Dog is afraid of the vet - dog fears vet - Answered by Dr. Slome

[auntiejennie]

I own a black lab/chow mix. I recently moved and took Dakota to a new vet.
dakota has had some very bad experiences at the vet and when Dakota would not let the vet muzzle him after 1/2 hour of tormenting Dakota, the vet threw his hands up in the air and told me to get a new vet and that he wouldn't have the dog around the place. My feelings were so hurt and my dog still doesn't have his shots. This dog is great with people and other dogs and now his experieinces at the vet have been worse than ever. Can anyone help me figure out a way to take the fear out of Dakota when going to the vet.

[angie79]

did the vet try to sweet talk her, give her cookies.. my vet gives tons of cookies...

why does she need a mussle at the vet? does she wear a mussle often?
maybe if you mussle her before she goes into the office she will be ok

[Rita]

Can you try a different vet?
Sounds like this one was either having a bad day or really does have the patience needed to deal with animals .... especially for a first time meeting

[glasslass]

I think dogs have a sixth sense about people that is usually right on. I would try a new vet regardless. Did he ever have those kinds of problems with his previous vet? When making an appointment, let the new vet know what has happened over the phone and ask if there's anything you should do before you go in (muzzle?).

[SnowDancer]

My vet's practice has 4 vets, all with different personalities. Some dogs love one vet, but run when they see another. Occasionally, depending on the procedure to be performed and the dog's temperament, the vet is more comfortable if the dog is lightly muzzled - yes, even the sweetest dogs in the world! I suggest you try and find a new vet - your profile just reads Ontario. My primary vet is excellent - but located in Toronto.

[auntiejennie]

I do have plans to try a new vet. He has always been nervous at the vet but my last one new it so he just gave him a shot in the hip and let him go on his way. I think I'm just more concerned the vet hurt my feelings when he said he won't have the dog around the place. I should have known better when he never pet Dakota or talked to him.

[auntiejennie]

Thanks everyone, I got a new vet and got the job done. Ironically it was a female vet this time who spent a long time getting to know Dakota. She also mentioned his great condition and nice coat. It was a lovely experieince. Dakota was not entirely impressed but he certainly wasn't traumatized like last week. For anyone in my area Arnprior animal hospital treated Dakota and myself far better than Pinnacle Animal hospital in Renfrew.

[petdr]

Fear is often an underlying cause of aggression at the vet and it is very frustrating for all when a pet is unco-operative. I think we have a situation here of firstly the breed characteristics of a Chow, notoriously aggressive at the Vet, and secondly you need to get the fear somewhat controlled.

A very common solution is to sedate Dakota with tranquilizers prior to the vet's visit. Another option is to consider a mobile vet since it may just be a fear of the premises at the vet and if he is generally friendly to others, he may allow you or another vet to apply a muzzle at your home situation.

I would suggest you practice applying a muzzle at home without anything happening to him before you take it off so he doesn't associate the muzzle with something bad always.

Lastly, I would strongly suggest he get neutered if hasn't already been neutered as this will control male aggressive tendencies.

Good luck. I know it is frustrating.

Martin Slome DVM
Centre Street Animal Hospital
7700 Bathurst Street Units 40-42
Thornhill, Ont.
L4J 7Y3
Tel. (905) 771-9855
Fax (905) 771-7260