Recently, we had a minor incident during playtime when two pups were romping around and one of them injured his leg after getting it caught as the other pounced on him. Puppies, much like toddlers, are still figuring out how their bodies move. They can be uncoordinated, overly enthusiastic, and sometimes so caught up in the moment that they don’t even realize they’ve hurt themselves.
He was cheerful and mobile, but definitely lifting the leg and not bearing weight. After a thorough check, we decided to monitor him overnight.
The next morning, he was still favoring it. We contacted our regular vet, but they were fully booked, so we turned to a corporate veterinary clinic we’ve occasionally used in emergencies. We dropped off our pup and waited for the call.
That’s when the shock came.
when getting a second opinion matters
After a $700 x-ray, we were told he had a broken leg and needed surgery with pins and plates. The estimate? $4,000–$6,000, plus another $700 x-ray because the first “didn’t show enough.” When I asked for a copy of the x-ray, they refused to give it to us. Red Flags. There was a huge sense of urgency, they said we would need to travel to Montana and have this surgery right away. It all seemed surreal.
Thankfully, our experience told us this just didn’t add up. Our pup wasn’t in pain, wasn’t crying, and was still using the leg cautiously. So we called our trusted, independent vet and brought him in for a second opinion.
The results? No break. No fracture. Just a mild muscle strain. Our vet sent us the x-rays for his baby file, and within a few days, the little guy was back to his bouncy self.
This experience left us thinking—what if we didn’t know better? What if someone without years of experience had trusted that first diagnosis without question?
That’s why we want to share these tips for using second opinion veterinary services to protect your dog and your peace of mind.
7 Essential Tips for Seeking a Second Opinion in Veterinary Care
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away:
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
That’s right. Not even doodles. Not even the unicorn-looking one you saw on TikTok wearing glasses and a bowtie.
you know your habibi bear best
You live with your puppy. You know their moods, habits, and what makes them feel “off.” Never underestimate your ability to sense when something’s not quite right—or when a diagnosis just doesn’t fit.
Every cuddle, every mealtime, every walk is a deposit into your bond bank with your Habibi Bear. That bond is the foundation for confident decision-making when something’s wrong. Trust it.
And if you ever need help? We’re just a message away.
Our community is here to support you—and if you haven’t yet explored our Human’s Guide to the Dog Galaxy, it’s the perfect resource to strengthen your relationship with your pup and learn how to advocate like a pro.
in summary
Second opinion veterinary services aren’t just helpful—they’re often essential. They empower you to make informed choices, avoid unnecessary costs, and most importantly, protect your puppy’s well-being.
If you have a story like this, or questions about your puppy’s care, reach out. We love hearing from our Habibi Bear Tribe and are always cheering you on.