How common is it for a dog to need to be muzzled at the vets?

[Halfcharged]

Our pup is 8 months old. He’s been to the vets before for check up, worming, that type of thing. Today was the first time he’s been because he was unwell. He’s got conjunctivitis. He really snarled at the vet as he was putting the dye in his eyes. I can understand why that happened as his eyes are so sore. The vet muzzled him.

I’m a first time dog owner and just wondered if that snarling was ‘normal’ and if muzzling a dog was common.

Many thanks.

if I had a pound for every owner who said that and then nearly had my face bitten off I would have mortgage paid by now

oh I didn’t object. I know the risk is always there. I assumed the vet had been on the receiving end of a bite more times than enough to know not to take the risk. I didn’t see it as a punishment and DDog didn’t seem to mind.

The vet muzzled mine at her last visit. She's timid with strangers but has never been remotely aggressive.. just backs away. But she tried to get away from him when he went to put the thermometer up her butt and then he insisted she was muzzled as he thought she might bite!
TBH I was not impressed.
We've visited a few times and had treats and all has been fine but I suspect she won't be from now on!

I adopted a rescue beagle 3 years ago who had been badly treated inc being tied up outside and left with infected skin. Battersea told us he didn't like "being handled" - we quickly realised he would growl if you even brushed his legs. He is much better now, but it's taken a long time. I've worked on counter conditioning with him.

He had to be admitted to the vet as an emergency with suspected bowel obstruction and ended up having surgery - it was horrific, it took 2 lots of sedatives for them to shave him for a cannula. My vets are really understanding as he has been so traumatised, and they know how much I have been doing. They have one vet who is going to be doing a course which they think would help him, so we're waiting to find out when.

He was diagnosed a month ago with epilepsy and his "mild hip dysplasia" has worsened. I really worry about him getting a bit better then it going backwards.

For the vet PPs - I would do anything to resolve this, and as I say, I do a lot to enable me to handle him, but is there anything specific you would suggest in addition? My vets are really gentle with him and they have said they completely understand that it is a consequence of his abuse. Of course, I feel like a shit owner though. My staffy, however, you can do anything to and she'll wag her tail like a helicopter rotor.

@QueenOfOversharing

I think that's a slightly different situation - dogs with previous abuse or trauma are always going to be difficult - it's great you have an understanding vets and sounds like you've worked hard at counter conditioning

The only other thing I'd suggest is pre-emptive anti anxiety meds for routine visits. Using meds like sileo or trazadone before appointments can massively reduce anxiety and aggression. Also persist with the counter conditioning and get a soft basket muzzle and do muzzle training so muzzling is easy and non-stressful for the dog.

@Halfcharged conjunctivitis is usually itchy but not especially painful and no the dye doesn't usually hurt. His eyes may we'll be more sensitive than usual though.

The other that is really helpful for owners to do is to handle their dog's feet, ears and touch around their eyes regularly, especially during the socialisation period. It makes treatment so much easier if they need regular nail clips or treatment for chronic eye or ear disease. There's nothing worse than wrestling with a terrified dog for something as benign as a nail clip

@Veterinari thank you for those tips - I was going to speak to them about an anti-anxiety medication, but wasn't sure if that was the wrong thing to do. I'll definitely ask them. I'd love to get to the point that he's ok with normal handling.

My dog is muzzled at the vet. He adores the vet and everyone there. He likes that everyone gives him treats and a fuss. He'd rather go to the vet then for a walk.

However at 18 months (he's 8 now) he had to have half his tail amputated so he has a limit now after which he will growl/snap. Even though I know he would be fine e.g. for vaccinations its easier for the vet to always muzzle so I don't object. When I moved house and changed vets I let them know that the last vet muzzled him.

All the ones I've been to prefer to use their own basket muzzles over the soft muzzles as they think they're safer and the dog can breathe easier.

Yes this type of muzzle is best
www.amazon.co.uk/Silicone-Muzzles-Prevent-Chewing-Drinking/dp/B073Z2FCTH

When I say soft I mean the silicone ones not the hard plastic ones which can be sharp.

Fabric muzzles should only ever be worn for very short periods of time and with dogs that are a real bite risk - dogs can bite through basket muzzles

My beagle needs a soft fabric one - he's bitten me through the basket type. But only on for moments while vets examine legs, for example.

I personally don't think this is normal. I have two large breed dogs, the eldest was terrified of the vets, the youngest thinks it's a dog play school.
Neither of mine have been muzzled, my eldest was having regular treatment and for over her fear .
Both dogs go for a trip for fun? ie stick them on the scales or just pick up meds.
I'd be changing my Vet and working on desensitising with fun visits those of you that have had muzzling experiences.

I have just bought a muzzle to train our ddog, I don't think she 'needs' it as such but as other posters have said if she can wear one without fear if it ever needed it wont make a bad experience for her even worse. Our dog trainer is a strong advocate of it and actually it makes sense.