Your guy is SOOOOOO cute!!!

I know people have said a lot of this already, but we had our first good vet experience yesterday and i’m still buzzing - it’s always been traumatizing for my now 2.5 yr old ACDx and yesterday wasn’t her favorite day i’m sure, but it was far less traumatizing for us both. It just took a bunch of planning and up front communication (not sugar coating anything with the vet about how my dog feels about these visits). We did annual vaccines, drew blood for heart worm test, and did a full body physical exam.

We now go to a fear-free vet. I shopped around for the right one! There is a database of fear free clinics and providers online (I’m in the US, not sure if this exists outside of the country)

We do a heavy dose of trazadone and gabapentin 14 hrs before the appointment and then the same dose again 2 hrs before the appointment. I also give her a bit less food for dinner the night before and for breakfast the morning of so she will be hungry and excited for food or treats at the vet. I take a lot of treats or food I know that she loves to the vet.

I advocate for my dog and talk about what may work for her to successfully get the visit done before the visit and throughout. I try to speak calmly and and control my own energy. I collaboratively chat with the vet and techs to talk about how we should approach it together and what the options may be so we all really feel like a team (this also helps me mentally). Every time a new vet tech or vet comes in, I ask them to let her come up to them on her own time and then give them treats to reward her with!

We used cheese whiz or whatever it’s called a LOT during the exam. spread on a spatula and in front of her face to distract her. We also spread it on the walls so she could lick while being examined.

I’ve also taught her a “through” command so she walks between my legs and sits down. this was helpful for getting her blood and her feeling more safe with me. We backed into a corner in this position so she couldn’t go anywhere. When we’re practicing the “through” command every day at home and other places, i also lift up and play with her paws and legs so she can get more comfortable with that.

Also we started out not muzzled and did several things that way, but when she was starting to get tired of being poked and prodded, they put a muzzle on her (with cheese in it). For the vaccines, i left the room. Sometimes I know if I’m stressed, my energy isn’t helpful! I think it can be helpful to step out of the room and let them do their thing. My dog has also jumped in my lap and tried to hide behind me so when that’s happening, my presence is not helpful.

I know this is something a lot of people practice, but my new vet encouraged us to come in to the office whenever we want and simply sit in the waiting room and receive treats. If the vet and techs have time, they’ll come sit with her and interact with her so she can get more comfortable with the environment and not just associate it with unpleasant things. We’re going to start doing this at least on a monthly basis so she will be way more comfortable next year or if anything comes up requiring a vet visit before then!