My vet has better be careful of her glasses, otherwise those will fly under the tongue work of my frenchie.. She is a devout kisser and a slobber machine to the bone, even at the vet! :)

I agree with the folks above me who've said that affection from vets toward my furbabies is most welcome.  I think others have raised some fair points for the "con" column, i.e. health and safety issues, but to object on the grounds that it doesn't appear professional?  Pfft.

I have to confess that it's difficult for me not to wonder whether the appearance of professionalism would have been on that client's mind had you (Dr. Khuly) been a man...

Also, nice Violent Femmes reference.  :D

I love it when my vet shows genuine affection for my pet.  At my vet's office it's usually extra pats, scratches, treats and talking to the pet.  Kissing is not crossing the line, however, the vet needs to use good judgement, if a dog bites when a human tries to kiss it, it's not the dog or the owner's fault. 

In my opinion, any affection a vet has toward their animal patients show me their compassion, and is nothing but positive and welcome. 

For those pet owners that would get offended, I would wonder about how affectionate they are towards their pets.

The vets and tech at the clinic love the animals and it shows.My dog LOVES going to the vet...she thinks it is a social call, and barely notices a little needle stick next to all the hugs, kisses and the occasional doggie biscuits.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

You may kiss any of my pets anytime you wish!  I love it if I take my pets somewhere and they are treated with respect, love, and caring attention.  I wish it was only a little friendlier at the human docs (kisses may be a bit too far, but a friendly handshake is welcome).  Pets are not human and especially not American with strict ideas on what should be done.  In many cultures, people give each other kisses to say hello.  It's not unheard of.

Would I mind if my veterinarian kissed my pet? On the contrary - when we picked up our goofy chocolate lab after a harrowing and traumatizing experience with chocolate toxicity, as the vet was explaining after-care and such to us, Rufus went over to him and nudged him to get some loving and then kissed his hand. He'd been overnight at the hospital for two days, we'd been sick with worry/guilt and afraid for his life. It was obvious from the way they interacted that the vet cared about and enjoyed interacting with him, and to me, that made me feel a hundred times better at a time when I needed to feel it.

Why should an indication that your pet's health caregiver, you know... CARES about him/her make anyone uncomfortable? Keep doling out the smooches and hopefully any naysayers will be few and far between. The rest of us won't 'tolerate' but appreciate that it's a perk in a difficult job and it's a perk you completely deserve!

Don't mind it a bit.  I have one dog who absolutely cannot hold his licker, and it's great to see his vets enjoy that.

I am a vet tech and I do not allow any pets to lick my face. Aside from the fact that I do not know where the dog or cat's tongue has been( licking their butts or licking their owner's mouths) or that I do not want to get bit,  I am very prone to cystic acne. The bacteria from their mouths can cause severe acne flare up that takes weeks to heal. It bothers me that owners become offended if a vet or tech will not kiss their pet or allow their pet to kiss the person. I will pet your dog or cat and allow it to smell me  but I do have my boundaries as should pets.

My vets have always commented on how it cheers them up to see my dogs, who eagerly enter the office, even pushing the door open and greeting everyone happily. This was even true of one who had many health problems and had endured many often uncomfortable procedures. I can't remember if the vets have given kisses, but they do get down on the floor and cuddle for a bit before getting down to business. So they have certainly gotten kissed!

I never have a problem with the folks at the vet's office dispensing free love. There's a difference between me going to my dr and my animals going to theirs. I don't expect my physician to act that way with me, but having the vet do it reassures me that they really do care and aren't in it just for the money. (Ha!)

I have actually quit going to vets in the past because they had crappy bedside manner, and I think scritches and smooches are a sign of a great bedside manner.

I kiss a lot of my patients, but also use good judgement when doing so, as a fellow vet assitant was bit rather badly while kissing an elderly patient. I think that compassion and a love of your career are never a bad thing to show.

Sorry for the unrelated comment, but do you read "Bark n Blog?"  I clicked to it from your blog roll today and was horrified.  

I know my little one (got my Westie puppy yesterday) would love a smooch from you!  Heck, considering I'm old enough to be your grandpa, I would'nt mind one either!

@ Anon...

I have to wonder how much business was drummed up by that radio show. If I were new to and unfamiliar with the area and happened to be on the market for a new vet, I would have viewed the DJ's complaints as favorable commentary, and probably would've been tempted to check them out!

Oh, Sadie and Speedy have to get kisses from their vet or she can't examine them. They love her..they're weird cats anyway. Zippy is not a fan of anyone but me even touching her so if she's really good for her vet he'll rub her ears (which she really loves but would never tell him). All of our vets and their staff are free with the affection towards our pets, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Our primary vet is a kiss-giver, and I've always found it sweet. It never occurred to me that somebody might think it offensive or unprofessional!

