Upcoming Vet visit with my GSD

[YvonneGlen]

Hello there,

I am new to this site and am so happy and relieved to have found K9-1. I have already spoken to Mike and he told me to definitely post any questions that I may have. We are also having a consult with one of trainers from the facility at the end of this month (can't wait for that either!!) While I am awaiting my retraining I do have a question on the use of a muzzle with Bacchus.

Bacchus is 2.5 yrs. old and intact (which will be changed this Wednesday)!! I had a vet visit last week and for the first time ever it went horribly wrong. Bacchus never showed any type of aggression towards our regular vet (with the exception of one visit) and he has been in many times since he is always getting sick. I took him to a different vet this past week due to their affordable altering program and the aggression he showed was something that I had never, ever seen from him. He was fine upon entering the facility while waiting for the doctor (had a prong collar on) wagging his tail, very calm. The vet tech came in the room no problem. Once the doctor came in Bacchus did not seem to accept her well. Why, I don't know. Prior to her offering a treat to him she commanded him to sit which he did but very slowly. She offered him one of her treats which he refused. I then gave her one of my treats and he accepted it from her -- very cautiously. He then seemed to settle down a bit and walked around her. There she proceeded to squat down at his eye level and with her palms out so that he may smell her. I knew he was not comfortable by his posture and stated it calmly to her. He then started growling at her. She got up and then tried once again, there he tensed up, hackles up, tail engaged, ears down then all hell broke loose. He lunged at her, growling, bearing his teeth. I was able to manage him and had him sit down. I, of course requested a muzzle. I put it on him with no problem. Once she returned to the room his growling and lunging at her still continued.

Bacchus is set to get altered this Wednesday. Normally I would just bring him in without a muzzle on him. But I am now second guessing myself. This is a clinic he has never been to (just like the one this past week) and I do not want a repeat of this happening. But I also do not want to set a precedent with Bacchus that every time we go to the vet he now has to wear a muzzle. With our regular vet I only had to muzzle him once due to him not accepting the doctor probing his backend (when he was having a diarrhea problem) he was very sore and would not let anyone near his backside including me.

Due to his temperament change the last couple of months do I bring him into the facility with a muzzle? I am afraid if I do that he will feel anxious and it will stress him out even more. I have not implemented his other "party hat" yet (they are out of stock). Common sense tells me yes. But I also don't want him to have an even more negative impression on wearing a muzzle (which probably exists already) especially with the leather one that we use.

Any input would be appreciated. Bacchus days of his high level testerone will end this Wednesday! And to think I am the one who feels guilty for doing this to him and not my husband!!

Many thanks.

[Teresa]

Hi and Welcome to the forums!

Your instinct is right in telling you to put a muzzle on him for his vet visit on Wednesday. Even if he has some negative association with the muzzle in the past, his experience will be far less stressful if you are able to calmly put the muzzle (aka party hat) on him prior to entering the animal hospital. This will remove the stress of him reacting more stressfully inside the office, where you may not be able to put the muzzle on as easily. The presence of a muzzle will most likely have a calming effect on the individuals that will be handling him at the vet as well ( since the bite option is removed) which in turn will also benefit Bacchus. Using the muzzle will help facilitate things more quickly for him which will equate to the least stressful experience as possible.

I wouldn't worry about setting a precedent about wearing the muzzle at the vet for this visit. If you continue on with the training here and use a foundation certified trainer, they can show you how to train Bacchus to his muzzle so that he won't mind wearing it. http://www.selfhelpdogtraining.com/S...aramuzzle.html

Once you train Bacchus to wear the muzzle it will be helpful in many situations.

Good Luck and no worries about neutering him. You are doing the best thing for him right now!

Best,
Teresa

[YvonneGlen]

Hi Teresa,

I just purchased a wire basket muzzle at Pet Pantry today and have been practicing the "introduction of his party hat" with treats not that I am going to get it perfectly by tomorrow but it's better than nothing. He takes the treats in the basket no problem. But when I try to put it on him his body posture tightened up, so I let it be and just continue introducing it to him. I know if I put his prong collar on it won't be a problem and for now that is what I will have to do tomorrow. I don't want to rush the foundation that is to be set for the party hat. Should I put on the muzzle prior to the car ride (30 minutes) or after we get there before going inside? I am guessing it's better to just do it at home.

Thank you for your input and I look forward to meeting you once we get Bacchus back on track and are able to attend the facility.

[Teresa]

Keep introducing the muzzle but don't force it. The more positive experience he has with it the better he will feel tomorrow when you do finally put it on. Check with your vet but you shouldn't be feeding him the morning of surgery ,not even treats.

I would put it on him when you get to your vet either before taking him out of the car or right before going in. If he is not used to wearing the muzzle for long periods of time this may make the car ride stressful for both of you.

Good luck and I look forward to meeting both of you as well!

Teresa