Bad Vet Experience
 

I just got back from taking Cupcake to the Vet's for his 13 week vac. He got a little squirmy after the vet had checked his temperature and then moved on to check his ears. She said that he was showing agression and was too young to be acting this way (I didn't notice any agression other than being squirmy). She went to get a muzzle and when she tried to put it on him he went crazy and started trying to bite her. She held him down (which made him worse) but couldn't get it on him. She took him in the back to get help from an assistant. When she brought him back in he had the muzzle on and had her assistant holding him. He was not happy at all. He cried when he got his shots. She said that it was a bad sign that he was acting so aggressive. I have never seen him act like this at all in the 5 weeks I have had him and this was our 3rd time at the vets (this was a different vet seeing him, there are 3-4 at the clinic). She mentioned that it may be his natural behavior coming out and that if it continues that I should look into behavior training. When they took the muzzle off of him he wouldn't eat the treat she tried to give him and when I picked him up he nuzzled his head against my neck and just layed in my arms. Since being home he went right to sleep in his play pin and is still asleep. Cupcake, My daughter and I are very upset. I feel that the vet turned his nervious jitters into this very bad experience for Cupcake. I don't know what to think, did he just not like the vet or is he really going to have aggression problems? He gets along fine with our older dog and shows complete submission to him and although he likes to chew (we have been working on "no bite" when he puts his mouth on our skin) I have never noticed any aggression. ANY ideas or simmilar experiences?:confused:

I doubt hes showing aggression but he does need to be able to have other people like vets or groomers touching him. I think he just needs socialitation

Why did the vet tech just not let YOU hold Cupcake while giving the shots??

I'd be damned if they would take my baby out of the room and out of my eyesight while putting on a muzzle. I'm sorry - I don't even ever talk like this but that is just ridiculous.

I agree - Cupcake and all pups need to get used to people touching them and socialized (which Cupcake might be lacking since being separated from his mommy dog at such an early age - this is why we all recommend staying with mom until 12 weeks of agee).

However, a 13 week old tiny Yorkie can be handled without a friggin muzzle. Next time ask for another vet tech. Don't let them take your baby out of your eyesight in situations like that - I don't trust that at all.

My vet would have NEVER done that! When I brought Tatiana in for her first appointment, she was really wiggly. After trying to calm her to listen to her heart, he handed her over to me and I held her while he listened to her heart. She just needed some comfort from me! My vets are awesome! They listen to my concerns, take the time to talk and admire my babies! I also express my opinion on shots, when and how often, they know, I will not leave my babies, overnight unless their is someone in attendance. I, personally would not go back to this vet!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:!
I agree! I would look for a new vet. In fact, I probably would have grabbed my baby & left the office without getting the shots. Yes, dogs do need to be socialized, but I think that a muzzle is a bit extreme. He's a 13 week old little puppy! Wow. I'm actually angry after reading your post. Personally, I don't think what your vet did was acceptable. Poor Cupcake!

He's a puppy for pete's sake! Puppy's don't show aggression, they want to play and not be confined! I would find another vet or if you are with a group, just ask to see a different vet when you make your next appointment. That vet has a lot to learn if he can't handle baby teeth nipping. I feel bad for you, your daughter and your puppy!

I understand why you're upset! Maybe you could find a vet that has significant experience with small breeds? Our vet would muzzle himself before he'd muzzle P-Nut!

OOOH NO that vet would have seen what aggression looked like as soon as she pulled out a muzzle and it would not have been from my puppies!!
Of course a 13 week old puppy is going to squirm around heck I squirm if a stranger is poking and touching me :p

Also, how is Cupcake doing? You said he was sleeping. How many shots did they give him? Keep an eye on him if they gave multiple shots, as sometimes these littles have reactions when given more than 1 shot at a time.

Sorry - I should have asked that before but I was really way upset with what happened.

He recieved 2 shots, his rabies and reg. vac.. I got him up about a half hour ago put he didn't want to play or eat, just drink and lay in my lap. He doesn't want to be held. I accidentally touched him where he had the shot and he wimpered and put his teeth on my skin but didn't bite down. I put him back in his play pin (which is right beside my chair) he went back to sleep but has now just woke up and is looking at me but not asking to come out.

