The Walking Club

My dog is nervous at the vet. How can I help?

Practice gentle handling at home, go for happy visits, and never force it.
2 min read·Field notes

Short answer: build good feelings about the vet before you need one, and never force handling.

What Cornell and VCA say

Cornell says you can practice the same handling that vets and groomers use at home, so dogs get comfortable with it. It says never to force your dog to accept touch, and to let them walk away if they are uncomfortable. VCA describes systematic desensitization: break the scary situation into small steps and use food rewards.

What to do

Ask your vet practice about its approach to low-stress handling. See the vet waiting room, a dog who growls at the vet and a first vet visit.

Get the right help

If your dog is very afraid, talk to your vet about a plan.

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RelatedMy Dog Panics in the Vet Waiting Room. Can We Wait Somewhere Else?
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