My dog Tula doesn’t really like the vet – she pulls to get away when we try to come in through the door, but calms down quite a bit once we enter the waiting room. When we first had her she had no problem going in, but after having had several surgeries and being left in the operating room overnight on multiple occasions she has developed a certain amount of anxiety about the whole vet experience.
But we know it could be a lot worse: some dogs suffer from such intense anxiety that they can’t even walk through the front door, leading to reactive behaviors.
Below we discuss some of the reasons why dogs dislike the vet and what owners can do to reduce their fear and anxiety.
7 reasons why dogs hate the vet
The main reasons dogs dislike the vet are fear and anxiety – this ranges from fear of the unknown to dogs picking up on the anxiety of other visitors or owners.
1. Past Experience
Tula underwent two major surgeries, including removing part of a bone from her leg so that her elbow could fit properly, as well as multiple x-rays and CT scans, all of which required anesthesia and hours of surgery without us.
Now, when she finds herself approaching the vet’s office, she backs away and won’t go in. We can convince her to come through the door, but she is anxious and doesn’t want to go through another visit like she did before.
This type of anxiety is common, as a vet visit always involves at least some poking and pushing.
2. Strong noises and smells
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and are thought to be able to detect anxiety or fear in other animals. Bright lights, sometimes slippery floors, strong smells and often loud noises can all contribute to a dog’s stress in the waiting room before being seen by a veterinarian.
3. Fear of other animals
Some dogs love to meet, greet, and interact with other dogs. Some dogs are scared or anxious of other dogs. This fear could be due to a bad encounter in the past or due to not being well socialized. Either way, being confined in a waiting room face-to-face with another dog is more than enough to trigger a fear response in an anxious dog.
4. Strange Environments
Tula has had many visits to the vet, whereas some dogs only need to go once a year for vaccinations and simple health checks. These dogs are less likely to develop anxiety triggered by a traumatic past event, but may develop a fear of the unknown.
Veterinarian waiting rooms and operating rooms are bleak, utilitarian environments that can make even the best-natured pup feel anxious.
5. Separation anxiety
If you have to leave your dog at home overnight or during the day, he may not like being separated from you. Separation anxiety can lead to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, improper toileting, and biting.
If you have taken your dog to the vet before, they may be expecting the same isolation after each visit.
Solution
There will come a time when your dog will need to visit the vet, whether it’s for annual vaccinations, a dental check-up, or if you need to have your dog examined in an emergency. Taking an anxious or scared dog to the vet can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog.
There are some steps you can take to make it all more bearable for both you and your partner.
1. Desensitization
Desensitization is gradually getting your dog used to the vet visit experience. At first, your dog may need to get used to riding in the car, then driving up to the vet’s office, approaching the door, and walking past the door but not going inside.
Desensitization is usually combined with counter conditioning to change your dog’s feelings about a vet visit by associating it with positive things like praise, a valuable treat, or a fuss. Give your dog lots of praise and rewards when he’s calm or responds positively. Continue this on different days until your dog is happy to get in the car and drive past the vet’s office.
2. A pleasant visit
Some veterinary clinics welcome dogs and their owners without an appointment, especially if they sell food and other products at the reception desk. However, some have quiet times or time slots for anxious or aggressive dogs, so check beforehand. Some vets and clinics have taken special measures. Fearless training.
If your vet allows it, treat this as the next step in desensitization and take your dog to fun places, buy him treats, and reward good behavior.
3. Schedule quiet time
As mentioned above, some vets are willing to make time for anxious dogs, but even if not, if you let the receptionist know that your dog is nervous at the appointment, especially if he or she is reactive, your vet will do all they can to make the appointment as comfortable and calm as possible for everyone.
You may be able to make an appointment outside of regular business hours, or have your puppy wait outside or in your car until the vet is ready to examine him.
4. Start by going for a walk
If your dog is tired when he arrives at the veterinary clinic reception, he’s more likely to just lie down and fall asleep, and a sleeping dog is less likely to become reactive or anxious.
At the very least, it gives your puppy a chance to pee and poop so he’s less likely to do so in the waiting room.
5. Reward positive interactions
Yelling or scolding your dog when he’s anxious will only make things worse and reinforce the negative association between your dog and the vet. Instead, reward and praise good behavior. Have your dog sit quietly in front of your desk and when he does, praise him profusely and give him a treat right away.
Reward your dog with a treat as he sits quietly in front of the vet, and then when the whole ordeal is over, praise him lots and take him for a walk to his favorite park or beach.
6. Medication
If your dog is anxious, you can try supplements or pheromone products to help calm him. Your vet may also recommend prescription anti-anxiety or sedative medications before your appointment. This can be especially helpful if your dog needs treatment but you don’t have time to gradually desensitize or counter-condition him beforehand.
7. Don’t reinforce anxiety
Many owners unwittingly increase their dog’s anxiety – if you’re anxious or stressed, your dog will pick up on it, so try to remain as calm as possible.
If your dog becomes anxious, your vet may advise stopping the procedure or exam and trying again at another time, unless it’s an emergency. Listening to your dog, stopping before they get too stressed, and planning their next appointment will likely prevent your dog’s veterinarian anxiety from worsening and making the next appointment even more difficult.
Is it normal for dogs to dislike the vet?
For dogs who have had bad experiences at the vet before, or who are already anxious when seeing other fearful or reactive dogs, fear is a normal reaction – try to make the experience a positive one.
Don’t react to bad behavior, and give lots of praise and rewards for your dog’s good behaviors and responses. Pair a vet visit with a walk that your dog loves, or a trip to get your dog’s favorite frozen yogurt treats.
Is it okay to not take my dog to the vet?
At some point, all dogs will need to be seen by the vet – whether it’s for an annual checkup, procedures like neutering, or in case of an emergency, but if you can reduce your dog’s anxiety and fear, the whole process will be easier for everyone.
Desensitize your dog to the experience, reward good behavior, and avoid reinforcing his anxiety by yelling or scolding him.
Conclusion
While some dogs are perfectly calm when it comes to vet appointments, many become anxious, especially if they’ve had a bad experience with the vet in the past. Check with your vet to see if they’ll accept your dog outside of scheduled visits, making it an opportunity for an enjoyable visit with no negative consequences.
Exercise your dog before your visit to the vet, praise and treat him on the day of the appointment, and as a final option, you could talk to your vet about medications that can help calm your dog during the appointment.
Featured image credit: AnnaStills, Shutterstock
