How to Help Your Dog Overcome Fear of the Veterinarian

Do your dogs fear the prospect of visiting your veterinarian? When they sense an impending vet visit do they whimper and hide? Unfortunately, it's difficult to explain to dogs why they need a visit to their veterinarian since their grey matter isn't as advanced as ours. Since words may not be effective, what other tactics can you use to help your dogs overcome their fear of the veterinarian?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Avoid The Waiting Room If Possible
   
   Since you're probably not going to tell your dogs they're going to the vet, the anxious behavior won't develop until they arrive in the waiting room at the veterinarian's office. One way to avoid some of the stress associated with the waiting room is to arrange with the veterinary staff to allow your dogs to remain in the car until it's their turn to be seen. You can have the staff tap on your car window or call you by cell phone when it's time for the appointment.

2. Use The Power of Positive Reinforcement
   
   Take some healthy dog treats along and give them to your dogs upon entering the waiting room and again when they get into the exam room. This will reinforce the positive nature of the visit. When the appointment is over, give your dogs a special treat such as a trip to the local dog park or a snack they wouldn't normally get. Don't forget to praise them with kind words and gentle chin rubs. Make them feel good about going and you'll have fewer problems on your next visit.

3. Make Sure You're Seeing the Right Veterinarian
   
   Some vets and their staff are better at dealing with anxious dogs than others. If your vet and staff are unwilling to take the time to work with your fearful dogs, consider finding a vet who will. Sometimes a more compassionate veterinary clinic can make all the difference in how your dogs react to medical care. Before establishing your dogs as patients at any veterinarian clinic, take them in for a “get acquainted” where you can see how your dogs react to the staff and vice versa. At conclusion of the initial visit, you'll want to give your dogs attention and lots of positive reinforcement so they'll see the rewards of visiting the vet. The initial visit should never be for vaccinations or an examination.

4. Be Calm
   
   When you take your dogs to the vet, maintain an air of calmness. Dogs can quickly pick up on any anxiety or stress in your voice or body language. Talk soothingly and lovingly to help allay your dogs' fears. Sometimes a gentle neck massage can help to calm your dogs while they're waiting to be seen.