Our vet smacked our dog across the snout yesterday.

[Carrotsandcelery]

I am very shocked.

Our dog was being difficult, he had got his muzzle off twice and was squirming massively.

Once smacked he let the vet inject him but then went for him when the muzzle was removed (he didn't get him).

The vet then gave him a huge pat and a cuddle and gave him a massive biscuit.

Is this normal and acceptable behaviour for a vet when dealing with a difficult dog?

He has always been a lovely vet to this dog and all our other pets before and I am stunned that he did this.

He told me afterwards that the dog didn't mean to be aggressive and was just scared.

I was shaking when I left the surgery with shock and anger.

Our dog is a rescue dog and has been cruelly treated in the past.

Am I being precious or is this wrong?

Sadly, carotandcelery there are an awful lot of people who work in the animal world who believe in "brute force". I've seen it all too often and will never forget the tosser who wanted to bring my wild mare in from her field (when she was liveried at a friends yard) by tying her to the back of a quad bike and forcing her when she wouldn't lead properly. (It didn't happen because I was present, but she was moved home the next day).

Re. the vet - from me, he probably would have got a smack in the face as well as a broken jaw a very sharp verbal comment, along with a letter of complaint to a senior partner and the loss of a client.

The riding instructor probably would have got the same treatment. There is NO excuse. Patients can be very difficult, especially cats and small yappy dogs but the skill of the vet is in how they manage them safely, and there are a number of "kind" tools that they can use.

Personally, I'd make damn sure I never used that particular vet again and I would let the practice know why.