Upcoming vet visit - and I am worried....

[kalija]

I am actualy worried that Zuki will react aggrssively toward the vet. Some of you know how afraid of strangers he is. We have made a lot of progress, last week we had a friend over and Zuki actually came in the living room where he was and sniffed his hand. Wouldn't take treats or let him pet him tho. I am worried that having the vet touch him will really freak him out and set him back. But I just don't know - when we took him to be neutered back in August he walked in just fine and went with the tech without a care - but he was a 6 month old pup then. He also has issues with people touching his feet and I know they are gonna take a blood sample from his leg to test for heartworm.
Can anyone suggest how I can make it easier on him? I am actually considering whether I should get a muzzle and try to get him used to it - that sounds awfull I know but I don't want him to bite out of fear.
I have read about people using rescue remedy, and I've seen "calming sprays" in catelogs - can anyone tell me if these work? I have a co-worker whose dog is so nervous at the vets that they give her a prescription to relax her before they go.
Sometimes in situations I think he will be afraid he is fine - he is fine at petsmart, petco, etc, as long as no one tries to pet him. Wow I am making him out to be just awefull and he's probably not that bad but still I am worried. I'm planning on bringing lots of treats - what else can I do? I have about another month before the actual appt - what do you think of me just taking him for a visit before hand? Just in the waiting room maybe? I don't know if the vet would mind but I don't think they would. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Rivsky]

I'd definitely take him in beforehand with nothing being done to him - just go into the waiting room and weigh him or something - it certainly can't hurt.

If you are worried about him biting I'd discuss this with the vet before he/she does anything and if the vet feels better having the dog muzzled then it's probably the best thing to do - that way you can also gauge his reaction while he's actually in the surgery.

If your vet is a dog person they should start off just letting your dog sniff around them for a while and then they should gently touch the dog and give them a treat (at least this is what my vet does with River and I really appreciate that they take the time to do this to help the dog relax a bit).

[linnie]

My vet muzzles dogs if she feels they need it. I think it would be a great idea to take him in just for a friendly visit
Remember the vets are used to all types of problems with dogs, I am sure it will all be fine