Thanks for liking us! Sadie and I really appreciate all the love!
So Sadie and I got in the car yesterday and started driving like we do every day. For the first five minutes or so she was perfectly calm and content. When we got on the highway she started getting nervous. Then we switched to a different highway and she started getting really nervous, like shaking and panting and moving around restlessly. Somehow Sadie could tell that one specific highway is bad news. I understand why she feels that way, because the only time we are on that particular highway we are headed to the vet or the groomer. But how does Sadie know that? So I parked in front of the vet’s office and went around to the other side of the car to let Sadie out. I opened the car door and she was gone. Sadie had jumped out of her car seat, climbed into the backseat, and was huddled in a little ball in the farthest corner of the car trying to stay out of my reach. I felt absolutely terrible that she was so scared, but how did she know that we were someplace scary? She’s doesn’t act that way when we park at the pet store or my office building or even when we go somewhere she’s never been to before. Eventually I got her out of the car and we went into the vet so that I could get more heartworm and flea and tick medication. The whole time I’m at the reception desk she pulled on her leash to it’s limit to try and be as close to the front door as possible to try and make an escape. But all her stress and worrying was for no reason, because five minutes later we were back in the car heading home again. And she was perfectly content and happy all the way home. Do your dogs act differently when they’re on their way to the vet?
Thanks for liking us! Sadie and I really appreciate all the love!
It’s that animal sixth sense!!
Poor Sadie! Our dogs definitely know where they're going – I think it may be the length of the drive for us? They know we're going to grandma's and they get SO EXCITED. Crazy animals! They don't seem to mind the vet but it's also a really short drive so maybe they haven't "learned" that drive.
Oh no, not the vet! I think she can tell somehow, maybe I subconciously act differently than when we’re going out somewhere fun.
We dogs aren’t dumb 🙂 We know human body language, smells in the air, and we have a sense of direction. I’m scared of the vet too!
It’s always sad when they all get in the car all excited to be going somewhere and then they realize it is the vet!
I worked at a vet a long time ago. A huge dog, probably a Newfie, refused to come in. The vet and assistant went to the parking lot, had a quick look see, drew blood, and they were done.
Nah, they are too excited about getting in the car.
It’s nice when clients bring their animals just for a visit, a weight check or just to get meds and have nothing done to them but given treats, helps them know it isn’t always bad.
Such a cute face! Luna knows when we’re heading there too!
Animals are absolutely amazing,, aren’t they? My dogs know when we’re going on an outing, whether it’s for a hike or for a drive in the car. All they have to do is see me going for my shoes. I love it. Thanks for your post!
Mine are always happy to get in the car. Getting out of it at the Vets is a completely different story!
awwww….my dog senses it too when we're going to the Vets or groomers. They are so aware! That said he's got better over time. I talk to him before we go and say everything's going to be ok, they're here to help you. Sounds wacky but it seems to help!! Hope Sadie is recovered from her fright!
LOL car rides are fun
I’m a vet and my clients tell me that their animal knows. Most cat’s know because it’s the only time the cat carrier comes out. I recommend leaving the carrier out at all times and then they don’t stress out as much.
I know exactly if it is a drive to my friends or to the vet. We dogs know these things 🙂
Oh poor Sadie xx
Hi there, Just came over from Oz’s place and so glad I did. Our Hunter hates going to the groomers and vets; he is fine when I pick him up from the groomers but shakes non-stop when I drop him off. The groomer is a great gal and I don’t understand it. I think dogs recognize where they are; when we go to my daughter’s house(they have another pup that is Hunter’s best bud), he whines until he gets out of the car-he loves going there. Wish we could read their minds.
Great blog.
Noreen