My dog is aggressive at the vet, what now?

In the case of a dog known for its violent tendencies, a trip to the vet can seem like an absolute nightmare. The good news is that there are things you can do to ease the stress of your dog’s annual checkup or an emergency visit. The most important tip is to get a sedative for your dog from the vet.

How to Deal with an Aggressive Dog

Understanding why violent behavior occurs is the first step in stopping it. Owners of violent dogs may believe that their dog is holding a grudge against them. This is usually due to a lack of trust.

When dogs are afraid of something, they go into fight or flight mode, just like any other animal. Barking, growling, aggressive behavior, and resistance begin when they realize they can’t get away. Dogs can become violent in stressful situations, such as in a veterinary office. Even when they are otherwise friendly to people and other dogs. You can get a sedative for your dog from your vet.

Fear of the unknown, combined with the howling in the room and the overwhelming smells and presence of other animals, is enough to make even the most relaxed dog nervous. What can you do if you know your dog is violent or becomes hostile during a visit to the vet?

Book early to avoid other dogs

When arranging your annual check-up, ask for an early morning or late afternoon appointment to save time and money at the clinic. It is best to arrive at the beginning or end of your stay to avoid other dogs.

However, remember that appointments can fill up quickly because your dog is not the only one who gets nervous. If you go to the vet, schedule an appointment in advance.

Wait outside

Keep your dog in the car or out of the waiting room to prevent anxiety. As a last resort, bring a buddy to help you check your dog in or wait for your dog to be called in (never leave your dog alone in the car).

However, most veterinary clinics will allow you to wait outside by beeping, texting or calling when the vet is ready to see your dog.

Request a private room for everything

Checking in and weighing your pet often takes place in a central hallway or waiting room, while most surgeries are done in a private exam room. If your dog is nervous, it may not be easy to get accurate measurements. When you bring your dog in for a checkup, ask if the clinic has a portable scale so they can weigh him without the distraction of other animals.

Ask about backdoors

Veterinarians are in this business because they have a great love for animals. They want your dog to feel comfortable too. The vet staff may have a separate door for you to enter and exit, or they may accommodate your dog’s specific needs in other ways. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, dog fights are common in veterinary practices. With a sedative for your dog, you can make your trip to the vet a much more pleasant one.

Tristar Vet's Quality Medical Equipment

Veterinary equipment is made by TriStar Vet, one of the largest manufacturers in the industry. We are experts in stainless steel equipment, built to keep your clinic as hygienic and comfortable as possible. Browse our selection of veterinary exam tables, kennel systems, grooming baths and veterinary scales to find the right one for your practice.

Be open about your dog's problems

When you talk to your vet, let her know what is causing your dog’s behavior. Is it just other dogs bothering you? Is it just me, or does anyone else feel the same way? What about other animals? Are there big men in hats?

What’s the worst that can happen? Is there a pattern to your dog’s behavior if he is taken away from you by the vet staff? Knowing your dog’s phobias will make it easier for the vet and his team to work around it.

Ask your vet about a sedative for your dog

When discussing your dog’s health issues with your veterinarian, ask if there are medications that can help calm him down. Many of the anti-anxiety medications that veterinarians prescribe are the same ones that dogs are given to prepare for fireworks or travel.

Only under anesthesia can a dog with severe aggression be seen by a vet. Please, don't feel bad about it. You have to put the interest of your pet above your own.

Attraction pheromones for dogs

It is worth using dog calming pheromones instead of sedation because they are much less intrusive. Pheromones are molecules that animals produce that can influence their behavior outside the body.

You can buy Adaptil online for nervous or scared dogs. It is a calming agent for your dog at the vet. It can be used as a spray, a diffuser, or a collar.

Wait in the car

Keep your car well away from the main entrance of the clinic. This way your dog will not be able to sense any movement around him. In order to leave your dog in the house while you lock your doors, you will need to take two sets of keys with you. Tell the receptionist that you will wait in your car until it is time to go to the vet.

Reactive dogs can become anxious if left alone in the exam room for long periods of time. The sounds and smells of a veterinary clinic can be quite frightening. People and dogs quickly passing by the exam room door can instill fear in an aggressive dog. Be careful to respect your dog’s demands when checking in at most veterinary practices.

Back Door Exit

After the appointment, make sure it is safe to go outside. You can ask the vet to clear a path for you to go outside if it is difficult to see. When you get back to your car, lock the doors and turn on the air conditioning. Then go back to the store and pay the bill. Take a deep breath and relax. It’s done!