Two thirds of dog owners struggle to take their pet to the vets because they are so stressed by the experience.
Even the mention of the V word leaves some dogs a shivering wreck, and 32% of pet parents resort to inventing codes and phrases such as ‘a visit to Dr Barker’ or ‘the Dogters’ to reduce anxiety. Others even verbally spelt out V-E-T.
A new study of 2,000 dog owners by Petplan found that 65% find it difficult preparing for a vet visit due to their animal’s nerves, a quarter (25%) said their pets have scampered when hearing the word Vet and almost a third (30%) had put off a visit because it was so stressful. One in three pets need an unexpected trip to the surgery each year.
Other diversionary tactics are pretending they are just going on a routine walk and loading up on feel good treats.
And it isn’t just the dogs who can traumatised by the whole experience – 43% of owners said they too suffer anxiety before a vet visit. One in five (21%) said it was because they feared hearing bad news.
The research also revealed the flip side of our favourite friends being so intuitive, the mention of ‘walkies’ or ‘dinnertime’ can leave some of them over excited so 54% admitted they had devised their own language, with ‘Yum Yums’ or ‘Scranules’ instead of dinner and ‘Tats’ instead of going for a walk.
The pet insurance provider teamed up with celebrity lexicologist Tom Read Wilson to unveil its own doggy dictionary. It has also created a list of tips to help make a visit less stressful, including carrying out mock check-ups at home, and taking your pooch to the vet to be made a fuss of when they don’t have an appointment.
Tom Read Wilson said: “Whilst I’m usually delving into the realm of human lexicon – there’s a whole world out there of alternative human/canine comms. Whilst each relationship between pet and owner is wonderfully unique, it’s been interesting to see crossover in some of the more unusual phrases that are frequently used by owners – and I have to say, I’m particularly taken with the portmanteau, ‘Dogter’, to avoid canine ears pricking up at the ‘V’ word! I’m a huge advocate of all the creative ways we can use language and lexical choices to build deep rooted connections and relationships – and pets are no exception to this”.
Petplan’s Bella von Mesterhazy says, “Some dogs can be sensitive to certain words and tones so it’s interesting to see so many pet owners adopting playful code words and phrases to alleviate stress and over excitement. We know visiting the vet can be an anxious time for both pets and owners so in addition to avoiding use of this word, it makes sense to try familiarisation techniques for your dog such as ‘pop in’ visits for a treat and a fuss. Making sure you have financial support available to help to cover the cost of vet bills can help make it less worrying for you too.”
The Dogter
An alternative word for a veterinary professional, most commonly used by owners to avoid saying the word ‘vet’ and therefore causing their pet anxiety. “I’ll meet you at 1.30pm – I need to take Charlie to the Dogter first.”
Yum Yums
Meaning ‘dinner time’ and referring to the tasty food that awaits. “It’s time for yum-yums!”
Tats
A common alternative for ‘walkies’. “Let’s go tats!”
Booboo
A softer, empathetic way to refer to a wound or injury. “Let me see that – do you have a booboo?”
T&T
An acronym meaning ‘tablet and treat’ – a playful way to announce it’s time for medication and a reward in return. “Six o’ clock? That means it’s T&T time!”
Pitter patter
Another ‘walkies’ alternative, referencing the little pitter patter of paws on the street.
“You want to go out again? But we’ve just been for a pitter patter!”
Scranules
Taken from the popular northern word for food – ‘scran’, this is a fun take on ‘food’ or ‘dinnertime’ that rolls off the tongue!
“Are you hungry? Are you ready for scranules?”
Moon moon
Inspired by the still of the moon, this lovely phrase is used by some to encourage their pup to ‘calm down’. “Let’s not get too excited… moon moon.”
‘Walkies’
‘Treat’
‘Going for a walk’
‘Biscuits’
‘Bathtime/bath’
‘Dinnertime’
‘Take him/her to the vet’
‘Ball’
‘Going to the park’
‘Going in the car’
Petplan has collated an extensive list of top tips around handling dog anxiety to allow for a stress-free visit to the vet. To explore the full list, check it out on their website here.
How to calm dog anxiety for a stress-free vet visit | Petplan
The provider has also just unveiled its brand new TV advert showcasing how much our pets mean to us and how much getting them the best veterinary care matters. It can be viewed here.
