For numerous pets, visiting the veterinarian can be a fascinating event. While a few creatures find it pleasant, others detest it with a passion. These pets don’t just have a standard check-up at the vet, but instead, they try to run away or show some amusing responses. Their experience is unique and memorable, and you might chuckle at some of the absurd examples of what these pets encountered at the vet.
Birds in Space
Not just dogs and cats, even birds have to wear a “cone of shame” after visiting the vet. This bird had a tiny cone that appears to be heavier than its own weight after the procedure.
Although many Redditors were worried about the cone, the owner alleviated their concerns by explaining that it was put in place by the vet to prevent the bird from exacerbating a minor wound. The comically large cone was likened to a satellite dish, prompting one user to cleverly quip, “Strong and adorable signal received!”
Goats Going Places
The goat owner ensured that they had all that they needed, as the keys and iced coffee were checked off the list. The Reddit user shared an amusing snapshot of their pet goat seated in the driver’s seat, indicating that they were ready to start their journey. They snapped this photo en route to the vet’s visit.
Eloise, a goat with a cleft palate, has special requirements, but she has found a permanent residence in an animal shelter run by a Reddit user. Based on her joyful countenance, it appears that she is eagerly looking forward to her visit to the veterinarian.
More Cheese Please
As a veterinarian, one faces distinctive difficulties in the profession. Animals with four legs may not always cooperate when being examined. In this situation, what is a vet to do? It seems that the remedy is available in a can of spray!
This vet found that his canine patients will sit through just about anything if there’s the potential to receive cheese. This spray can of cheesy goodness seems to have a hypnotic effect on dogs, as demonstrated by this pup. We’re sure that this spray cheese surprise made this vet visit the best one yet!
Nothing to See Here
Animals can become quite innovative when attempting to evade the vet. This cat, who is not the brightest, believes that her bed would be an excellent disguise and hiding spot.
Regrettably, Diamond the cat’s attempt to remain unnoticed during her visit to the vet’s office did not go as she anticipated. As per her owner’s post on Reddit, she not only felt disappointed that her concealment strategy failed, but she was also displeased that the veterinarian dared to lay hands on her.
Smile Like You Mean It
After undergoing an oral evaluation and treatment, this happy puppy has just awoken. The process involves a veterinary specialist who takes X-rays of the dog’s mouth, removes any teeth that require it, and cleans the teeth thoroughly.
Right on time, the dog smiled a little bit to ease the concerns of his mother. Even though his smile wasn’t the widest, it appeared to be more joyful than what people generally show after leaving the dentist.
Spiny and Spaced-Out
The demand for hedgehogs as pets in the United States is on the rise and it is not unexpected. The charming mix of small noses and paws has piqued the interest of many individuals who now want to own one of these prickly creatures.
Not long ago, Leo the hedgehog was given anesthesia for a medical treatment. As the drug kicks in, Leo is slowly falling asleep into his own hedgehog world. Initially shared on Reddit, Leo’s confused expression amused many users.
More Comfortable Than it Looks
Giving drugs to animals can be as challenging as administering medication to humans due to the variation in their response. The effectiveness of some drugs may differ from one animal to another.
The owner of the cat administered half a capsule as per guidelines. Surprisingly, the half dose was effective enough to put the cat to sleep in an unusual position. Although primarily given for treating anxiety, the capsule also caused drowsiness resulting in the cat falling asleep mid-jump.
Hidden Hearts
Many cat owners seldom or never take the time to groom their cats. However, this particular cat owner was surprised by an adorable surprise that was concealed beneath layers of fur only after taking their cat to the veterinarian.
During a veterinary procedure, the lower body of the cat was shaved exposing a big dark patch on its skin which resembled a heart. Although the owner already observed that his pet had a kind heart, the shaved patch shows that the feline is even more affectionate than previously perceived.
I’ll Be Watching You
During medical procedures, when animals are administered anesthesia, their eyes can be impacted. Unlike humans, cats possess three eyelids, and the third eyelid that they have is also referred to as a nictitating membrane.
The third eyelid in cats is believed to serve as an extra layer of protection for their big corneas. It is typically hidden but may become visible after the cat has been anesthetized. Although it is a normal occurrence, it can be a bit eerie to observe.
How Could You?
Numerous individuals think that certain dogs have facial expressions that are equal to those of humans. The dog in question demonstrates that not only humans can be stubborn and sullen.
Ivy’s owner posted this picture after she was spayed, a presumably uncomfortable and painful experience. Ivy’s face seems to show that she feels betrayed by her owner — almost as if she wants to ask, “How could you?”
