Is Your Dog Afraid of Needles? Here's How to Keep Them Calm When the Vet Needs to Give Them a Jab

Is Your Dog Afraid of Needles? Here's How to Keep Them Calm When the Vet Needs to Give Them a Jab

16 January 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Ever had to deal with a child who was less than enthusiastic each time a doctor needed to give them an injection? A wariness of needles isn't uncommon, but at least you could talk to your child about the process, making the whole thing less scary for them. But what about when your child is of the four-legged variety? Dogs can be scared of needles too, but even with the most communicative of pooches, it's not as though you can really talk to them about the reasons why it's necessary! To your dog, it's simply a visit to the vet where a stranger will jab them with something pointy. While you can't exactly discuss the matter with your dog (well, you could, but it would be a rather one-sided conversation), there are a few ways to make the experience much easier for a dog who might be afraid of needles.

The Muzzle

If you're worried that your ordinarily placid dog might react aggressively when facing an injection, the most straightforward method is often the best. Consider muzzling your dog for the process. It's not pleasant to have to do this, but you don't want to risk your dog lashing out, potentially injuring the vet and any nurses. Remember that your dog will only be wearing the muzzle for a short period of time, probably only for the few moments it takes for the injection to be administered.

Soothing Words

But what about when your dog is more afraid than aggressive (although aggression generally comes from a place of fear too)? While they might not lash out, you want them to be as calm as possible. Soothing words and a comforting pat can go a very long way when the needle is actually being injected. Your dog won't like it, but you're there to keep them calm and this means a lot. It's not only about the actual experience of the needle either, and you can make a positive association with the visit to the vet.

A Treat

To make this positive association, follow each visit to the vet with a treat. This can be rather simple, and you will probably enjoy it as much as your dog. Follow up each visit to the vet with a joyful experience for your dog. This might be a visit to a beach (where dogs are permitted) or to a dog-friendly park. Over time your dog will come to associate the unpleasantness of the needle with an experience that is quickly superseded by leisure. It's not as though they will relish the visit to the vet, but they will also learn that it's followed by fun, hopefully making the experience a less anxious one.

Pretend Injections

If your dog should have to confront a medical condition that necessitates numerous visits to the vet in quick succession, then you might wish to get them used to the needle that might be awaiting them each time. Obtain a plastic syringe (most pharmacies sell them). The tips of these syringes are blunt plastic as opposed to an actual needle. You can give your dog pretend injections with the empty syringe, depressing the plunger onto their skin at random times (which simply expels a small amount of air). Your dog won't know what's going on, but this can result in familiarisation with the process, making them less concerned when it happens for real.

Hopefully your pooch will just grin and bear it when they need an injection (or more accurately, wag their tail and bear it). Still, it's helpful to know how to make the process less traumatic if your dog should require it for vet surgery or simply a routine checkup.