Fear Free Vet Visits

We all know our dogs’ oh-no-we’re-at-the-vet look. You know the one when their ears are pulled back, their eyes wide and their body shaking. Usually, the look happens when we’re either pulling into the veterinary clinic parking lot or stepping inside the clinic. We feel bad, but we justify their reactions as a necessary evil.

We all know our dogs’ oh-no-we’re-at-the-vet look. You know the one when their ears are pulled back, their eyes wide and their body shaking. Usually, the look happens when we’re either pulling into the veterinary clinic parking lot or stepping inside the clinic. We feel bad, but we justify their reactions as a necessary evil.

Well, no more! There’s a new wave in the veterinary community. It’s called force-free veterinary visits. Many veterinarians are choosing to passionately follow their “do no harm” oath to the letter. By using force free and low stress handling, dogs will leave the clinic better than they arrived–not only healthier, but also more mentally intact. Force free vet visits apply to all pets, including cats, horses, birds and guinea pigs.

What are Fear-Free Veterinary Visits?

Force-free veterinary visits entail there is minimal to no animal restraint involved and dogs are encouraged to participate during vet exams. Force-free vet technicians are armed with peanut butter stuffed toys, super yummy treats and lots of praise and pats. Dogs happily eat yummy treats as a veterinarian peeks into their eyes and ears, feels their belly, and listens to their hearts. If a dog becomes concerned and backs away, the veterinary staff stops the exam and gives him a break. After a few minutes of chatting with the owner, the vet tech will entice the dog to participate again. Basically, force-free veterinary exams move at your dog’s speed.

As I’ve discussed in other articles, dogs find freedom to choose (engage or disengage within a situation) just as reinforcing as treats and belly rubs. Allowing a dog to choose is very powerful.

Once a dog experiences a fun and rewarding veterinary exam, you’ll notice a huge difference in his reaction next time you pull into the parking lot. You’ll probably notice tail wagging, willingness to walk into the clinic and relaxed body language while your dog is examined. Not only does your dog have a relaxing experience, but you will as well!

Why are Fear-Free Veterinary Visits Important?

Veterinarians and their staff were noticing a steady incline of fractious (biting, growling) dogs or dogs that “shut down” during vet exams, which resulted in additional difficult and scary exams in the future. Every time a dog has a negative experience at a veterinary clinic, you can bet he’ll learn to dislike vet visits even more, forcing the dog to defend himself.

Force-free veterinary staff is no longer forcing dogs to comply or pinning them to the ground for examinations. Instead, they’re enticing dogs to engage, pairing yummy treats with veterinary equipment and making sure dogs are happier than when they arrived. This is huge!

You’re probably wondering how blood draws, fecal exams and other painful screenings are handled, but you’d be shocked how easily they can be performed with minimal handling. A dog happily licking away at a cream cheese stuffed toy will voluntarily stand still as a needle is inserted into a vein during blood draws.

Yes, you may notice your dog flinch (it does sting a bit) in the area and you may even notice your dog’s eyebrows raise when a fecal loop is inserted (I would too!). However, when allowed to choose their response in a situation, most dogs choose to ignore it as they feel safe. And that, dear readers, is the secret. By allowing dogs to participate willingly, they feel safe, which is the opposite of fear.

By using force-free, or low-stress handling, veterinary clinics can actually save time while saving costs. It’s expensive to incur bites off staff members or snap multiple X-ray films of struggling pets. It’s also the right thing to do for all pets.

Our First Fear-Free Veterinary Visit

For the most part, our regular veterinarian does a wonderful job allowing our dogs to participate in all exams. However, our first fear-free veterinary exam was like watching an awakening within my dog.

Sobek is a massive Rottweiler, so you can certainly understand why most veterinary staff members look uneasy when he gleefully bounces around and exuberantly greets everyone. Recently, Sobek went in for acupuncture with Dr. Amanda Florsheim DVM who acknowledged his size by sitting on the ground next to him. Her vet tech also sat on the ground right in front of his face and fed him delicious baked chicken. During the visit, Sobek stood pretty darn still as Dr. Florsheim inserted 20+ needles along his spine, around his healed ACL scar and along his rear.

Now, I’ve had acupuncture several times before and at least a third of inserted needles burn and hurt. Sobek was allowed to choose to participate and Dr. Florishem moved at his speed, which set Sobek up for success. He happily licked his food stuffed toy and gobbled baked chicken as the inserted needles were allowed to work their magic for 15 minutes. Now, that’s a success!

What I Experienced

Allow me to express my personal experience during a force-free exam. It was exhilarating and relaxing all rolled into one. Instead of worrying about Sobek jumping around, constantly moving, licking the vet’s face or tugging on the leash, I was free to enjoy the experience. If I weren’t so wrapped up in our calm vet visit, I would’ve taken a picture, but instead chose to be present during an eye-opening experience.

As a dog trainer and pet owner, I plead you to find a fear-free veterinary clinic. Not only will it change your dog’s life for the better, but you’ll also walk away proud your dog was a superhero! That’s the best feeling!

Article by Fanna Easter