That said, I guess I can understand (poop notwithstanding) why one might prefer not to smooch their patients.

A few days after attending a friend's three-year-old's birthday party, (most of which the birthday girl's little sister spent occupying my lap and reminding me where my eyes were... rather forcibly... with her fingers), I brought one of the boys in for a re-check. On this occasion, our vet was particularly affectionate, and spent quite some time with her face buried in his fur... right where mine had been planted pretty much the entire time we were waiting for her to arrive.

The next morning? Surprise- pinkeye! Oops.

I do hope she didn't wind up paying for her affections. We rather like her, kitty kisses and all.

I find this post humorous because the vet hospital I used to work at in Las Vegas has a vet who is GREAT with pets- and okay with the clients ;) Anyways, a local radio DJ (who has since went syndicated) brought her Pugs in to see my vet and after the visit, she went on the radio declaring for all to hear how unprofessional it was for vets to kiss and love on the pets!

Needless to say, the vet hospital, to this day, does not listen to their station anymore!

One of the saddest and most effective professional experiences in a vet's office began when the emergency vet picked up my cat, cradled him in her arms, kissed him and said "It's so hard to say good-bye to these old-timers, but that's what I think you should do.  Let me show you your cat."

I had been taking my cat to my regular vet for sub q fluids.  He just said I would probably need to bring him back in a day or two.  I had no idea my cat was seriously ill.  My last cat with kidney failure had it for 2 1/2 years so that is what I thought was ahead for me and my cat.  At that time he had kidney failure for only 6 months.  It never entered my mind that he was at the end and it had not been mentioned to me by my regular vet.

So she showed me the ulcerations in the eyes, throat, skin, and had me smell the breath.  She gave me a lesson on how kidney failure usually works in cats.  Very professional and clinical.

But her compassionate introduction addressed the emotional component effectively.  A visual display that needed to be made.  What she showed me was a shock and unexpected.  I am grateful to her for her professionalism and her compassion.  Beginning with a hug and a kiss was the right thing to do.

One vet that we see is all business and wouldn't kiss a dog to save his life. His wife, who is his receptionist and not a very likeable person, just LOVES my goldendoodle Molly - so she can't be all bad. However I have never seen either of them kiss an animal. Our other preferred vet just loves his job and is so kind and gentle, even with Mr. Jake who is a basket case at the vets, and I have seen him kiss my dogs. I just love that - makes me feel so good that a professional also really, really cares for the animals in his care. The first vet I spoke of I have to wonder why he ever became a vet as I have the feeling he doesn't really like animals.

So kiss away I say and don't worry about the dogs' mouths, they have enough bacteria killing stuff in there to take care of the baddies.

My shelties would be horrified if a stranger tried to kiss them, but my vet is terrific with them, scrtching and talking and relaxing them. They get so scared going in the door at the vet's office, any little bit helps!

My first dog, a lab coonhound mix (just a terrific mutt 20 years ago, now a designer dog, I'm sure. A lab-hound?) was a serious kisser. She had such a soft slobbery mouth, we taught her not to kiss. The vet tech on the floor with her, getting "air kisses" was just too funny!

I once had a client accidently kiss me instead of his dog!  Was I surprised? oh yes.  Was he embarassed?  Oh yes.

Thanks for the laugh.  I often kiss my patients if they will let me!

By all means, kiss my dog! She loves it and I love to see when the doc loves her back :)

I would compare it more to a pediatrician who happily hugs her patients when they need or want it than to an adult's GP kissing her patient.

I love the fact that my vet takes the time to help me work through my youngest dog's fear of him, the other four love going and make themselves at home. He thought it was hilarious when the Lab "mauled" him with kisses after getting a shot. Being happy in one's job these days is not a sight you usually see, so rock on! My clan would be happy for a hug and kiss or two. Chances are that this particular woman is of the hands off variety, not being outwardly affectionate with her dog. Keep doing what you're doing and don't let one throw you. You probably have more that appreciate it than don't.

My entire clinic staff is lavish with kindness and affection to all of my animals - hugs, pats, snuggles, friendly words, and probably some kisses too. My vets seem almost as happy as I am when the sick ones get better! 

My guys love giving - and getting kisses.

I do usually warn the vet (or other unwary person) in advance - "Be prepared for a dose of Frenchie-style bad breath". 

If the vet is sensible and reads the dog well, I think a kiss from vet to dog can be okay.  Right now my 11mo is friendly with everyone at the vet's office, but she tends to be less effusive when she's around non-dog people.  As she matures she may end up feeling kisses from anyone outside her family are not appropriate, and I'm okay with that.  I'm a little leery about people randomly hugging dogs -- anyone read Patricia McConnell's take on dogs and hugging in "The Other End of the Leash"?

My dog absolutely does NOT give the vets a choice about kisses! She will kiss anyone who will allow it!

