Monty’s Story: A home visit changed everything for a nervous dog

Posted in Stories

Monty’s fear of the vets

Monty wasn’t just reluctant about going to the vet – he knew the moment Jaquie turned into the road where the clinic was. Before they even parked, his anxiety was in full swing. Out of the car, he would spin and howl, lunging in the opposite direction, his 50 kilos firmly planted against any attempt to coax him inside.
To the outside world, Monty looked intimidating – he was a German Shepherd, after all. But behind the big-dog bravado, he was as anxious as a quivering poodle (Sorry, Poodles!).
Jaquie knew something was wrong. Monty was stiff, itchy, and had rubbed a sore over his eye. But she dreaded taking him to the vet – until she called Paws Indoors.

A different kind of vet visit

When we arrived at Jaquie’s home, she asked us to knock on the back gate while she secured Monty in the garden. She feared he might be aggressive, just as he had been at the vet practice before. “He’s really a lovely, affectionate dog,” she told us, embarrassed by his past behaviour.
This is a story we hear often. Many dogs “don’t like the vet,” not just because something painful has happened, such as injections or nail clipping, but because of traumatic past experiences – being restrained by multiple people, strange smells, slippery floors, loud noises, and an owner’s own anxiety feeding into theirs.
At Paws Indoors, we work differently. We follow the ‘fear-free’ approach, a term you might have heard. This approach, which we’ve been practising for years, focuses on creating calm, positive experiences that lead to better outcomes for pets and owners alike. It also means that animals are not left with traumatic memories of their medical experiences. We achieve this by using gentle handling techniques, providing a comfortable environment, and using positive reinforcement to reduce fear and anxiety in pets.

Building trust, one chicken treat at a time

Back to Monty – or rather, to Jaquie, who was understandably nervous. I spent the first ten minutes simply chatting with her about all the experiences she’d had with Monty while offering him small bits of chicken through the fence.
I observed his movement around the garden, how he scratched, and how sensitive he was to touch on his head – not from fear, but from irritated, hypersensitive skin.
In a clinic, even the most easy-going pet’s behaviour can change. But at home, I could assess Monty’s mobility, see which legs hurt, evaluate his behaviour and motivation, and check his vision, hearing, coat, and skin. When Jaquie got him to roll over, I could examine the sore, red skin on his belly – all without him realising he was being “examined” at all.

A plan without the stress

By the end of our visit, Jaquie was more relaxed, Monty was comfortable, and we had a plan. We treated his sore legs, soothed his irritated skin, and improved his quality of life – all while he pottered happily around his garden, enjoying treats. It was a successful and uplifting experience for all of us.
The takeaway for nervous pets
Monty’s story is proof that vet care doesn’t have to be stressful or frightening. With a calm approach, familiar surroundings, and patience, even the most anxious pets can receive the care they need without trauma.
Give your pet a fear-free vet experience at home
If your dog or cat dreads going to the vet, Paws Indoors can help. Our mobile vet service brings expert care right to your door, keeping your pet calm and comfortable.
📞 Call us today or visit pawsindoors.co.uk to see if we cover your area and book a home visit.

 

Samson Lionheart

Posted in Stories, Uncategorised

Samson the gentle panther: A low-stress approach to feline care

Cats like Samson are the reason Paws Indoors exists — to provide expert veterinary care tailored to even the most sensitive pets. Samson’s story is one of compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of what cats need to feel safe.

A cat with the heart of a panther (and the nerves of a kitten)

Samson is a strikingly large black cat — the kind you might mistake for a panther if you caught a glimpse of him at the bottom of the garden. Muscular and graceful, he cuts quite the figure. But behind his confident exterior is a nervous soul. He dislikes cat baskets and doesn’t take well to strangers, making traditional vet visits a challenge.

His devoted owner, Felicity, noticed something wasn’t right. Samson had lost weight and was grooming himself constantly. Concerned but mindful of his nerves, she didn’t want to cause more stress by forcing him into a basket to visit the vet. That’s when she reached out to Paws Indoors.

Gaining trust in a safe space

Samson and Felicity live in a charming old cottage filled with hidey holes — not ideal for catching a wary cat! So, I suggested Felicity gently encourage Samson into the kitchen before my arrival, where he’d have fewer places to hide.

When I arrived, I didn’t approach Samson straight away. Instead, I talked to Felicity — learning more about his symptoms and history while giving Samson time to observe and sniff me out. This non-threatening approach helped him realise I wasn’t a ‘threatening predator’ and perhaps even a potential source of treats!

Felicity mentioned Samson’s history with fleas and her struggle to access prescription treatments without a vet visit. Over-the-counter remedies weren’t cutting it anymore, and his over-grooming and sore tummy were starting to worry her.

A calm examination — and some unexpected news

Once Samson was more relaxed, I gently approached him. He was sitting by the door, hoping it might open, and I was able to use a minimal restraint technique to examine him — one hand near his chest, the other holding my stethoscope. He even allowed me to pick him up and check his belly, which was very red and sore.

In addition to his irritated skin, I discovered a heart abnormality that was affecting his breathing. Felicity was understandably unsure of what to do next. We agreed to start with the least stressful treatment: addressing his sore skin and giving him a prescription for flea treatment.

Making a difficult decision with compassion

A few weeks later, Felicity shared a photo of Samson’s now-healed tummy—a huge relief. We then talked about investigating his heart condition further. It wasn’t an easy decision. Sedation, travel, tests—all things that could cause stress, but Felicity wanted to understand what was going on so she could help him in the long run or at least be prepared.

I gave Samson a light sedative, specifically designed for cats with anxiety, before transporting him to the surgery to minimise his anxiety. We were all nervous about what the X-rays and blood tests might reveal.

A hopeful outcome and a happier cat

To our relief, Samson’s condition wasn’t as serious as feared. With major issues ruled out, we could focus on managing his heart condition with medication that he’d actually take — no daily battles required.

Three months later, Samson is doing brilliantly. He’s gained some weight, is much more settled, and is taking his medication like a pro. Felicity no longer has to worry about the stress of vet visits for simple treatments — and Samson is getting the care he needs without the fear. Samson’s success story is a testament to the hope that comes with effective, low-stress veterinary care. His journey from anxiety and discomfort to a healthier, happier state is a beacon of hope for all pet owners with sensitive pets.

If you’re unsure what to expect at a vet’s home visit, visit our home visits [ https://pawsindoors.co.uk/home-visits/] page and check out our top tips.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet: Ripley’s story 

Posted in Stories

The heartbreaking decision 

Paws Indoors is often called out to animals at the end of their life for euthanasia – to be ‘put to sleep.’ Many pet owners prefer this process to occur where their beloved companion feels most comfortable – in the sanctuary of their own home. At home, the pet remains undisturbed, and family members do not have to put on a brave public face during this deeply emotional time. 

Continue reading “Saying goodbye to a beloved pet: Ripley’s story “