Dazed and Confused Cats
This cat looks like he woke up and doesn’t know which century he’s in. Between his squinted eyes and disheveled hair, Seymour the cat has definitely had better days.
One of the funniest things about this photo is that around Seymour’s “cone of shame” are instructions for how to deal with him. Phrases like “be nice” or “spoil me” are printed on the plastic cone, but judging by the face on this sour-puss, it would be safer to stay away.
Pint-Sized Possums
The ringtail possum is a small animal that’s native to Australia. This small creature spends most of its life in the trees where it eats flowers and different types of plants. Like most marsupials, baby ringtail possums are dependent on their mothers for survival.
Baby ringtail possums live in their mother’s pouch for about 120 days. This leaves the small animals especially vulnerable if something happens to their mother. Thankfully, this little possum was rescued by a vet. We’re sure that the animal was very thankful for this man’s kindness.
I Have Become One With the Wall
We’re not sure where this dog learned to hide against a wall, but it’s a pretty funny example of just how intelligent dogs can be. This dog thought that if she pinned herself against a wall, that she would become invisible.
Unfortunately, her “blend into the wall” plan didn’t go accordingly and she was forced to enter the building. We do have to give her credit, though, for coming up with that creative plan.
Where Are We Going?
Dogs can learn patterns and routines surprisingly fast. From knowing the distinct sound of the treat jar opening to the sound of water running for bath-time, dogs form associations very quickly.
This dog hopped into his owner’s car, assuming that they would be going somewhere exciting. Unfortunately, the only place they were headed was to the vet. This owner was able to capture his dog’s hilariously disappointed face when he learned about their little change in plans.
A Special Muzzle for a Special Dog
Working with animals always comes with the risk that one of those animals may bite. This owner did not expect that their little Chloe would bite, and was interested to learn that a special muzzle exists, just for pugs.
Pugs are considered brachycephalic breeds, or “short-headed.” These dogs often have short muzzles, or flatter faces in comparison to other breeds. Because they have shorter noses, and other breathing issues associated with their face and skull shape, a special muzzle is required.
Just a “Trim”
We’ve all been there — we ask for a small trim and end up looking like we lost a battle with a weed-wacker. In this case, this Husky’s drastic haircut has a very important purpose, and that’s saving him from a deadly disease called tick paralysis.
Tick paralysis is caused by dogs being bitten by a species of tick called the paralysis tick or Ixodes Holocyclus. In places like the east coast of Australia, where these ticks are common, it’s advised to completely shave your pet in order to make it easier to find these dangerous pests.
What’s Going on Back There?
Because dogs and cats have higher body temperatures than humans, it can be difficult to detect a fever in a pet. The only way to accurately see if Fido is running a fever is by visiting the vet. Vets typically use two methods to read a pet’s body temperature — digital and rectal.
Because thermometers placed in ears can be affected by a variety of factors, rectal thermometers are still considered the “gold standard” by vets. While they can accurately take temperatures, their insertion often results in faces like the one this cat is making.
Half Husky. Half Burrito. All Confused
This Husky must have arrived at his vet appointment with a completely different idea of how the day would go. Not only did he wake up from his neutering appointment missing a certain body part, but he somehow became a burrito in the process.
This Reddit user’s photo perfectly captured the little bundle of (confused) joy’s facial expression. We have a feeling that the Husky will have an equally confused look on his face when he realizes what he went to the vet for, even after the sedatives wear off.
Ready to Break Some Hearts
When a pet undergoes a medical procedure, owners need to be cautious even after the surgery. Aftercare is especially important since many pets will often try to lick or bite their stitches, resulting in infection or the wound not healing properly.
This vet suggested that this cat take a more fashionable approach to healing, and recommended a baby-sized button-up shirt. When his owner uploaded the image of the well-dressed feline, multiple people joked that the cat looks like he’s ready to paint the town red!
Just Wait Until I Get Out!
It can be difficult to think of our precious cats as small yet ferocious killers. These tiny members of the feline family actually have more in common with their large relatives like tigers than most owners think.
This Reddit poster shared just how fearsome these kitties can be when they snapped this perfectly-timed photo of their cat trying to break free from the kennel at their vet’s office. This little tiger-in-training seems like he’s plotting his revenge… just as soon as his little teeth can pry open the kennel.
Perfect Place to Catch Up on Sleep
Going to the vet can be exhausting. Between waiting to be seen —plus, waiting for your pet parent to fill out intake forms and other procedures — it can be quite snooze-inducing.
This little Corgi thought he would take this vet appointment to catch up on some badly needed Z’s. The dog, named McGuffin, probably didn’t know that the sight of his little body stretched across the examination table would be so adorable.