Now the cat on the other hand - NO, the vet or techs do not attempt to kiss my cat, and I can't say I blame them. They might get a swat to the face, LOL.

I wouild suggest precaution until you know the dog as the advance could be taken the wrong way.  I ran into that with a gal at a night club once.  <GRIN>

As far as the person complaining about the dog getting affection, it can only be an indicator of one thing.  The old bag must be jealous.

Kiss my dog please!  My vet has brought my dogs into the world on their first day and shepherded them out on their last, and while those days are special to me, it's the many other days in between that are more memorable to my dogs. The pokes of vaccinations, the prods of a teeth cleaning, and the major surgery whooplah of a desexing; please please please sprinkle those visits with a good kiss and an ear scratch to make sure the dogs know that the Vet isn't just the place where annoying things happen.

It's a lot easier to face those first and last days when you know that all the encounters inbetween come with a little affection.  Bonnie Belle licked my Vet's hand as he gave her the penultimate injection and he kissed her on the top of the head right back.

I wouldn't be at all offended. I'd be a little surprised since more people are scared of my two big dogs than love them, but I wouldn't be upset. That said, I try to keep other people's pets away from my face, for kisses originating from them or from me. Too much danger of a face getting bitten in addition to the habit formed by years of owning a poop eating dog myself. I appreciate the thought, but try to keep it from being enacted! I prefer to huggle or cuddle them instead, with their face safely under my hand or arm depending on the size of the pet.

My vet and her tech always got down on the floor to pet and hug Tundra before any exam and were rewarded with his little husky kisses.  I know it calmed him and was one reason he would let them do anything to him without complaint.  I sure never worried about them passing germs.

When we had to euthanize him, they petted and comforted him with me him to until he passed and then hugged and cried with me.  It meant more to me than I could ever express.  Keep up the kisses and hugs!

I dunno.  I share enough germs with my critters.  I'm pretty sure you washed your hands before handling the pet but did you wash your face?  If not and especially if you smooched other animals (or humans) before that smooch, you've just shared a whole bunch of germs.  If you get diagnosed with something contagious tomorrow, how many patients will you have to be concerned about too?  Doesn't this owner have the right to know if you're liberally passing around germs?

You know what they say about STDs...  You're not sleeping with one person; you're sleeping with everyone they've slept with.

My own cruddy immune system makes me a little germ phobic.  Of course, if one of my critters up and smooches a vet (or anyone else, oh well... :)

I *love* it when vets express affection for my critters, even if the critters aren't necessarily enthused about returning it.  (My fillies will rapturously kiss anybody, including vet and vet tech, who comes within reach...'fraid the dogs are a little more restrained at the vet, though.) 

Oh, my word. Please, somebody get that client to a human doctor to have the big stick removed from his/her nether end. The only thing that went through MY head was that you might be risking a bite. If you encourage my boys a little, especially my Boston (he had a little vet trauma, so he can be afraid, but with some baby talk he'll warm up) you'll be getting all SORTS of kisses - and I'll have a great big smile.

Cute pic!

My pets aren't typically kissable by strangers, including vets, but they're susceptible to extra TLC and one lab loved getting an extra tour into the "back rooms" each visit after having spent some time there himself. I appreciate a caring vet, and have never found one to be unprofessional due to care and compassion.

Your client did leave open the possibility that she'd accept a kiss if asked. ;) And who's to say your patients haven't given you carte blanche to kiss'em if you want 'em via less verbal means?

Good luck dealing with the extremists.

Doc, I think you are doing a wonderful thing when you show affection for the animals you see in the office.

When a pet is stressed, I don't think vets and vet techs should be greeting pets efusively. But in a positive environment, I totally understand and encourage it.

BTW, I think this post size works great, and the subject you chose is very interesting. Congrats. And happy new year!!

Daniela Caride

www.TheDailyTail.com

Miss K's vet does not smooch her, but she does handle her gently and seems to have a way with cats.

Right not, with the H1N1 transmission from humans to pets, that's enough.  I'd rather not have unvaccinated humans getting close to my cat.  All the humans in the household had the shot in the arm.  We can't get Miss K vaccinated for this, so we are relying on family or herd immunity.  The reports of human to cat transmission were one more thing that convinced me to go to a free clinic one morning and stand in line to get the shot.  Management had said they might be providing the vaccinations at work, but it was never mentioned again after one e-mail.  Doctors' offices aren't ordering flu vaccines around here.  Instead, they recommend people go to drugstores or immunization clinics.  The clinic we went to had no co-pay required;  it's my county tax dollars at work.

I would LOVE it if my vet kissed my dog.  He shed quiet tears when he put my other dog to sleep and I loved him more so for it.   You are a treasure, Dr. Khuly, how lucky your clients and patients are!   Affection in general makes some people uncomfortable, don't let it ever deter the smooches!

