Vet-aggressive dog..muzzle size for miniature american eskimo? Tips?
ByMy miniature American Eskimo dog gets EXTREMELY aggressive when we go to the vet. It’s like a switch flips in her brain; her eyes glaze over and she’ll snarl and bite anything that tries to get close. Her last vet said she was the only dog she’s never been able to draw blood from, and she couldn’t get a muzzle on. Her previous owner had only taken her to the vet once as a puppy when she broke her leg, so now that I have her, I want to correct that and get her used to normal visits. She’s come leaps and bounds in dropping the aggression at home (thank you Caesar Millan!), but I’m still concerned about the vet. Anyone have any tips for making it better? I have yet to choose one here in town for her.
Also, does anyone else own a mini American Eskimo who can tell me what size muzzle to purchase for her? The nylon ones don’t work…she rips em right off with her paws, and it’s impossible to get on her. I want to get a basket one, maybe a plastic basket. But she won’t hold still to let me measure the circumference. Keeps shaking her head away!
Sigh. I’ve got a long way to go with this dog, but I want to give her a chance at a better life. At her previous home, she never got the attention, health care or discipline she needed.
3 Comments
November 16th, 2011 at 7:45 AM
Try to make the vet experience more positive. Do things that a vet might to examine her at home. Look through her fur, pick up her paws and look at them for a second, look at her tummy etc. If she behaves and doesn’t resist, give her a treat and affection. Hopefully she will get the idea that the vet isn’t so bad.
November 16th, 2011 at 8:44 AM
The best way for your dog is also the longer more time consuming one. (sigh)
I would try to see if a vet office will let you bring her in just to walk around several times and maybe getting used to being at the vet’s without any prodding or poking. Make it a normal, regular occuring event and as she gets more relaxed and tolerates more the get other people involved in handling her at her pace. Make it as pleasant and fun as possible for the dog. Be patient.
Another (easier) option is finding a vet that is willing to give you a pill to give before appointments. they are harmless as long as used only for vet visits.
November 16th, 2011 at 9:17 AM
You can apply a gauze muzzle before you go into the vets office. Ask your vet to demonstrate how to put one on correctly ( on a different dog obviously!) and she will probably happily give you a roll of gauze to take along and use on your dog before the next appointment.