Is your dog scared of the vet

Is Your Dog Scared Of The Vet?

by Friends of the Dog

The fear a dog feels when visiting the vet is very real. Each time this fear is triggered, unless addressed, it can be reinforced, making the dog’s reactions even worse in the future.

Why Does This Happen?

There are several common reasons:

The dog may have had a negative experience at the vet. This doesn't necessarily have to be medical; for example, another dog in the waiting room may have acted aggressively towards them.
The only time the dog is in the car is for a vet visit, creating a negative association with car rides.
During the critical period (6–16/18 weeks), the puppy was not positively habituated to the vet. It’s also important to ensure the puppy is comfortable with being handled by different people and accustomed to having all body parts handled, including opening the mouth to inspect the teeth.

How Can You Overcome the Fear of the Vet?

To help your dog overcome its fear, it's crucial that you remain calm and composed. Dogs are excellent at reading our body language, and if you’re stressed, your dog will pick up on it. Always be mindful of your dog’s body language, and if you notice signs of anxiety, take it slow and ensure your dog feels comfortable before proceeding.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your dog overcome its fear of the vet:

Change the Dog's Perception of the Car: Start by breaking the association between the car and the vet. Begin by simply sitting in the car with your dog in the driveway. Offer treats and a favorite chew toy.
Take Short Trips: Once your dog is comfortable in the car, take short trips to places like parks or other locations where your dog can get out and explore. This helps change the association with car rides and makes them more enjoyable.
Introduce High-Value Treats at the Vet’s Parking Lot: Once your dog is comfortable with car rides, drive to the vet. Bring high-value treats, park the car, and toss a couple of treats near the car. Praise your dog enthusiastically as they eat the treats. How many times you repeat this step will depend on your dog’s response.
Walk Around the Parking Area: When your dog is relaxed, begin walking around the parking lot, dropping treats and offering praise. Gradually, walk closer to the vet’s entrance, but don't go inside yet.
Coordinate with the Receptionist: Before moving to the next step, call the receptionist to explain what you're doing. Ask if they can offer your dog some treats, especially if they’re not busy. This helps your dog associate the vet with positive experiences. Repeat this several times until your dog is completely relaxed.
Enter the Vet's Waiting Room: Once your dog is comfortable with the previous steps, walk into the waiting room, but choose a seat away from other people. Offer treats and praise generously, then leave while your dog is calm and relaxed.
Practice in the Consulting Room: If possible, ask the receptionist if there's a spare consulting room where you can practice sitting with your dog for a few minutes. Enter the room, offer treats, and then leave. Repeat this process a few times. If a consulting room isn't available, simply walk up to the door, turn around, and return to the waiting area. Repeat until your dog is relaxed.
Communicate with the Vet: Let your vet know your dog is fearful. If you're seeing a new vet, briefly explain the situation so they can take extra time and care during the exam, which will make the process easier for your dog.