Until a couple of years ago my eight year old cocker spaniel used to love going to the vets, but for many years only ever attended for his boosters and annual check-up, he was a very healthy boy. Then got an infection in his anal glands that involved a painful and totally undignified examination, a few months after this he developed an infection in one of his claws – another painful examination. Just before Christmas 2007 he refused to go up stairs, off to the vets again, a slipped disc was diagnosed and poor old Jasper had to endure 6 weeks caged rest. When the vet was examining him this time Jasper emptied both his bladder and his bowels during the examination. Two months ago we had to take him to the vet as he was shaking his head a lot, he wee’d and poohed again when on the table. Jasper’s groomer comes to the house to beautify him, last time she came he wee’d and poohed on her grooming table. Jasper is a sensitive little dog who has a very low pain threshold and now clearly associates visits to the vet’s and being on atable with pain. This is making things quite difficult for us, he is going to need his boosters soon and I’m afraid that the prospect of wrestling with him on the table, him disgracing himself again and us having a less than fragrant dog in the car is putting me off going. Does anyone have any suggestions to help him overcome his fear? Hellebore

hmm…well, your dog has had bad experiences at the vet’s,obviously.The dog is thinking,basically “hey, this is where they did…last time” So, what you need to do, is make it a very enjoyable experience.What I would suggest is come several minutes earlier for your appointment, so your dog can warm up, and remember to use a lot of praise,kind words,and treats.Same thing when the dog gets in the examination room…ask the vet to pet your dog and praise him and just make him as comfortable as possible.Whenever he does something right, say “yay!!” in a high(but not,like squeeky) voice…dogs like that.

Hope this helped

Emily

Thanks Emily, We usually have to wait quite a long time at the vets and Jazz is OK in the waiting room, it’s when he gets into the exam’ room that his fear takes over. Next time we go I’ll take my other half with me and he go in first and explain the situation, hopefully then the vet will make a fuss of Jazz on the floor before putting him on the dreaded table! Trouble is he is a very bight boy with an exceptional memory!! Thanks for your advice. Cheers Hilary

If every time we went to the dentist, we had a tooth extracted or root canal, would YOU want to go? Not me!!!!

Does he ever go anywhere else in car, or only to vet?

Prior to annual visit, can you go to vet’s, for a quick visit, WHERE NOTHING happens to him, except he gets something realllly yummy? That might help desensitize him.

Also, do not feed the morning, of annual visit. When you get there, vet/tech has yummmmmy treat or cool toy.

more than his annual visit if possible would be better.  Weekly for a month with goodies in the exam room where he freeks out.  and work it to once a month.  Your vet should not have any problems if he/she is a caring understanding vet.  If you explain the situation they should be just fine.  If not, i would be finding another vet who really cares about the animal!

Try taking him there and rewarding him (in stages).  Take for ride, reward… home.  Take to office door, reward.  Home. Take to office inside, reward, leave, home.  Take to office, room, reward, home.  Take to office, room, TABLE [this seems to be his trigger] reward, reward reward, home.  Repeat as often as necessary to make a the association positive. Call the vet and tell them what you will be doing.  For their sake and yours, it’s in their best interest to make this problem better.

Same with groom:  bring in table, reward.  drop treats near table, put on table for a second, reward, put down, reward.  Repeat until he can stand on the table without relieving himself. Build him up and also, asking the groom to do it on the floor until he’s rebuilt up his love for it, a couple of times.

Good Luck!

Annie

Trainer in Germany

www.painlessdogtraining.com