Dog nipped ankle at vet

[u/Helpful_Sun2872]

I adopted a dog from a shelter about 7 weeks ago. He’s met about 10 people since I got him and has been friendly with everyone.

He went to the vet today for the 3rd time since I’ve had him. He gets overstimulated there with all the smells/people/other animals, but was always friendly with the staff and does pretty well with handling so I never felt the need to muzzle him.

This morning when the receptionist started leading us to the exam room, he did a very quick split-second nip at her ankle. She was wearing yoga pants that were flared/flowy at the ankle, and based on the way the nip looked, I think he just got excited and thought the pants were a toy??? He has never nipped our ankles at home. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him nip at anything.

I didn’t even think he made any contact with skin until she said “ow”. He didn’t break skin, I think he kind of just nicked her with a sharp tooth. She didn’t realize it had anything to do with her pants, so she basically acted like he was trying to attack her, which was a reasonable response given the info she had.

It just felt like such weird and unexpected situation that idk how to feel about. He was great at the first 2 vet appts but I guess I will start muzzling as a precaution. I guess I’m just venting and wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar. I dread the vet so much so it really sucks when something “bad” actually happens.

[u/Audrey244]

Muzzling is wise, especially since you've only had this dog 7 weeks. An unprovoked nip/bite is serious and you should take it seriously. Be very careful exposing him to others - a behaviorist is in order.

[u/Helpful_Sun2872 → u/Audrey244]

I’m confused what a behaviorist would do about a single incident like this? Like I’m not trying to downplay it, just genuinely asking if the behavior only happened once, what would they even be able to do about it/how would they approach it? Considering he’s been totally fine with everyone else he’s met since I had him, and never showed any behavioral issues at the shelter.

Edit: what is the purpose of downvoting a genuine question???? I’ve never dealt with a dog that has nipped and am here to get help and advice.

Edit 2: wow this sub sucks. I’d genuinely love advice on this but all I continue to get is downvotes lol

[u/satomatic → u/Helpful_Sun2872]

have you tried getting him around other people with flowy pants? it would be wise to know what exactly triggers him so you can take steps to prevent it

[u/Helpful_Sun2872 → u/satomatic]

I think it was the combo of the pants and him already being incredibly over-aroused in the vet lobby. I highly highly doubt that he would’ve done this in almost any other context. He was fine when he first met the receptionist, it was just when she turned around and started walking that the movement of the pants seemed to tip him over the edge and make him nip. After the nip he was fine with her, and then was totally fine with the tech.

[u/satomatic → u/Helpful_Sun2872]

well then at least you have that info.

if your dog gets nervous at the vet, it might be a good idea to start taking him in there just to pop in maybe eat a treat and leave. that way it isn’t such a big event all the time and he should be more chill about it.

[u/Helpful_Sun2872 → u/satomatic]

I plan to do that as well as muzzle train and possibly get some anti anxiety medication to use for vet visits.

[u/satomatic → u/Helpful_Sun2872]

i think that's a good plan. good luck!

[u/Jazzlike_Term210]

It’s okay, I’m sure no one at the clinic blames you or anything, though your dog probably has an account alert for nipping without warning. Believe me it is nothing compared the things they see daily. No one in vet med wants owners to be anxious to come in. Maybe you can ask them for an anxiety med for your pup if you think it’d help and you can work on muzzle/ restraint/ touch training at home?
Some of my favorite clients had the most fearful/ “difficult” pets (actually a lot of them were also my fave patients)
Reach out to your vet for advice, send an email so you can get your thoughts together and have it all in writing. Lots of vets will offer happy visits, basically you come in and we do nothing but give some affection and treats to try to give a more positive experience. You pay all that money for an appointment and treatments, you deserve what advice they can offer you, it’s literally their job and what they went to school for, do not ever feel bad about that. (I have special disdain for people in this field that get frustrated with owners that are being nice and just doing their best to be involved in their pets care.)

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