Reducing Anxiety When Visiting The Vet
We’ve all seen or experienced it at some point. The dog at the vet who’s whimpering, shaking, or straight up refusing to walk through the doors. Vet visits can be stressful. All those strange smells and unfamiliar faces are enough to make any dog a little nervous. For anxious dogs in particular, going to the vet can induce a full-blown meltdown. On top of all that, going to the vet during COVID-19 usually involves waiting in your car while your dog is taken in by a vet tech.
Why Do Dogs Fear The Vet?
The most common reason dogs develop fear is through trauma. This doesn’t always mean something extreme like abuse or neglect. Think about a typical visit to the vet. As soon as you walk through the door, your dog is stormed by strange smells and sounds. Chances are you will run into other dogs in the waiting room, which can heighten anxiety especially when the other dog is showing signs of fear.
The examination usually involves a vet tech restraining your dog while the vet pokes around, draws blood, and does a temperature read. All this unfamiliar handling can cause your dog to become afraid and confused. Combine all these factors, and it can create a pretty traumatic experience for your dog.
Tips to Prevent the Fear
With the right amount of time and effort, your dog’s fear of the vet can be prevented or even completely conquered! Try a few approaches to help make your pup’s next visit easier for the both of you.
Visit the Vet Office…For Fun!
It might sound crazy, but visiting the vet office for non-medical visits can help your dog learn to adjust. The goal is to form a positive association with the office and staff. Most vet offices allow social visits during off peak hours. Just call ahead and see if it’s ok to stop by. Once you arrive, let your dog sniff around and greet the staff. Make sure to give positive encouragement and treats when they aren’t displaying any signs of stress. Repeat these visits once every couple of weeks, and over time your dog will start forming a positive association.
Play Vet for a Day
Part of what makes the vet so scary is that your dog isn’t used to the touching and handling they receive during an exam. The best way to get them comfortable is by practicing at home. Spend some time each day holding their paws, looking at their teeth, and checking their ears. Remember to be gentle and make sure your dog gets lots of praise and cookies during the exam. We recommend small, bite size training treats to cut down on calorie consumption. Remain patient and keep a calm voice. If you’re feeling nervous, your dog will pick up on your stress. Positive energy is key!
Medication and Supplements for Anxiety
For more extreme cases of anxiety, medication might be the next option. Make sure to work with your vet to find what might work best. For milder cases, nutritional supplements like CBD dog treats are a good option to give your dog before a vet visit.
Get Additional Help
It’s important to understand that getting over anxiety and fear of the vet doesn’t happen overnight. Patience and consistency are key to working through this kind of behavioral issue. Communication with your vet is essential, and your vet and the office staff truly want your dog to be happy and comfortable.
If you and your vet can’t get your dog past its fear, it might be time to seek help from a professional dog behaviorist. Our trainers at Sit Means Sit Dog Training North Houston have extensive experience dealing with fear and anxiety and can help your dog look forward to their next vet visit! Contact us today for a free evaluation.