Is your dog nervous at the vets?

We know vet visits can be stressful for dogs. Strange smells, new sounds, memories of being unwell, or even anxious dogs nearby can make your pet feel uneasy.

If your dog gets nervous, please talk to our team. We’re here to help make their visit as calm and comfortable as possible.

How we can help

1. Wait outside or in your car

If the waiting room is stressful or your dog tends to be noisy, feel free to wait outside or in your car. Just call reception when you arrive. We’ll bring you straight into the consultation room or, if suitable, examine your dog outside.

2. Practice visits for confidence

Regular short visits can help your dog get used to the vet practice. We can arrange socialisation visits with our nursing team or you can drop by for a fuss and a treat from reception.

3. Muzzle safety and training

For safety, we may ask you to muzzle your dog. This helps keep everyone safe and can actually help calm your dog too. If your dog needs or could benefit from a muzzle, early training is best. Check out The Muzzle Up Project for helpful training tips. Please tell us if your dog usually wears a muzzle when you arrive.

4. Medications to help calm your dog

Sometimes, we recommend a “chill protocol” — oral medications (gabapentin and trazodone) given the night before and a couple of hours before the appointment. These help reduce stress and promote calmness but are not sedatives. Let us know if you want to discuss this when booking (please allow 48 hours notice).