A trip to the vet—are you already chilling out, or are you still running around?
April 2023
For some, it’s stress and anxiety; for others, outright panic; still others take it in stride—the trip to the vet! We’ll take a closer look at the causes and possible solutions.
What are you afraid of?
Between Freeze and Self-Help
Many dogs exhibit the same signs of anxiety—such as restlessness, panting, or growling in the waiting room, for example. Later, in the exam room, they often enter a so-called “freeze” state, meaning they barely move and become completely still. This is a common sight for veterinarian Astrid Schubert. She warns: “When dogs are in this frozen state, many owners and even the people treating them underestimate it, since the anxiety isn’t as clearly visible. However, that doesn’t make it any less distressing for the animal. And the next stage can be even more panicked or aggressive.”
Pet owners aren't helpless—there are ways to prevent this kind of anxiety, as well as to alleviate it once it arises.
Approach the vet visit with ease: Practice makes perfect!
The Preparation
Ideally, preparing for a visit to the vet shouldn’t wait until an examination is necessary. Owners can train their dogs beforehand to prevent fear from developing in the first place. For example, in the case of an ear infection, it can be helpful if the dog is already accustomed to having its ears checked regularly. Otherwise, even a brief increase in pain caused by the person treating the dog can lead to the dog refusing to let strangers touch its head at all.
The same applies to gently patting the belly, touching the paws and claws, or looking inside the mouth—having a bit of experience in these areas is invaluable.
You can start practicing some routines at home so the dog becomes familiar with them. The key here is to take it slow! Gradually increase the intensity once the dog feels comfortable (for example, start by touching the ear, and if the dog accepts that well, move on to lifting it...). Rewards are essential!
A Different Kind of Training
Astrid Schubert also incorporates medical training into this.
“Medical training involves practicing and learning examination techniques and using rituals to prevent anxiety. Of course, it’s also used with patients who have already developed anxiety—but it’s better and much easier to prevent it early on.” It is best carried out by veterinary technicians (VT) with additional qualifications, such as certification as a behavioral consultant. “Vet technicians have something very important at their disposal—medical knowledge and the right environment,” Schubert continues. Medical background is crucial in assessing anxious patients. Often, illness or pain lies behind anxious or aggressive behavior. Recognizing these and distinguishing them from fear of the vet visit is an important skill that vet technicians bring to the table.
Webinars you can take from home are also a great way to get started—for example, here!
Support
You can also help your dog stay calm using herbal remedies. Have you heard of our Relax? It’s a herbal remedy designed to help stressed dogs.
For your dog's well-being and relaxation.
Relax is a dietary supplement specially formulated for dogs that suffer from stress. It contains a blend of passionflower, hops, and valerian, all of which are known for their calming properties and can help promote your dog’s well-being and relaxation. Whether it’s visits to the vet, being left alone, car rides, or thunderstorms—Relax can be a welcome source of support for your dog in stressful situations.
