11/09/2026
Through experience (both good and bad) I have learned the importance of getting your dog comfortable with holding and restraints that help them get through vet visits.
There’s three options for dogs that struggle to stay still:
1) Either you hold your dog still enough for the vet to look at them
Or
2) Your dog can be taken out back to be restrained by several vet staff (strangers)
OR
3) you sedate your dog for vet visits
I have personally experienced all 3 with my dogs, and I favour option 1.
But the reality is that dogs often need training to prepare for restraint like that, and to understand that holding still will earn them reward.
The more honest reality? Many people are not comfortable holding their dog still.
Preparation so that we as owners know what works best for our dog, and them understanding the picture, can help our dog immensely in moments that are already quite stressful for them (if they are sick/injured/do not like the vets). It will also prevent vets from getting bitten/muzzle punched/scratched.
If you’re interested in learning more about these techniques, reach out to a trainer or even have a conversation with your vet about some good ways they recommend to hold your dog still. They will have plenty of experience in this.
Ultimately, your dog will much prefer you holding them still for a few minutes whilst they get medical care, than being restrained by strangers or drugged to get through it.