I am so upset. I don't want to ignore what "might" be a problem but i feel the problem was with the way the vet handled things.

I agree he should have never been muzzled. I dont think your ignoring what could be a problem you came here and asked us. I dont think its a problem anyway he is just young and isnt used to strangers touching him but the vet should have recognized that. He will be more able to take others touching him as he has more experience with it. It couldnt hurt when hes had all his shots to take him to a groomer maybe to just shampoo him and give him a little trim so he gets used to it. The first time my chachi went to a groomer they said he was hard to groom but now he is so used to it he just lets her do it same at the vet.

Hopefully, he is just exhausted from the events of the day. I am sure he is sore.

I'm really sorry you both had to go through such a horrible experience. :(

I believe it is irresponsible for this vet to label your pup aggressive. Trips to the vet are stressful for many dogs and can bring out behaviors that the dog would never display anywhere else. There are some very nice, well-trained dogs out there who have to be muzzled when they go to the vet.

I had a bad experience with our first vet. Max was 13 weeks old and behaved perfectly during his first exam, endured multiple shots and a vaccine poured down his nose. The doctor then proceeded to demonstrate how to let him know who is boss. :eek: She forced him onto his back and grabbed his snout. We did not go back.

Look for a new vet, one that both you and puppy will be comfortable with.

When Jewels was a young pup and vaccinated she would be out of it for the day but the next day back to normal.

I wouldn't worry, unless undesirable behavior is observed in different circumstances, and with different people. Don't let one brief encounter make you think your pup has a problem.

The vet who wanted to me know how to show Max who is boss (when he was behaving perfectly), had a lot of ideas that I don't support. I don't think she liked Yorkies.

Cupcake was also held down by the Vet and said the same thing about knowing who was in charge. :mad: When getting his Vac. 2 big drops were spilt on the floor.... hopefully he got what he needed.

I was so stunned at the time by what was going on I was speechless.

I just went to the Clinic's website and I couldn't find the vet that was there today.(They have all the vets and employees listed with pictures) She must be new (she was very young) I sent an email letting them know what had happened and how I felt and that I probably would not be bringing Cupcake back.

My DIL is an outstanding Vet and she would never just send for a vet tech to remove and muzzle a 13 week old Yorkie! WHO does that?

Poor baby, treatment like that will only reinforce fear and aggression. :confused:

That is crazy. Puppies are never muzzled here bc it is completely unnecessary (except I do remember a Rhod. Ridgeback pup getting really nasty/biting, but that is different). This is a little puppy! Dogs wiggly. Techs and assistants restrain. Muzzles are used for aggressive animals that can't be controlled by staff and for procedures by the mouth that can be very irritating. There was no reason for them to traumatize your pup in this way. I would not go back to that pace.

I would just train your pup with excitement and make it fun. Down the line if there are aggressive tendencies, they can be dealt with. There is no way to make a judgment call yet in this situation. I think the vet is overracting to the extreme.

Ellie is 11 and she wiggles like mad. Her vet just deals with it. When she gets tired of holding wiggle worm she hands her back to me.

Since it was a routine vaccine appointment, she could have been an intern from Vet school. Would explain why she wanted to put the experience on an aggressive puppy instead of her lack of experience. :thumbdown

that is just not ok for the vet to do. lily is terrified of the vet, every time we walk into the building she clings on me so hard and her claws go into my skin. as long as i am holding her while the vet is taking the temp she is fine with it but once i let her go she freaks out a lot! and she refuses to eat a treat in the vet office but as soon as we are in the car she tears it up. and she also sleeps after vaccination for about 6-7 hours then shes good to go. back to normal playing and everything.
i dont think your puppy is aggressive, hes just a puppy. i agree about finding another vet, they should not have muzzled him at 13 weeks.

Your puppy was scared silly - not aggressive in the sense that vet indicated and no need for a behaviorist based on what you've told us. A dog will aggress and fight - even bite - when they are scared but at 13 weeks, he has no ability to actually want to attack something out of dominance or the desire to show his power over them, which is what a truly aggressive dog wants.

