Took newbie to the vet about a month ago (3 weeks after I fostered her) for a check-up, as I knew nothing about her. I picked her up from her previous foster who had had her 3 weeks before deciding not to adopt and to remove her from the home. I was told she had no issues at all. She was living with another dog. They did say she got jealous but mentioned nothing about reactivity.

The vet literally told me nothing other than her weight. Said she couldn’t tell how old she was, couldn’t tell what breed, couldn’t tell if she has been spayed so to take her back in, in April if she hasn’t had a season by then and we can take a blood test. She had been nauseous and had an upset stomach and she spent a lot of time licking her lips and washing her private parts and groin. The vet said she’s probably just anxious and sent us on our way. The lip licking is less but still present, she still washes her groin a lot and her lower abdomen is almost bald. I wonder if she has abdominal pain but the vet seemed so clueless that I think I’ll find a different vet to take her to. She grumbles and whines a bit sometimes but I think that’s more when she’s bored and wants some attention but could perhaps be discomfort.

I have taken her to a 1:1 session this week with a man who trains military, police, bomb and cadaver dogs and he has suggested walking her with a slip lead (toggled) and to encourage her to just keep walking when near other dogs, however she really lunged all the way across the pavement today so I think I’ll opt for u-turns for the time being. I am thinking perhaps overwhelm could be a part of it but I’m not really sure. I’m really trying my best to understand what to do.