Author: Charlie Leslie, BSc (Hons), RVN
ABSTRACT Veterinary visits can be a source of significant fear and anxiety for many dogs, potentially affecting patient welfare, client experience and the safety of veterinary professionals. Desensitisation is a simple training technique that can help reduce fear-related behaviours by gradually building positive associations with the veterinary environment. This article explores the principles of desensitisation and counterconditioning, discusses how to recognise early signs of fear and stress, and outlines practical strategies that can be implemented in first-opinion practice to prevent dogs reaching their behavioural threshold. The article also considers factors that contribute to veterinary-related anxiety, including previous negative experiences and situation stacking, and highlights the need to adapt techniques to the individual patient. Evidence from European and Australian studies is discussed, alongside a clinical audit of desensitisation clinics conducted in a UK first-opinion practice demonstrating how these techniques can be successfully incorporated into routine nursing care. By recognising stress-related behaviours early and implementing appropriate desensitisation techniques, veterinary nurses can help improve patient welfare, reduce anxiety associated with veterinary visits and strengthen the relationship between the patient, owner and practice.
Keywords canine, dogs, desensitisation, anxiety, counterconditioning, fear-free, practice, behaviour
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/XWJF8127
To cite this article: Leslie, C. (2026) Canine desensitisation in veterinary practice. VNJ 41(5) pp44-48
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