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©Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, USA Dog Behavior, LLC

Dog Behavior FAQ #74: Why do veterinary employees take my dog to the back to take blood, etc.?

Answer:

This common practice is primarily done as a convenience, safety and time-saving practice for veterinary office employees. Below I’ve listed the reasons why this is done.

One of the reasons they do this is because dog owners’ presence in the examining room can sometimes result in the following behavior issues:

Can enable a dog to be more confident which can result in aggression and unruly behaviors.
The owner’s nervousness can cause a dog to be more stressed.
Dogs can aggressively resource guard their owners just like they resource guard food, toys and treats.

Another reason they do this is for dogs that need to be restrained or muzzled for procedures. It is much less traumatic and easier for everyone if it is done away from the owner.

A final reason for taking dogs to the back of a veterinary office is that there are equipment and people there that aren’t available in the examining room.

Things normally go well in the back when your dog is taken away from you temporarily. This isn’t always the case if your dog is severely fearful or if there is a rare, but serious, problem with the administration of any procedure.

To learn ways you can make your dog’s next veterinary visit less stressful, please see, 10 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog’s Fear at the Veterinarian’s Office.

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