I'm not sure if this is the right place for this post or if it's been covered before but here it is. (I tried doing a search but no posts found with the word 'vet' in?! I think I did something wrong)

So we went to the vet today for an eye problem - turned out to be a scratch on his cornea. And Max wouldn't let the vet touch him at all, growled, snapped and would have bitten if the vet hadn't been fast enough.

The guy seemed to take it well, he got me to muzzle Max and then put a towel over his face so he couldn't see the vet properly.

But my question is whether or not this is a big enough issue to work on it (getting him to be ok with the vet's office and the vet etc) or just get a muzzle for him to wear when we go there?

And if it's to muzzle him how do I make it so the whole ordeal is not so traumatic for him? He really has a problem with the whole exam room - the table, the floor, the vet and being poked and prodded.

The vet said that getting him neutered (it's on the list for next month's pay) would calm him down a bit. is that true and if it is true would it help in a situation like that?

Sorry, I disagree with your vet. Lots of really nice dogs and cats become completely different animals once they go through that door.

Neutering *may* calm him down somewhat but I don't see how removing his testicles is going to change his behavior at the vet's office. I've actually seen the opposite happen. Dogs were fine with the vet until they had a surgery or a hospitalization and then their whole attitude changed about going to the vet.

If there is a health reason that would necessitate frequent vet visits you could try stopping in the office while you're out on errands to get him more familiar with being in the place. Make it brief, casual, and positive and it might help.

 Quote: sarah morris

Sorry, I disagree with your vet. Lots of really nice dogs and cats become completely different animals once they go through that door.

I agree...and also I think it is worse when it involves someone strange getting near their face as well.....

I take my dogs in to "visit" the vet whenever we (both me and the vet and staff) have time. Staff and vet come out and give the treats that I take in before hand, or toss the ball a few times. We put them up on the exam table and reward, take them into the kennel area and reward and things like that.

Max is always nervous at the vet so he is muzzled and depending on procedure, Rock too can get grouchy, but all the others are fine and most of the time we do everything on the floor. The exam table stuff is for just in case.

Even though those two tend to get grouchy, they all go in willingly and happy since they know it is a place of treats and ball playing.

I hate it that vets advocate neutering for behavioral problems.

Neutering for behavioral problems is generally only effective if its done before the behavior comes up anyway, and even then i'm not convinced it does all that much. Behavioral problems are training issues to me, not surgical ones.

Hi Rhonda,

Check out this study on behavior in spayed vs intact dogs.

http://www.acc-d.org/2006%20Symposium%20Docs/Session%20I.pdf

 Quote:

Keep in mind it just might be Max doesn't like the vet. Not all vets are animal magnets, ya know?

This is interesting. Cujo has no issues with my regular vet in Orlando, and loves all 3 vet's he's seen in Belgium, but when I took him to PetSmart's Banfield vet (only place I could find open on Sunday in a pinch) he was acting nervous and fearful. The vet started telling me about how German Shepherds are fearful dogs and his mothers shepherd hides behind the sofa when someone comes to the door.

I wouldn't rule out trying a vet of the opposite sex to your current vet, or trying a different vet even of the same sex. If for nothing else, just to see if the reaction is better.

I personally believe dogs can tell when people want to chop their nuts off, so perhaps its a pre-emptive strike

I think vets always go for neutering first as a solution. It is a money maker and great for population control. Not saying you shouldn't neuter just do not see it as a quick fix.

I definately would work on this problem as Carol suggests.

Cant say im impressed with the vet, yet this is not uncommon to hear.
My rott will ocasionally growl at the vet. now this is a dog that will let strangers (judges, trainers) check him over, bits and teeth etc. he just is sus with the vet. My german short haired pointer bitches are all the same, the most placid breed i know, but vet beware??
I put his muzzle under my arm pit and hold his scruff, ok maybe i should get a muzzle.
As for chopping of his bits its no way reliable in behaviour modification. imagine the body being void of those hormones and chemicals in the body. you just cant predict the effect reliably enough.
Well thats my 2p.

Interesting study Tracy. I wish everyone would read it!