- Effects of stress at the animal owner on dogs in the veterinary clinic
- In the specialist literature
- The research…
- The most important findings
- How can I convey security to my dog as a pet betting device?
- Here are 5 detailed FAQs on the subject of "dealing with anxious dogs and how animal owners can give them security":
- Summary: The influence of stress at the animal owner on the behavior of dogs in the veterinary practice
- Sources
Effects of stress at the animal owner on dogs in the veterinary clinic
Based on: Leslie Sinn, CPDT-KA, DVM, DACVB, Behavior Solutions, Ashburn, Virginia
In the specialist literature
Byrne A, Arnott G. Empathy or Apathy? Investigation of the influence of stress in the holder on the stress of dogs in an unusual environment. Appl Anim Behave Sci. 2024; 279: 106403. DOI: 10.1016/J.aplanim.2024.106403
The research…
Stress can negatively influence the behavior and well -being of dogs, and factors in connection with the animal owner can influence the stress level of dogs in the veterinary clinic.¹
Study goal:
This study examined whether changes in the stress level at the holder influence the stress level of dogs in an unusual environment.
Study design:
28 dogs and their owners were divided into two groups:
- The first group was exposed to a slight stressful situation - it had to solve a computing task and then hold a short oral presentation.
- The second group watched a video about meditative breathing exercises.
The owners should ignore their dogs throughout the experiment. Heart rate and heart rate variability of holders and dogs were monitored. The stress values of the owners were recorded before and after the experiment. The dogs were recorded by video and then evaluated with regard to stress -related body language.
Results:
None of the interventions led to a significant difference in heart rate or heart rate variability of holders or dogs. However, the heart rate of the dogs decreased over time, which indicates that dogs become calmer in new environments when they get time to get used to it. This supports the assumption that stress can be reduced if dogs are given the possibility to adapt (e.g. when visiting the clinic) .²
A correlation between the heart frequencies and the heart rate variability of Haltern and their dogs was found. A component analysis showed that behaviors in dogs (e.g. stare, panting, walking around) correlated positively with the mean heart rate of dogs.
The results of this study support the concepts of social reference and emotional infection between holders and their dogs. This means that the behavior of the owner can affect the behavior of the dog - and vice versa .³ Visible information such as "watchful" behavior can help to recognize stressed dogs.
The most important findings
Important practical tips:
- Anxiety behavior is common in the clinic:
According to estimates, up to 79 % of the dogs show signs of stress when entering the veterinary clinic. - Stress of the owner can affect the dog:
Although stress at the owner can influence the dog's stress level, most dogs feel more comfortable in the presence of their caregivers. - Tense, anxious dogs also increase the holding stress:
For such cases, a preventive drug plan to reduce fear and stress can help to make the visit to the clinic more pleasant for everyone involved .⁶ - The caregiver (Caregiver Burden) burden:
Especially in the case of incurable, chronically ill or behavioral patients, this can be a significant burden on the owner. This burden can be reduced by simplifying the treatment, clearly defined treatment goals and planning the next steps together with the holder.
How can I convey security to my dog as a pet betting device?
As a animal owner, you can convey security in various ways by offering calm, reliability and positive experiences in various ways. First of all, it is important to stay calm and relaxed, since dogs perceive the body language and emotional constitution of their caregivers very precisely. A calm voice, gentle movements and predictable behavior help the dog to orientate himself to his caregiver.
Rituals such as a fixed order in the preparation of the vet visit , taking a familiar object with you (e.g. a ceiling or a favorite toy) as well as targeted training in small steps (desensitization) can also give security. Reward -based training and positive reinforcements, for example through treats or praise, if the dog remains calm in stressful situations, the trust consolidate in the long term. It is crucial not to overwhelm the dog, but to give it time to process new stimuli at his own pace.
Here are 5 detailed FAQs on the subject of "dealing with anxious dogs and how animal owners can give them security" :
Why is my dog so anxious at the vet, even though he is otherwise calm?
Many dogs suddenly show strong fear behavior in the veterinary practice, even though they look relaxed in everyday life. This is because vet visits to dogs have a variety of unusual and potentially threatening stimuli: foreign smells (e.g. of disinfectant or other animals), unusual noises, a confined environment, slippery floors, bright light and close handling by strangers. All of this can quickly lead to a stress response in dogs, especially those with sensitive assessment or earlier bad experiences.
