How to help your dog feel less stress at the veterinary hospital

Going to the vet should be a fun outing for your dog. And…your dog’s life may depend on his ability to be examined, go through diagnostics or be hospitalized. By providing a safe, welcoming environment and a pet-loving, highly trained team (with pockets full of treats); we go the extra distance to make your pet feel at ease. With your help we can build the trust needed to make West Hills Animal Hospital your dog’s favorite place to go.

A small number of our patients do have a fear of coming to the veterinarian. This can be centered on a number of factors such as a dislike of car rides, a fear of strange places, a fear of unfamiliar people, uneasiness around new objects, or any combination of phobias. Sadly, some dogs have had a bad experience at a hospital due to pain, illness or mishandling. If your dog has a fear of going to see the veterinarian or has a history of hiding, barking, growling, or biting especially in new situations; be sure to let us know. We have a very high success rate in bonding with these unique patients in the hospital setting.

Once you enter the hospital, dogs are welcome to explore the reception area. We do our best to get you and your pet in an exam room as soon as possible. This way we avoid nose to nose interactions with strange pets and provide a smaller, quieter den-like area. If just walking in the door makes your dog uneasy, be his leader and use positive, relaxed body language with words as well as treats to build your dog’s confidence. Each of us at WHAH is trained to watch our patients’ body language. We then alter our behaviors in respect for their needs.

Most nervous pets avoid eye contact and appreciate a slow and low approach. If your dog will accept treats, this goes a long way in building trust. A highly valued treat can even be enough to accomplish a full exam, blood draw, and vaccinations. When these efforts fail, sometimes we will perform some procedures and save others for another visit. That way your dog can make several “love up” trips to become familiar with the hospital and team. Then we don’t endanger the progress made. “Love up” visits can be scheduled or just come by. We will greet, offer treats, walk around together, play, practice scale and table use. These visits are meant to be all fun - changing dogs’ minds about the hospital. Dedicated owners, paired with our hospital staff, have taken dogs from not wanting to enter the building to leaping on the exam table waiting for their check-up. “Love up” times give us a chance to take a step by step approach to winning over your dog.

Rarely dogs are so afraid, they are aggressive and dangerous. We will often try to have some one-on-one time in these situations. Owners anxious about their pet’s illness or behavior are sending negative messages to their pets. So, sometimes a walk with the doctor takes dogs out of a stressful situation they are trying to control. Our hospital is set up with windows into the treatment area so you can keep your companion in sight at all times. Sometimes Gentle Leader collars or muzzles help accomplish necessary procedures and have a calming effect on some dogs. Sedation is also used depending on the individual needs.

We believe that earning the trust of family member pets and their companions is critical. We look forward to teaming up to make your next visit both productive and fun. Thank you for placing your pet in our care.