Questioning owners about pets can be a happy distraction

Just before performing venipuncture in front of a patient's owner, I always ask the owner a question that will elicit a long answer, such as "What was Buddy like as a puppy?" This question distracts both the owner and pet as the pet listens to its owner's voice, and the blood draw is often accomplished without either of them realizing it.

Dr. Faith Perrin
Berkeley Heights, N.J.