Controversial opinion alert, but I strongly believe that veterinary handling has become the most overt welfare concern affecting pet dogs. Vet handling is the necessary handling required for our dogs to be seen by the vets. This can include minor awake procedure, close examination and hands off examination, but there are an increasing number of dogs that are unable to tolerate most if not any of it.
So what does this mean, well the dark side of not being able to receive vet handling is the implication that a dog could not be treated easily for illness or injury if they needed to be. The result of that is detrimental.
What does not being able to receive treatment really mean?
Usually we picture a dog that is unable to be restrained, thrashing, growling and trying to escape the situation they find themselves in. This can escalate to become a more overt and extreme aggressive response where the animal poses a risk to people. This is more common than people might realise.
If this makes you think - that's my dog - then your next question might be "what are we going to do about it?"
There is a lot you can do to help a dog that has already decided veterinary or invasive handling is scary.
- Find a vet you like and work with them...consistently
- Ask their name, remember it and ask for appointments with them repeatedly.
- Explain your situation, your vet might even offer to give you pre-visit medication - which you should always take if your vet thinks it would help.
- Longer term medications can be explored and might help if the issue is one that has been present for a long time, or you are tackling multiple issues at once.
- Find a behaviourist you trust and preferably one that can tell you about cases where they have successfully helped people in your situation.
- Read about cooperative care. The principles are there to learn about and it's really important to have a good understanding of them.
- Practice at home. The only way you're going to make progress is through practice and you're the only one that can do that.
Resources to explore
- https://www.takingthegrrr.co.uk
- Sue Williamson is an amazing advocate and teacher in relation to handling issues.
- Chirag Patel
- The bucket game is a great game to start with for handling issues and lays the foundations for the work you might do with your behaviourist.