I’ve been taking my dog to this vet since she was a pup. She’s currently 3 and, since an emergency vet visit about 2 years ago, she’s gotten more and more anxious every time she’s had to go. I’ve reco... Read More
I’ve been taking my dog to this vet since she was a pup. She’s currently 3 and, since an emergency vet visit about 2 years ago, she’s gotten more and more anxious every time she’s had to go. I’ve recommended this vet office to a handful of people, but after today, I'm not feeling as confident as I used to.
I took her in today to get a blood test and a booster. Per usual, she was anxious and wanting to leave but walked back just fine. The first thing the assistant did was put the leash around her neck and lift her on the table. Being very obviously anxious, a pat on the head or some sort of attempt to gain her trust would have been nice.
After this point, my dog needed her temp taken. I stood at her head providing calming words and petting her head while the assistant held her, and she tolerated the thermometer. After this point, my dog lost it. She was distraught and clearly terrified. Instead of trying to, again, provide calming words or gently petting her as to let her know she wasn’t trying to hurt her, she grabbed her by the skin on the back of her neck, pinned her to the table, and continued to yell at/scold her to calm down. At this point, I attempted to pet her and provide calm, consoling words to get her to calm down.
When the assistant again attempted to hold onto her, she stated my dog tried to bite her and to get the muzzle. I did not see if my dog had nipped or not, but can say that she has NEVER bit someone EVER in her life, even when she’s clearly been terrified.
So, the muzzle was put on, and the assistant again goes to grab her. My dog scratched her while trying to get free of her arms, and she (not the vet) states they will not be able to do the test or booster today, she will need to take something to calm her down before next time, and we will have to come back. At this point, I did not disagree. My dog was extremely overwhelmed and distraught. They gave me a script for pills that will calm my dog down for her next appointment and that’s all I was charged for.
As usual, the vet was very nice, especially when we were leaving; however, I was very put off by how the assistant handled my dog and that the vet basically said nothing the entire time. It seemed as if the assistant was telling the vet what was necessary, not vice versa. I understand my dog is a handful at the vet’s office and was extremely apologetic about the events today, but I don’t feel that grabbing her by the back of her neck and yelling at her helped the situation by any means.
Having just moved about an hour away from the area, I considered switching vets but decided to continue to take her to this vet office because I’ve never had any issues and have really liked the vet and assistant we typically have when here. After this, I feel I need to explore other options, and am very fearful that this experience will have only made her more anxious and less trusting. I can imagine the next vet visit will be that much more difficult. Read Less