Do you dread visits to the vet? Does your dog get stressed and act of character? Do you feel embarrassed or overwhelmed because of their behavior?

The good news is that you're not alone! Vet visits commonly cause stress for all involved. We're going to break down some of the reasons why trips to the vet can be challenging and, more importantly, we're going to walk you through steps you can take to help you dog feel safe and confident!

Potential Stressor: Strange Smells
The second your dog walks into the vet, they're bombarded with novel smells - other dogs (or even other animal types!), medical supplies, cleaning agents, etc. While dogs love to use their nose to explore, having so much new stimuli introduced at once can be overwhelming, especially if some of the smells feel threatening or scary. 
How You Can Help
Give your dog ample time to get comfortable and explore! You can practice this in a variety of environments, but since the vet is a unique type of space, we recommend actually going to your vet's clinic and allowing your dog time to sniff, hang out, and even play at their own pace. Encourage and reward curiosity! If your vet is open to it, try doing one or two fun field trips without the pressure of an exam or any procedures. When its time for an actual vet visit, arrive early and allow time for exploration so that your dog doesn't feel rushed or overwhelmed.

Potential Stressor: Foreign Textures
If your dog spends most of their time in your home, in your yard, and on sidewalks in your neighborhood, the textures they encounter in a vet clinic may feel foreign and scary. Whether it's vinyl flooring they encounter or a slippery exam table, dogs can be sensitive to the feeling under foot.
How You Can Help
Expose your dog to lots of different environments and textures! Take them to dog-friendly stores, restaurants, and parks. Build obstacle course of them. Find random objects around your house for them to walk across / stand on (think silk scarves, reflective car window shields, poster board, cardboard, etc.). Make these experiences FUN and you will quickly build your dog's confidence.

Potential Stressor: Unfamiliar People
Not all dogs like meeting new people! When vet visits move quickly from greetings to getting up close and personal, dogs can quickly become uncomfortable. 
How You Can Help
Practice introductions with friends and family, then ask your vet and their staff if you can have a meet and greet before your first visit! Ask the staff to hand feed your dog some of their kibble (or higher value treats if their food drive is low), bring your dog's favorite toy along for a quick play session, and keep the meeting low stress. When it's time for an actual appointment, remind the staff that your dog takes some time to warm up and ask if they can build some extra time into the appointment so there's no pressure to rush introductions.

Potential Stressor: Restraints / Handling
Depending on the reason for your vet visit, it's possible that it may be necessary to restrain your dog and/or muzzle them. Even the sweetest of dogs can become aggressive or move suddenly when they're in pain so it's understandable that vets take precautions, but physically restraining a dog that isn't used to being handled in such a way (especially by a stranger) or slapping a muzzle on a dog who isn't conditioned to one, can escalate the situation even more. 
How You Can Help
Get your dog comfortable with being uncomfortable! The main way we do this is through handling drills. If you know your dog has a specific procedure coming up that will require restraining them, ask your vet or their staff to show you what that will look like so that you can practice at home. If your dog is comfortable with you restraining them, but not the vet or their staff, practice handling drills with other people in your life! Start muzzle conditioning as well. Use shaping to get your dog comfortable putting their nose in the muzzle then slowly build to buckling it. Once they can keep the muzzle on for a few minutes, try having your dog move with it on!

Potential Stressor: Crate / Kennel
If your dog has to stay at the vet without you for any length of time, they will likely be placed in a crate or kennel. If they're not used to being confined, this experience can be extremely stressful.
How You Can Help
We understand that not everyone loves confining their dog at home, but these unavoidable situations are the exact reason we feel that being comfortable in a crate is an ESSENTIAL life skill. If your dog has never been in a crate before, start with short periods of time and build to longer periods as they get more comfortable. For more info, check out these posts on crate training!

With patience, a supportive vet team, and a little bit of practice, it is possible to take the stress out of vet visits! To work one-on-one with our trainers and help your dog overcome fear and anxiety at the vet, make sure to check out our in-person training programs.