We are going the extra mile to make visits as stress-free as possible for dogs and their owners.
We’re proud to announce that Gower Vets in Upper Killay has joined the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme, an initiative by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).
It aims to help team members develop skills and knowledge so they can continually improve the welfare of patients in the clinic, as some dogs are anxious about vet visits, which can make them reluctant to enter the practice, difficult to examine and worried during treatment.
Our team is already recognised as a cat-friendly clinic, and we have taken steps to always make visits a positive experience for dogs.
Helping your dog see the vet in Gower with stress-reducing facilities and services
Lead veterinary nurse Lauren Rogers, who helped lead our accreditation, said: “Dog anxiety when visiting the vet can be traumatising for everyone involved and may even put off owners seeking veterinary help when needed.
“By becoming a dog-friendly clinic, our team are committed to optimising our knowledge, skills and resources to ensure vet visits are positive for both dogs and clients.
“Our clinic team will also benefit from a better understanding of dog behaviour, helping them prevent the development of problems, spot issues early, help owners with up-to-date advice, and have a safer working environment.”
So far, the practice has introduced a range of measures to help dogs remain calm when they come to the practice.
Owners fill out questionnaires about their dogs’ likes, dislikes and basic commands so team members know the patients better and whether they suffer any anxiety around vet visits.
Non-slip mats have also been made available for dogs with mobility issues.
‘Quiet time’ appointments to be available
The next step is introducing appointments during quieter times to help patients who are fearful of the vets. Our team will work with owners to reduce their dog’s response to triggers at the vets.
BVBA chair Chris Laurence said: “Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.
“We’re delighted Gower Vets has joined our dog friendly community. By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”
Dogs Trust Director of Strategy and Transformation Dr Rachel Casey added: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.
“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”
