A YORK veterinary practice has received top recognition for its care of dogs.

Tower Vets has received Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation from the UK’s largest canine charity, the Dogs Trust, and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).

The practice says the achievement reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring clients and their dogs have a positive experience, making them easier to examine.

Some owners also find their pet’s anxiety at the vets difficult to cope with and may be put off seeking veterinary help when needed.

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Tower Vets’ colleagues at the branches in Fulford, Acomb and Haxby have been trained to recognise and address early signs of anxiety through the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme.

They have also developed their understanding of how pain and health conditions can affect behaviour to help ensure vet visits are positive while making it a safer place to work for the team.

Veterinary care assistant Lucy Wood was the driving force behind Tower Vets securing Dog Friendly Clinic status after learning more about dog anxiety and body language while working as a volunteer canine assistant at Dogs Trust Leeds.

Lucy said: “If dogs are anxious, they are more difficult to assess which can make it harder to diagnose the issue. By taking steps to reduce their anxiety in practice, being more aware of body language and making unique adjustments for each individual dog, we can support both their physical and mental wellbeing when they visit.

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“At Tower Vets, we do lots of things to help reduce dogs’ anxiety. Our puppy classes are a great starting point to socialise dogs, discuss key healthcare issues with owners and teach them about dogs’ body language and the principles of positive dog training.

“We have also expanded our Confidence Clinics for dogs that are anxious which allow them to come in for longer sessions to have a positive experience. We use a calm, positive approach with lots of treats and toys to gradually get them used to being here and build up a positive association with the practice and the veterinary examination. 

“We have also made a significant number of tweaks to our day-to-day running in practice such as ensuring all dogs that come in for a procedure have an individual care plan put together with the owner, and keeping extensive notes so that, for example, our receptionists know whether a dog might not like being around other dogs in the waiting area.”

Chris Laurence, chair of BVBA, said: “Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.

“We’re delighted that Tower Vets has joined our dog-friendly community. By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”