How to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful
For many dogs, the vet clinic feels like a very suspicious place.
Strange smells. Shiny tables. Someone is checking their teeth without permission.
Research shows that many dogs feel stressed or fearful during vet visits, which can make the experience harder for them, for you and for the vet [1]. The good news is that small, simple changes can make a big difference. With the right approach, vet visits can become calmer, smoother, and much less dramatic.
Here’s how to help your dog feel more relaxed, based on advice from vets, animal behaviour experts, and research studies.
Why dogs feel nervous at the vet
Dogs can feel anxious at the clinic for many reasons:
- Unfamiliar smells and sounds
- Travel or car rides
- Being handled by strangers
- Past negative experiences
Studies show fear at the vet is very common and can affect a dog’s wellbeing and even the vet’s ability to perform exams properly [2]. When dogs are calmer, vets can provide better and safer care [3].
That’s why reducing stress is not just nice, it’s important for your dog’s health.
1. Try “happy visits” (no needles involved)
One of the best ways to reduce fear is to visit the clinic when nothing scary happens.
Many vets recommend short “happy visits” where your dog:
- Walks into the clinic
- Gets a treat
- Says hello
- Leaves
These positive experiences help your dog learn that the vet is not always a place for injections or exams. Over time, this builds confidence and reduces fear [4]. Think of it as practice runs for future visits.
2. Treats are powerful (and scientifically approved)
Research on animal behaviour shows that positive reinforcement, especially food rewards, helps reduce fear and build positive associations [1].
Bring your dog’s favourite treats and reward calm behaviour:
- Walking into the clinic
- Sitting or lying quietly
- During gentle handling
Your dog starts to think:
Vet visit = snacks appear.
A very convincing storyline.
3. Arrive calm and early
Dogs notice our emotions quickly. If you feel rushed or stressed, your dog often feels the same. Animal welfare organisations suggest:
- Arriving early
- Taking your dog for a short walk before the visit
- Staying relaxed and upbeat
A short walk helps release nervous energy and makes it easier for your dog to settle in the waiting room [4].
Calm human = calmer dog.
4. Bring familiar comfort items
A favourite toy or blanket can help your dog feel safe in a new environment. Familiar smells provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
Consider bringing:
- A favourite toy
- A blanket from home
- A comfortable mat
These small items can make the clinic feel less unfamiliar and more secure [4].
5. Practice vet handling at home
Many dogs get nervous simply because they are not used to being handled in certain ways. Veterinary behaviour experts recommend practising gentle handling at home:
- Touch their paws
- Check ears
- Look at teeth
- Gently hold their collar
Reward your dog with treats and praise during practice. This helps them feel more comfortable during real exams [5]. It turns “What is happening?!” into “I’ve seen this before.”
6. Choose low-stress, fear-free care when possible
Modern veterinary care focuses more on low-stress handling. Research shows that gentle handling and reduced restraint can lower stress levels in dogs during exams [6].
Many clinics now use approaches such as:
- Treats during exams
- Calm voices and slow movements
- Examining dogs on the floor
- Taking breaks if needed
Tell your vet if your dog gets anxious. They can adjust their approach to help your pup feel safer.
7. Extra help for very anxious dogs
If your dog has strong anxiety, your vet may suggest:
- Calming supplements
- Pheromone products or relaxing scents like lavender
- Anti-anxiety medication before visits
These options are supported by veterinary research and can help make visits safer and less stressful when needed [3]. Always speak to your vet before trying any calming products.
This step is reserved for an exceptionally anxious soul. It is also very useful for helping desensitise dogs from becoming more anxious with each visit, to help prevent them from developing a phobia of visiting the vet.
Remember: Speak to your vet if you’re concerned about visits being stressful for your pet.
Small steps, big difference
Studies consistently show that reducing stress during vet visits improves animal welfare and helps vets provide better care. With patience, practice, and plenty of treats, we can help many dogs realise that vet visits are not so scary after all.
Will your dog ever love the vet? Maybe not completely.
But with the right support, they can walk in feeling calm, brave, and ready for the most important part of the visit, the treat afterwards.
References
-
Edwards, N. E., et al. (2021).
Prevalence of fear in dogs during veterinary visits and its impact on animal welfare. Animals, 11(1), 158.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/1/158 -
Lloyd, J. K. F. (2017).
Minimising stress for patients in the veterinary hospital: Why it is important and what can be done about it. Veterinary Sciences, 4(2), 22.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5606596/ -
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
How to make veterinary visits less stressful for dogs.
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/how-make-veterinary-visits-less-stressful-dogs -
RSPCA Pet Insurance Australia.
How to keep your pet calm at the vet.
https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health-and-wellbeing/keep-your-pet-calm-vet -
Yin, S. (Low Stress Handling® resources).
Low-stress handling and behaviour support for dogs in veterinary settings.
https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/lowstresshandling/ -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2025).
Effects of low-stress handling on canine stress responses in clinical settings.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1634970/full