Your baby just doesn't want to get hurt and he likely sensed the vet was tense and reacted. Sounds as if he "read" her right. Choose another vet with a better knowledge of dogs and your baby will be much better off.

i would definitely change vets// my vet would never do that// i have never had any my dogs muzzled

OH my I get angry just reading this. I am afraid the vet would of been wearing that muzzle instead of my pup. I pray your pup doesn't have negative association with vets now because of this irresponsible one.

The vet should have just gave him one shot and then waited three weeks and gave the reg vac shot. Poor cupcake, hope he is better soon.

NO WAY I read this several times and had to wait until I wasn't angry, so I could offer my best advice.
#1 I don' think this is the Vet for you or your puppy.
#2 In a multi doctor practice you can see the doctor you prefer. ASK for an appoint with the one you like. If it is not an emergency it is fine to rearrange a day or two one way or the other.
#3 I know you feel angry and confused right now. I got angry just reading your story. That is your baby, you do not have to put up with a doctor who is not right for the both of you.
#4 I am a trainer with over 35 years experience, I think the doctor is probably wrong. I think she was out of line with the muzzle. JMHO

I am with Teresa, I had to calm down too. I am VERY glad you complained. Complaining is the way people learn to do better. If you get a satisfactory reply you might be able to keep the clinic but specify a vet. I think it is best to always stick to one vet if possible so they get to know your dog and any problems/changes are easier for them to spot.

Also, I agree with the splitting shots. My little 4lb Papillon only gets one at a time. It is easier on their system and if there is a problem you know what did it. A good vet will work with you on this - mine recommended it. You have to be a partner with your vet, that is how you know you have a good one.

From your description your pup was just being a puppy. He didn't like the way the vet was handling him and he showed it. That is pretty typical terrier behavior.

You do not have to let a vet handle your pet in a way that you are not comfortable with. It is your dog. You have every right to ask the vet to stop and let you handle the situation. It sounds like you were bullied a bit as well. Never let someone who you are unsure of take your pet out of your sight. I just have a really hard time with a vet that felt a Yorkie puppy that small needed a muzzle! Outrageous! I think I would have grabbed my pup and ran out of there before I let her take it out back and do lord knows what to it.

If you continue to go to that clinic I would make sure that vet is not the one you are going to see again. You can ask the receptionist to schedule you with whichever vet you want. You may have to wait for a particular day but if you call in advance that should not be a problem. Just like with every profession there are some that are just bad apples.

Thank you for all of your comments. I just wish that I would have stopped her. I have not had a lot of experience with vets. We have a 14 year old dog that thankfully hasn't had to go to the vet often and when he was a puppy my husband or mother-in-law took him. I just "assumed" that a vet would know what she was doing. I will NOT make that mistake again.
Cupcake did run aroung the kitchen earlier and ate a little bit but still not his usual peppy self. Hopefully tomorrow he will be felling better.

I would never ever go back to this vet! What is wrong with this person? A muzzle on a 13 week old puppy. How upsetting to just read about it.
This baby is too young to have experienced this unacceptable treatment. I so hope, that he does not remain traumatized. Please make sure that there are no side effects to the vaccination, either. I would have details of other vets ready, just in case.
My Pepper does not like people to touch him, but when handling by vets is necessary, I hold him while injections etc are being done. This has never been any problem.
There should be a 'feedback list' of rude/incompetent/rough AND wonderful vets...

I need to make this short because I need to get up early....

I don't disagree with what the others have said. I'm just offering a suggestion. Should you change vets, I would train Cupcake to be OK with the vet especially when being handled. When I got Julie home at eight weeks, I started this from the get go. I continue to do it to this day.

When holding Cupcake, touch the following body parts followed by a treat:
* Each ear
* Each front paw
* Each hind leg
* Tail
* Anal area
* Private parts

What this will do for Cupcake is desensitize them from being touched. In the case of the vet, Cupcake will feel more at ease when being handled/touched. Need to do it everyday. Trust me, this feels really uncomfortable for me to do, I'll be honest. However, I'm all about making it a better experience for both Julie and the vet.

Starlette