Kiss away! You'll gain (or at least "secure") ten clients for every one you lose by expresing affection for your patients.

My Cora doesn't give you a choice about kisses.  =D

Some folks are kooks and need to be written off.  I've been told a number of times that x is unprofessional.  Rarely do I take it to heart.  I almost gave my sister a Naomi Wolf book when she scolded me for spurning makeup (too much work, says I).  Your client was having a bad day.

OMG!  that owner needs to Get A Life!  I don't know any animal owner that doesn't think the world of their own "kids" and wouldn't be Thrilled about having someone else display the same kind of affection.

Perhaps the owner was jealous?  maybe you have to kiss 2 leggeds and 4 leggeds just to keep things fair?  ;)

I can't believe someone got offended at that!  I LOVE when people -- vets, kids, random strangers on the street, anyone! -- come up and love on my girl.  And she loves when people do that.  It seems to put her at ease.  The clinic we take her to just got a new head vet and we've yet to meet her, but my mother had to take her dog in for her yearly exam and she said the new vet got down on all fours to pet and play with her dog before she did anything else because she likes to get to know her patients.  I feel good about the new vet already and I can't wait to introduce Dahlia to her.

My vet always kisses my dogs, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Hate to say it, but my dogs are too nervous at the vet to reciprocate.

Seriously? What kind of pet owner is adverse and offended about affection to their "PET"?

What has happened to this world we live in?

One extreme to the other.

My dog basically stared down the vet waiting for a kiss and is generally put off my anyone that doesn't respond to her advances. I don't think she's do well with a "strictly professional" vet, then again, neither would I.

you keep kissing pets! never mind what that owner said.

our vet always lavishes love on our baby and i think that's a requirement for me. i would prefer a vet that shows love and kindness outwardly than one who shows no affection at all.

I had a client who had some cute little poodle pups and while I don't mind snuggling and being affectionate with them I am a little hesitant to let any strange dog lick me on my mouth and this particular case reinforced why.....

Well this little guy was being persistent and I was joking and saying "I don't want your sweet kisses on my mouth!" and the owner was kind of offended and said so but then she proceeded to say that she was having a problem with that particular little guy constantly eating his and his brothers poop!!! 

Yeah, I think that I will keep their tongue away from my mouth.....I know where mine has been and it is not eating poop and I don't mind giving some dogs and kitties kisses but it ain't going to be all of them.

This is a no-brainer... I will always choose a vet who obviously has affectionate feelings toward animals over one who has a cold, overly professional demeanor whenever possible.  And I WON'T repeat a visit to a vet who seems afraid of my friendly but very large dogs.

As to the client who said she wouldn't like her physician kissing her... it's a totally different situation.  Veterinarians are more like pediatricians, and although they are of course restricted from giving kisses to their charges because of the dangers of disease transmission, most pediatricians do have an affectionate, friendly manner meant to help relax their little patients.  Vets should be affectionate and friendly when possible for the same reason.

If we're ever in Miami, I'll bring some of my kissy crew by for a visit!!  All of my Danes are kissy, even at the vet!

HOLY COW!  I would be offended if my vet DIDN'T kiss my guys!  I mean, how could you NOT? 

I just recently switched vets- and the new guy, on the first visit, got down on all fours and just sat there with them to put them at ease.   He just won my business and my heart...

I agree with you whole heartedly.. Kiss away.. Socks, and Maddy have always been cuddled from our vets from the their first visits.. They don't love going, but I think they realize there is a need, and neither are afraid to go off with them.. or lick them..

In our office, it's not unusual to find any of the docs, and staff hugging patients, or sitting on the floor playing with the kids.. We also don't have kids screaming and wanting to get out.. Think we'll keep it this way.. For those that don't like it.. we can sense.. and if they aren't happy.. Bye.. Bye..

I just started as a volunteer at an animal emergency clinic, and am heartened by the number of kisses bestowed by regulation staff members on our patients in the back room, when nobody but us chickens is there to see.

Kisses are always good.

OMG!  You're kidding me!?!  I well up with tears when any of our vets go in for the smooch-a-rooni.  It makes me feel like they consider my kid more than just a "pet."  It makes me feel like s/he (the vet) is part of the family.  (And it also feels good to know my kid likes the vet by giving his "wet" display of affection.)

I'm not a vet, but I am a petsitter.  And I kiss almost all my charges at one time or another.  I don't think I'd be offended if my vet kissed one of my dogs.

However, we did have a petsitter at my company who kissed a dog and got bitten badly in the face.  So be careful.

Abbie loves kisses from you!!!

I can't say it any better than Tammy in San Francisco! I love it when folks at the vet's office (vet, techs, reception, etc) snuggle with my pets and if they give them a kiss, even better!

My pooch always kisses the vet and I take offense when the vet doesn't seem to enjoy it!  Go for it - love your patients!