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.