Stressed Dog and Vets

A few years ago my dog had an ear infection which was very painful. When the vet looked in his ear he yelped out very loudly obviously in a lot of pain. Since that time my dog has never been the same when visiting the vets.

He is a lovely dog with a lovely temperament except for when going to the vets. It's not actually the vet himself as they have 4 vet surgeons and he is the same with everyone of them, so its obviously the place itself that is stirring up bad memories for him.

It has got to the point I myself am anxious when visiting the vets with him because I know he will get aggressive and worse for him, really anxious, I hate to know my dog is stressed and upset.

I always tell the vet now he needs to be muzzled but even with the muzzle on he gets really aggressive and it's very stressful for all involved.

I tell the vets that my dog is like this with no-one but them but I think they don't believe me, but its true, he is such a happy dog normally and loves people, especially children.

I had to take him tonight as he has a skin irritation which needed antibiotics and some tablets and an injection to help his itch calm down and he again got really aggressive and really didn't want the vet touching him. Then when that was over I was in reception paying the bill holding onto his lead when I was shouted at by people waiting with their dogs, "your dog is pooing" the folk looking at me with disgust! Poor dog, he must have been that stressed.

So I decided to come here to see if anyone can give me any advice on how to make things better when going to the vets for all concerned, doggy, me and vets.

I look forward to your responses.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

I suppose we are very lucky.
Our Fido had a visit to his vet earlier this week. He just trots in, accepts being lifted on to the examination table (at nearly 40kg that's a physical challenge) puts up with having a leg shaved to get needles to be stuck in to draw blood....stoical.

His ears? That might be a different issue.
I hope he gets treatment and relief from his pain.
All I can suggest is that you be there with him. That relationship may give him comfort.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

A similar thing happened with one of my dogs. When she was a puppy i took her to the vet for the very first time. The vet said she had ear mites. Bear in mind I have had many dogs over the years he still wanted to show me how to apply the drops. He got hold of the pups ear and pulled it so hard "To straighten out the ear canal" she yelped so loudly and almost slipped out of my arms and off the table. We never went back to that vet again.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

Poor dog

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

You could change vets .
Perhaps different surroundings might not hold the same painful memories for him .
Although you feel for his distress so he probaby picks up some anxiety vibes from yourself .
Is there anyone else who could take him ?
Otherwise why not ask the vets for some sedative tablets before a visit?
Vets tend not to believe patients owners they are often told lies !
Ie "that's his friendly growl"

But like people animals often ( rightly ) associate going to the vets with some pain.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

I was going to suggest changing vets too...he obviously hates the building. Or if you know what the problem is just request a prescription....if all else fails a home visit but I know they can be expensive...good luck.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

As part of the socialisation process, I always take a new puppy to my vets so it can become familiar with the place and the scent in particular. I carry it to avoid infection.

That way the puppy learns to associate the vets with a pleasant experience (praise and treats) .

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

I don't think it is uncommon for normally friendly dogs to hate the vet, they are probably the only people in their lives that cause them pain. It's the same with cats too, my two cats swap personalities when they visit the vets. The feisty one freezes and the quiet one turns nasty. Personally I don't worry about it. I warn them what might happen then let them get on with it. I'm sure they are trained to deal with pets that get a bit stroppy.

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

I have the same problem,LQ,..my dog doesn't need to be muzzled,when they put him up on the table,the two nurses do it,(for his booster vaccination),they have to hold him while the vet injects,he scratched all up my arm once,so I leave the room now and they take over!.my advice to you,don't worry,let them take the strain,we pay enough for their fee's,..

Re: Stressed Dog and Vets

Exactly!