand that we were new clients and that they were not familiar with my dog BUT as a veterinary facility, they should be able to handle all dogs with all types of temperaments WITHOUT restraints. My dog did not growl, she did not snap at anyone, and did not show any signs of aggression. She merely kept moving from the excitement of being around new people. In any event, we will not be back. The medication seems to be working and the appearance of her eye has improved, but I will be taking her elsewhere for her follow up appointment. Read Less