In addition, dogs feel very well the tension of their owners - even small changes in posture, voice or breathing are registered. When man is tense, the unconsciously increases the perception "something is wrong". A vicious circle can develop from this: The dog is afraid, the owner becomes restless, which in turn strengthens the dog's fear. Regular training, positive associations with the veterinary practice and the right emotional support from the owner can counteract this cycle in the long term.
What can I do to give my dog more security before and during the vet visit?
The preparation is a central aspect. Get used to your dog in small steps to everything that happens while visiting the vet. This includes z. B. practicing the car, entering practice (even without an appointment), weighing or holding it through a second person - all without stress and always with positive reinforcements such as treats, pats or games.
During the visit itself, your own presence and calm is crucial. Talk to your dog calmly, keep gentle contact when he likes it and avoid hectic movements. Bring familiar objects such as a ceiling, a worn T-shirt or a toy to create a "safe zone". Many veterinary practices now also offer "Fear Free" approaches in which the animal's emotional handling and emotional condition of the animal are particularly important-they actively ask about it.
An individually coordinated, veterinally recommended sedative plan can help with particularly anxious dogs. This includes natural preparations, pheromon sprays or, in severe cases, prescription drugs. However, these should never be given without a veterinary consultation.
How can I see if my dog is really afraid or is just uncomfortable?
The dog's body language provides many indications of whether it feels uncomfortable or actually anxious. In the event of slight uncertainty, dogs often show de -escalating signals such as yawn, lip licks, look away or turning the body away. These signs serve to reduce tension and avoid conflicts.
Fear, on the other hand, can manifest itself in stronger avoidance: tremors, pulled in cock, crouched posture, tense muscles, panting, excessive saliva, barking, whirling or freezing ("freezing"). Some dogs try to flee or react aggressively out of fear.
An important distinction feature is the intensity and duration of the behavior as well as the reaction to stimuli: an anxious dog can often no longer get involved in food or play, reacts excessively sensitively to small triggers and can no longer be controlled in its reaction. Pay attention to these signals and, if in doubt, move into a behavioral veterinarian or dog trainer with specialization in fear behavior in order to obtain a precise assessment.
Can I fully “train away” fear behavior in my dog?
Fear of many dogs can be significantly reduced by targeted training, but a complete "healing" is not always possible - especially if it is genetically caused anxiety or strongly solidified experiences. The aim of the training is therefore primarily to improve the dog's quality of life, to minimize stress and to enable safe, trusting handling of the fear -detaching situations.
A proven training approach is the combination of desensitization (gradually habituation to the trigger) and counter conditioning (linking the trigger with something positive). It is important to make the training so small that the dog is never overwhelmed. An example: Instead of bringing the dog directly to the veterinary practice, you start with approaching the building, then entering the entrance, later exploring the waiting area - everything at speed and positive reinforcements.
At the same time, it can help to work on the dog's general stress resistance - for example by building routines, physical occupancy, mental employment and permanent caregivers. In many cases, cooperation with a qualified behavioral therapist is recommended.
What can I do if my dog is afraid of certain people (e.g. veterinarians)?
If your dog has specific fear of certain groups of people - often veterinarians, men, people with certain types of clothing (e.g. laboratory shape) - it is important to work on the basis of trust and to take the stimuli positively positively. This means that the dog should learn: "This person does not announce anything bad, but brings me good things."
A possible first step is to build a positive ritual: the person concerned - in the clinic, if necessary, a veterinary team member - gives the dog a high -quality treat without touching it. Only when the dog stays relaxed can further steps such as stroking or touching can be practiced. It is important: the dog can always withdraw. Coercion or surprise tighten the problem.
Sometimes it also makes sense to change the veterinary practice or to search for a behavioral veterinarian or a "Fear-Free"-certified practice that has experience with such dogs. In the long term, it is crucial not only to prepare the dog for veterinary measures, but also to return confidence in the situation through controlled encounters with friendly people.
Summary: The influence of stress at the animal owner on the behavior of dogs in the veterinary practice
Stress at the animal owner is an essential factor that can significantly influence the behavior and emotional well -being of dogs - especially in stressful situations such as visiting the veterinary practice. Studies show that stress at the pet owner must not be viewed in isolation, since dogs react very sensitively to the emotional constitution of their caregivers. Stress at the pet owner can be transferred directly to the dog, which is known emotional contagion or social reference
In a scientific study, it was demonstrated that stress at the animal owner could have measurable effects on the heart rate and behavior of the dog. Even if the physiological values at the keeper do not increase sharply, stress at the animal owner can influence the behavior of the dog in the form of vigilance, unrest or avoidance. Stress at the animal owner often leads to the fact that the dog looks more fearful or reacts excessively sensitively to stimuli because he perceives the uncertainty of its person.
