Animal Welfare Professionals

 View Only

  • 1.  Calming Animals During Shots

    Posted 03-11-2026 09:41 AM

    Is there any way to calm down little, wiggly dogs and distract them from moving while getting shots or blood drawn? Any advice is welcome, thank you!! 


    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization

    ------------------------------
    Carly Vermillion
    Student
    North Central High School
    IN
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Calming Animals During Shots

    Posted 03-12-2026 06:40 AM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeDHGbVi14o

    Very much recommend learning body language (you can never review it enough!) Then knowing when and how to adjust your handling based on their language. Sophia Yin's low stress handling books and videos are amazing! 



    ------------------------------
    amelia nusbaum
    Shelter Manager
    TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Calming Animals During Shots

    Posted 03-13-2026 01:11 PM

    I've used a variety of techniques, helping with vaccines. Sometimes a simple frisbee covered in peanut butter, hanging on something is enough of a motivator to distract food motivated dogs. Sometimes holding a dog steady by their collar, while patting their head (decent pressure like birping a baby) makes for a nice distraction. Less is more approaches can be super helpful at times to take their focus off the strange environment and invasive handling, whereas muzzling and vet holds might be necessary to mitigate risk and allow techs to very efficiently get in and knock out the pokes. I hope this is helpful!



    ------------------------------
    Melody Perry
    Shelter Programming Coordinator
    Dogs Playing for Life
    NM
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Calming Animals During Shots

    Posted 20 days ago

    Honestly, this is really normal - a lot of dogs get wiggly during shots or blood draws because they're nervous, overstimulated, or just don't understand what's happening.

    A few things that actually help:

    1. Use distraction (this is HUGE)
    High-value treats or something they can lick  can keep their focus off what's happening. Distraction works because it gives them something positive to focus on instead of the procedure.

    2. Stay calm yourself
    Dogs pick up on your energy a lot more than people think. If you're tense, they'll be tense too - speaking softly and acting relaxed can really help them settle.

    3. Bring something familiar
    A blanket, toy, or even your scent can help them feel safer in a stressful environment like the vet clinic.

    4. Light exercise before the visit
    A walk or some playtime beforehand can burn off that "wiggly" energy and make them calmer overall.

    5. Practice at home
    Gently touching paws, legs, and holding them still (with rewards) can get them used to the kind of handling vets do.

    6. Ask your vet about calming options
    If your dog is REALLY squirmy, vets can suggest calming treats or mild anti-anxiety options before visits.

    Also, anxiety plays a big role in this behavior. If you're curious, this actually explains it pretty well:
    👉 https://chewypetpharmacy.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-cats-can-be-great-for-anxiety.html



    ------------------------------
    enzo Dirienzo
    csr
    Enzo Dirienzo
    ON
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content