dogs&cats&more

Tips:

Dogs pick up on their owners’ anxiety: choose a vet hospital you yourself feel comfortable with, then trust the staff in caring for your dog- they chose this field because they love animals.

Even the smallest dog should be on leash, halti or harness when entering the vet’s office. Remember that the dog does not know why he is there, and the experience can be quite frightening. The ‘fight or flight’ reaction in an anxious dog is strong- better to be safe and keep your pet safe, as well as those around you.

An owner’s first instinct when their dog is worried is to tell them that they are ‘good‘, pet them, or cuddle with them and pick them up to reassure them. What this does is positively reinforces their anxious behavior. Encourage confidence by praising their approach of the vet staff, ask the vet or tech to offer treats when appropriate, and carry their favorite treats or toy with you to the office to reward calmer, more confident behavior. Training your dog to this experience should be treated no differently than training your dog to sit and stay.

Socializing your dog to a scary vet visit takes time, and doesn’t start or stop at the office: the more you bring your dog to various places and handle him or her in a way similar to a vet doing their exam, the more your dog will get acquainted with the experience, thus allowing it when it is necessary. Get your dog used to being handled starting at home: hand feed tasty food while touching paws, muzzles, and ears. Praise them for calm behavior throughout.

For dogs who are fearful, trust the vet’s judgment in the use of a muzzle. Not only does this relax the staff’s handling of your dog, but your dog senses this change in comfort level and can become more relaxed themselves.

Letting everyone from the front office staff to the vet know upfront your dog is anxious is always helpful, as well. Most anxious dogs prefer not to be approached and pet over the head in stressful situations. Teaching your dog to ‘shake’ or ‘give paw’ instead helps keep their anxiety level down, trains them on what to do when nervous about an approaching stranger, and keeps scary hands lower than eye level which is less intimidating to the fearful pet.

Though not all vet appointments with your dog are bound to be good experiences in every aspect, do your best to keep it positive for them. If the noisy waiting room is too much for your dog, don’t hesitate to call ahead and let the office know your dog is anxious, and perhaps waiting outside or in a quieter area of the waiting room can be implemented.

Christine, LVT