It is therefore essential to recognize stress from the animal owner and actively reduce in order to enable the animal to visit the animal as stress -free as possible. The possibilities for reducing stress are breathing exercises, preparatory information or practicing certain processes. If stress is not noticed by the animal owner, follow -up effects such as transferred fear, increased behavioral problems or even aggression in the dog can occur. Stress at the animal owner not only affects the dog negatively, but also on the quality of the veterinary treatment and working with the practice team.
Communication is an important aspect in dealing with stress at the animal owner. Praxist teams should be empathetically concerned with concerns and recognize signals early on that indicate stress at the animal owner. At the same time, animal owners should be actively informed about their influence on animal behavior. If stress at the animal owner arises from a lack of education, a short reconnaissance discussion can contribute to relief.
On the other hand, stress is caused by the animal owner by concern for the health of the animal - e.g. B. in chronic or terminal diseases - one speaks of so -called Caregiver Burden . In such cases, too, stress at the animal owner must be addressed in a targeted manner, for example by simplifying the therapy plan or by emotional support. In the long term, it helps when practices create structures that reduce stress at the animal owner and the animal. B. by separate waiting areas, low -stress treatment rooms or relaxed scheduling.
In summary, it can be said that stress at the animal owner is a critical influence factor in the veterinary context. If it is not recognized or underestimated, this can lead to misinterpretations of animal behavior. A better understanding of the effects of stress at the animal owner gives the opportunity to sustainably improve veterinary experiences for animals and humans. Measures such as coaching, behavioral therapy support or the use of calming preparations can help to effectively reduce stress at the animal owner. Regular training sessions for desensitization and positive reinforcement in everyday life also reduce long -term stress at the animal owner - especially in the case of holders of anxious or insecure dogs.
Ultimately, stress at the animal owner is a serious, often underestimated size in everyday practice. Through targeted education, empathy and cooperation, the negative effects of stress at the pet owner on animal behavior and animal health can be significantly reduced. By openly addressing stress at the animal owner and offering practice -oriented help, you create a trusting cooperation - the basis for successful veterinary care.
Sources
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- Hernander L. Factors Influencing Dogs' Stress Level In The Waiting Room at a Veterinary Clinic . Student Report. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; 2009.
- Merola I, Prato-Previde E, Marshall-Pescini S. Dogs' Social Reference Towards Owners and Strangers. Plos one . 2012; 7 (10): E47653. Doi: 10.1371/Journal.pone.0047653
- Döring D, Roscher A, Scheipl F, Küchenhoff H, Erhard Mh. Fear-Related Behaviour of Dogs in Veterinary Practice. Vet j . 2009; 182 (1): 38-43. DOI: 10.1016/J.TVJL.2008.05.006
- Stellato AC, Flint He, Dewey CE, Widowski TM, Niel L. Risk-Factors Associated with veterinary-related Fear and aggression in owned domestic dogs. Appl Anim Behave Sci . 2021; 241: 105374. DOI: 10.1016/J.aplanim.2021.105374
- Volk Jo, Thomas JG, Colleran EJ, Siren CW. Executive Summary of Phase 3 of the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study. J at Vet Med Assoc . 2014; 244 (7): 799-802. DOI: 10.2460/JAVMA.244.7.799
- Kuntz K, Ballantyne KC, Cousins E, Spitznagel MB. Assessment of Caregiver Burden in Owners of Dogs with Behavioral Problems and Factors Related To Its Presence. J Vet Behav . 2023; 64-65: 41-46. DOI: 10.1016/J.jveb.2023.05.006
Reading suggestions
- Fear Free: Leaders in Animal Wellbeing. Fear free. Accessed February 2025. Fearfreepets.com
- Miller P, Sinn L, Eds. Veterinary Cooperative Care: Enhancing Animal Health Through Collaboration with Veterinarians, Pet Owners, and Animal Trainers . DogWise publishing; 2024.
- What is low stress handling. Cattledog publishing. Accessed February 2025. Cattledogpublishing.com/lsh