[Scarlett]

Hi everyone,
I apologize for asking sooo many questions, but I know very little about dogs, and I like to get information from people with experience, rather than just reading something online.

So today I took Scarlett to the vet for her last booster shots (yay!). She was super well behaved at her last visit, and only whimpered a little when she actually got her shot. Today, she was well behaved, and a little less scared than last time… but she growled at the vet. As soon as he came in the door she started growling. She didn't try and bite him or anything, she stayed right by my side, but she let out a little growl whenever he came near her. She stayed still when I held her for the shot, and she took it like a champ again and didn't cry or bark or anything.

I am wondering whether this is normal behaviour or whether this is something I should be concerned about. I was a little embarrassed by her growling, and felt like I must be doing something wrong, but if this is normal for puppies her age (3 months) I won't worry. She didn't growl at anyone else while we were there (she had a vet assistant weigh her, and she was fine with that) and she hasn't growled at any other person ever - she loves people and is typically happy and excited to see them. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[flounder_1]

Ah bless her she must remember what that nasty man did to her last time! lol. We are really lucky and have a fantastic vet who sees puppies every month for the first 8 months or so for free just to get them used to seeing her. She always makes a huge fuss of Lolly, finds her some treats (Lolly knows where they are in the surgery now!) and plays with her. The vet would always weigh her, look in her ears and run her hands all over Lolly just to get her used to being handled that way. We only paid for any actual treatment that was prescribed - ear drops, worming, flea stuff etc. They actively encouraged us to pop in anytime just for a relaxed visit. Lolly bounds in every time!
Maybe you could ask your vet if you could pop in from time to time just to get Scarlett used to the environment and smells etc without it being a stressful experience.

 

[Pollypiglet]

Dogs are very good at reading body language and she may have sensed this vet had some issues with dogs! I was in my local pet store today and a complete stranger approached Hattie she was compleatly happy with him yet other men she instantly dislikes. Who knows what they pick up from us humans. It is their way to survive so we should take notice of their signals!

 

[lady amanda]

i am sure it was because she could tell what was coming...my vet makes a point of having a little snuggle with Lady so that she knows it is all ok and that not only bad things happen at the vet's. I am sure that she will be fine.

 

[Scarlett]

Thank you for the quick replies. It eases my mind a bit. She had no problems at all with the vet assistants either visit. They weighed her and talked to her and she was fine, it was just the Dr. He is not the main doctor of the practice though, and I might see if we can get the other doctor next time - I have heard fantastic things about him but he is currently away. This doctor seemed like he was new or not sure what to do or something - maybe Scarlett sensed that he wasn't completely confident. He talked to her and gave her a little treat to calm her down, but his mannerisms didn't calm her down. I ended up having to bring the deworming pill home and give it to her there. He didn't even really try to give it to her after she wouldn't take it directly from his hand. Maybe he was trying not to upset her further but I think that she needs to get used to these types of situations and then we won't have the growling problem. *Sigh* I am feeling a little frustrated right now, but thank you again for the help!

 

[lady amanda]

Don't ever worry about coming here with questions or advice! there is always someone who has been through something similar.

 

[jaimebpa1]

I bet you are right and she probably sensed that he was insecure. I don't know if you ever watch the dog whisperer, but he always talks about being confident around dogs and giving off the right energy. Hopefully you can get in with the other doctor and if not maybe this doctor was just having an off day and will be better next time!