Just like us, dogs can also experience fear and anxiety, especially when faced with situations like visiting the vet for shots, procedures, or even just physical exams. While many vets do their best to minimize pain, discomfort, and stress, fear-free vets have taken rigorous steps to ensure comfort for their patients. But how do you know if your dog needs a fear-free vet? Here are some signs to look out for that indicate your pup may benefit from fear-free experience.
Fearful Demeanor
Whether they’re drooling, shaking, whining, or have fearful body language, dogs have many ways of communicating to their people that they are fearful. Make note of whether your dog is hiding under or behind you, panting excessively, giving whale-eyes, as these are all signs your dog is afraid or stressed.
Reactivity
Of course, everyone can lash out when they’re in unpleasant situations. If your pup is also lashing out by growling, snapping, barking, or even biting while at the vet, it may be time to find a facility that can compassionately handle reactivity in fearful patients.
On High Alert
Discomfort in dogs presents in many different ways, and they may be afraid even if they’re not shaking or hiding. If your dog is acting jumpy, startles easy, obsessively sniffs or attempts to explore, they may be expressing their stress and fear by being on high alert while at the vet.
Difficulties Decompressing
If your dog doesn’t like visiting the vet, they may express this by having difficulties decompressing after a vet visit, too. Whether they continue to express the signs listed above or they’re simply acting antsy and won’t settle once home, struggling to reset while in a comfortable space can indicate undue stress from vet visits.
While all vets work to ensure patient comfort, a fear-free vet will work with and respect your dog’s needs and boundaries, by providing a comfortable, stress-free environment for health care. At Eagle Animal Hospital, we use positive techniques and a gentle approach so your dog can have a fear-free vet visit that promotes their physical and emotional well-being. Schedule an appointment online today!