What do dogs think when they go to the vet?
Dogs may not have the same thinking and reasoning capacity that we do, but they aren’t too far behind. In fact, you may be surprised by the amount of awareness your canine companion possesses.
Dogs use smell and hearing as their primary senses. Both of these are much more sensitive than ours, allowing dogs to gather much more information about the environment.
When at the vet, this becomes problematic. They can smell many different animals in the waiting room, which can be overwhelming. They can smell every animal that has passed through the room that day, and possibly even the day before.
To make matters worse, they can also smell the emotions of these other animals. They will notice that many animals were afraid or anxious, and this will contribute to their own anxiety.
Sounds also play a role. Your dog will hear dogs in the exam rooms barking and even whimpering. This will cause them further anxiety.
They don’t understand that the vet is there to help them. They simply know that they are hurting one of their kind. They likely wonder why you would take them to such a place, knowing they will be afraid and potentially hurt with injections or other care.
Your dog will also remember other trips to the vet. If they received injections or needed stitches, they will remember the pain of the experience. They will remember being touched and prodded by a stranger in a way they don’t experience at home.
In addition to fear or anxiety, they may feel hurt that you would expose them to such an indignity.
What do dogs feel when they get put down?
Finally, the euthanasia solution is injected into your pet’s vein, where it rapidly travels throughout the body. Within seconds, your dog will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering. Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds.
Do dogs know when they are at the vet?
Assuming it’s not your dog’s first trip to the vet, they will know where they are when they get there.
Dogs are masters of recognizing and being aware of their environment. When you take them to the park, they know it’s time to play. They will get excited and happy.
When you bring them to the vet, they will know what to expect based on past experiences in that environment.
They may recognize the building, the waiting room, or the people dressed in medical coats. These things will tell them they are at the vet.
