Take fear out of your dog’s next vet visit

Since your dog cannot discuss their issues, you are left to guess what is causing them to react the way they do. It’s a hit-or-miss kind of game. By process of elimination, usually, you will find the root cause of that particular unacceptable behavior.

If your dog exhibits vet visit fear, you need to find the cause so you can address it and help your dog be more confident. 

Vet visit fear reasons

1. The vet does not positively interact with the dog. The vet comes in, “hurts” the dog, and leaves.

2. The dog terrifies the vet. The dog senses it and takes the upper hand. Dogs petrify some vets. That’s why they have assistants!

3. The dog, for some reason known only to them, does not feel safe or comfortable with that particular vet. Trust your dog’s instincts. Many dogs are great judges of a person’s character. If your dog does not like someone, listen to them.

4. Something extremely traumatic happened during a previous vet visit. Shelter dogs, in particular, have often had negative vet experiences.

Make vet visits fun

To help your dog get over the stress of visiting the vet, you have to help them modify that negative association by making vet visits a pleasurable experience. It is, more often than not, one of the easiest behavior issues to change.

The cause is a mystery, but the issue is obvious. Your dog needs to associate the vet with something positive.

Here are a few suggestions:

Find a new vet. If your vet does not positively interact with your dog before and after a procedure, they don’t deserve your hard-earned money. If you need a new vet, ask for references, or search online. For example, search online if you need to find the best veterinarian in Denver. 

If your vet is afraid of your dog, find a new vet. Your dog senses that fear. A dog should never have the upper hand. The relationship must be based on mutual trust and respect.

Give your dog CBD pet treats before the visit. This will help calm your dog before you arrive at the vet’s office.

Desensitize your dog

Make vet visits something your dog looks forward to by:

• Take a ride to the vet; walk around the parking lot. Give your dog some yummy treats. Praise your dog for being such a “good boy or girl.” Get back into the car and go home. Do this a few times. When you see your dog is comfortable at this stage, it’s time to move on to the next.
• Next, take a ride to the vet. This time, after walking your dog around a bit, go inside. Give your dogs lots of yummy treats. Ask the staff and the vet; to interact with your dog and to give your dog treats. Make the experience a positive one — lots of attention, lots of fun, lots of treats, and lots of praise. Get back in the car and go home. Repeat this as necessary. You will know when your dog responds positively when they are no longer tense, simply walking into the office.
• Finally, make an appointment with your vet. Have your dog go into an exam room for nothing more than a basic check-up. No shots! Nothing invasive. Make it a positive experience. Lots of focus on your dog, lots of treats, and lots of praise. It’s worth the price of a visit to help him overcome his fear.

Bottom line

Going to the vet will be something your dog will have to do routinely throughout his life. If your dog suffers vet visit fears, you need to help address that. Don’t assume the dog will get over the fear.

Take the time to find a vet that makes both you and your dog comfortable. Get recommendations from friends and co-workers. If your dog is afraid, find a new vet.

Karen A. Soukiasian is the owner of Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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