A pet owner’s visit to the veterinarian took an unexpected turn when their puppy reacted to a vaccine injection, only for the vet to blame the sudden reaction on the owner’s handling of socialization.
The experience, shared in a Reddit post, sparked discussion among fellow dog owners about proper veterinary care and when it might be time to find a new clinic.
Unrestrained
The owner and original poster (OP), username LittleBucket07, who brought their 12-week-old Labrador for booster shots, took steps to make the visit positive, bringing treats and a toy to keep the puppy engaged.
At first, the appointment went smoothly—until it was time for the vaccines.
The veterinary staff provided a lick mat with treats as a distraction, but didn’t properly restrain the puppy, according to the OP.
Stock image: A puppy at the vet.
Sviatlana Barchan/Getty Images
When the needle went in, the dog instinctively stepped back, causing the injection to go deeper into the muscle. The puppy yelped in pain and ran to hide under a chair.
Following the incident, the vet assured the owner that no harm was done, explaining that the deeper puncture likely caused more pain than usual. However, the puppy became visibly fearful and had to be physically restrained for the remaining shots.
‘She tried to blame me’
Afterward, rather than acknowledging the alleged mistake in handling, the vet criticized the owner, claiming their puppy was “fearful” and in need of better socialization.
The pet owner disagreed, arguing that the situation created an unnecessary fear response.
“I know things happen, and I’m not angry at all with what happened with the vaccine, but it upset me when it seemed like she tried to blame his reaction on me,” they wrote.
Veterinary care should involve both medical expertise and patient comfort, but some pet owners feel dismissed, or even judged during visits.
According to PetMD, one of the warning signs that it may be time to switch veterinarians is when a pet owner feels like their concerns are not being heard or respected.
Good veterinary practice involves not just medical treatment, but also clear communication with pet owners to foster trust and ensure an animal’s well-being.
The Reddit post drew responses from other dog owners who shared their own experiences and perspectives on how a vet should handle nervous puppies.
‘That’s what I expect’
As one user advised, “Yikes. New vet. My vet was really happy I brought treats for our girl, we held her together just to steady her because 9-week-old puppy.
“She didn’t even feel it, and the vet made sure to rub the site just so there wouldn’t even be stinging. That’s what I expect. Not blaming me.”
The OP replied: “This is what I was hoping for.”
Another supporter wrote simply on behalf of many: “I’d find a new vet.”
The way a veterinarian handles routine procedures can have a lasting impact on an animal‘s perception of the clinic. Negative experiences at a young age may contribute to long-term anxiety during future visits.
A Newsweek article previously reported on an incident where a dog became so distressed at a vet clinic that it led to a chaotic scene, going to show how handling techniques and a pet’s temperament can combine in unpredictable ways.
Back in the Reddit comments section, the OP said that all the feedback has just reinforced their decision. While a different clinic wasn’t feasible, there were several other vets at the clinic, they added.
“The more I think about it the more annoyed I get because it could have easily been a positive visit,” the dog owner lamented.
“Even with what happened with the vaccine, they could have said, “Oops, we made your puppy nervous after what happened with the vaccine. You can try x-y-z to help him rebuild his confidence.’
“Not tell me I’m not doing enough to socialize him.”
Newsweek has contacted LittleBucket07 for comment via Reddit.
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