Vet visits are pure stress for many dogs—but often it’s not just the treatment itself, but also the handling in the practice. PETBOOK author Manuela Lieflaender spoke with an expert about why sensitivity at the vet is so important for dogs and what owners can do to prevent anxiety.
I get upset every time vets are rough and lack sensitivity in handling dogs. Sure, there are situations and illnesses where a vet visit is simply unpleasant. That can’t always be avoided. But often, when you enter the practice, the vet is already stressed, the dog is immediately hoisted onto the table, the assistant restrains it, and then they get to work. And it’s quick. The next patient is already waiting. Heaven forbid if the dog doesn’t hold still immediately, then the muzzle is used for safety.
Vet Practices Shouldn’t Scare Dogs
No, a muzzle isn’t inherently bad. But does it have to be this way? Shouldn’t vets actually ensure that animals experience as little fear and stress as possible in this already unpleasant situation? My pet vet sees it that way. She believes fear and stress are “self-made reasons” and could be avoided if the vet prioritized this. I wanted to know if she’s right and how to find a vet who has a knack for the right approach with dogs.
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Vets for Dogs Never Learned the Handling
I suspected it. Yet, in the end, my research still shocked me: Practical handling of dogs is given little consideration in a standard veterinary medicine degree. Almost everything is primarily theoretical. Dr. Lars Nethe confirmed this to me; he is a specialist vet and owner of a dog practice. “Many young colleagues don’t know how to correctly interpret a dog’s signals. Although we theoretically learn to read a dog’s expressions in our studies, practical implementation requires experience and sensitivity.”
Are Anxiety-Reducing Medications the Solution?
So, whether the treatment becomes a positive experience for the dog depends on the vet’s experience with dogs and their scheduling. That’s my conclusion. “Well, that might be a factor. But I question whether it’s really the vet making the dog anxious or the treatment itself. It is inherently associated with a physically unpleasant experience for the dog. Even if we were to pet the dog for an hour before giving the shot, it doesn’t mean it will allow itself to be touched at the next visit.”
Of course, the worse the illness or injury that needs treatment, the higher the likelihood that the dog will avoid vets in the future. In such cases, many practices offer an anxiety-relieving medication administered before the vet visit.
“There Are 3 Types of Patients”
“There are three types of patients. Some return wagging their tails after an unpleasant treatment. Others are skeptical even as puppies and not well-disposed towards us vets. And the last are those who remember an unpleasant experience well.” Evolutionarily, this behavior makes sense, as it would protect against recurring dangers in nature.
To make the vet visit less stressful, “Medical Training” practiced regularly at home helps. This means teaching the dog in advance to be touched everywhere. This includes having its ears and paws checked, as well as its teeth. Making this training a daily routine and teaching the dog to associate it positively can reduce tension during the vet visit.
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Introductory Session at the Practice
Still, I don’t know how to find the right vet for my dog and me. My idea: Just like you introduce yourself to a new family doctor, and not only when you’re sick, I want to get to know my future vet first. But is it that simple?
Yes. There are practices that offer so-called “Happy Visits” for getting acquainted. This is an appointment without treatment, where the dog associates the practice positively, and the owner can find out if the vet is right for the dog and them. The costs for “Happy Visits” vary from practice to practice, depending on time and scheduling.
How Do I Know if the Vet is Right During a Happy Visit?
- First impression counts: The waiting room should already be calm and friendly. Stress factors like long wait times, loud environments, or crowded rooms can be warning signs.
- Team interaction: Does the vet let the dog sniff and settle in first? A good vet doesn’t rush but gives space.
- Body language: Pay attention to whether the vet respects your dog’s personal space. No abrupt touching, no holding without preparation.
- Communication with the owner: A good vet explains why they do something—even during a Happy Visit. They are interested in the dog’s history, ask about fears or bad experiences.
If you leave a Happy Visit and your dog seems relaxed, curious, or at least not panicked, that’s an excellent sign. If your gut feeling says, “We don’t feel comfortable here,” then it’s usually right.