One Bunny Burrito Coming Up!
While small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits can make adorable pets, it can be quite difficult for a veterinarian to examine them. Because of their notorious wriggly nature, most vets will gently wrap their floppy-eared patients in a blanket or towel.
Known as the “bunny burrito,” vets will often swaddle the rabbit to help keep them calm and still during the examination. Not only is this an efficient way for bunnies to get proper medical care, but it also results in some pretty adorable photos!
Happy to Help!
While some dogs loathe going to the vet, others simply love it. This dog named Chunk “Chunky” Norris loves going to the vet so much, he volunteered to be an assistant to the vet tech.
Chunk Norris’ owner shared the photo on Reddit, which promptly resulted in the professional pup receiving dozens of comments. This photo goes to prove that not all visits to the vet have to be a negative experience.
A Face Only a Mother Could Love
There are some veterinary procedures in which dogs must be sedated or be put under anesthesia. While these are done in order for a dog to safely receive the medical care they need, it can often result in the dog making some strange faces.
These sedatives can often slow a dog’s reactions, giving them the appearance of being under the influence. This Australian shepherd decided that this hilariously contorted position was the most comfortable. His funny face was compared to a “Picasso painting” by one Reddit user.
#CurrentMood Is Mad
Whenever an animal undergoes a surgical procedure, it’s very important to prevent that animal from scratching or licking any surgical sites. Saliva from animals can harbor dangerous pathogens that can cause infection, while scratching or biting can pop stitches or reopen wounds.
While surgical cones are commonly used to keep animals away from healing wounds, sometimes doctors must improvise. This hilarious example of animal improvisation was shared by this cat’s owner. Funnily enough, the cat’s plate/cone says “#currentmood” — which we can assume is probably not a good one.
Bat Cat?
Cats can be tenacious creatures. They won’t let a little medical-grade sedative get in the way of their exploring. Despite having a hefty amount of sedatives in his system, this determined cat wanted to get onto his kitty playground.
After spending more than an hour and a half climbing up the structure, and falling five times, he finally reached the summit. According to the owner, the cat immediately fell asleep…upside down.
What a Feeling…
Seeing your pet undergo a serious operation can be a stressful time. Luckily, this owner understood that laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. After Ollie’s surgery, the vet placed him in a compression shirt to prevent him from accessing his stitches.
While the shirt had medical purposes, it reminded his owner of the 1983 dance film, Flashdance. Turns out Ollie looks like a slightly “less energetic” version of the steel mill worker turned ballerina.
The (Grumpy) Cat Is Out of the Bag
If looks could kill, then this unhappy patient should be behind bars. This photo was taken just after this cat, Nova, woke up from eye surgery. While his vision was probably not the best, Nova was definitely seeing red after this photo was snapped.
Between Nova’s frizzled whiskers and his confused look, it’s safe to say that he was not having a good time. We’re sure that this cat cannot wait to get out of this bag, and back at its owner.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
While we’re sure that the smile on this Yorkie’s face is from the medication he was given by the vet, he looks like he’s come back from the most relaxing spa experience of his life.
Like humans, it’s not unusual for animals who have taken sedatives to have a more relaxed demeanor. While we’re sure he was nervous upon arriving at the vet, it seems like it’ll be just smooth sailing from here on out.
“Coneheads”
Like parents of multiple children, people who own multiple pets understand the unique bonds between pet siblings. Pets that live together bond in interesting ways, and often become very protective of one another.
These cats seem to be meeting for the first time since undergoing a veterinary procedure, and are both equally confused by the large plastic disks around their heads. This Reddit user posted this adorable photo — capturing this confusing but heartwarming moment between her “coneheads.”
They’ll Never Look Under Here!
It’s a normal reaction for an animal to run away or hide from a stressful situation. This dog felt so scared that he chose the best hiding spot in the veterinary office — under a desk.
One would assume, from the dog’s dramatic reaction, that something extremely stressful happened to cause the dog to seek shelter. According to the dog’s owner, however, this game of hide-and-seek was prompted by the vet simply touching the dog’s ears.
Silly Smiles
This dog decided to grin and bear it for his photo used in his file at the veterinarian. It turns out that while his toothy grin resembles a human smile, it’s most likely what dog experts refer to as a “submissive grin.”
Submissive grins are a gesture that dogs make to inform other dogs that they’re not a threat. Dogs can also “smile” when they’re feeling uncomfortable, or threatened. We’re sure the staff at the veterinary clinic will be smiling every time they pull his file out.
Together Until the End
Like many animals, these cats aren’t exactly thrilled about their visit to the vet. These cats seem like they made a pact to stick together until the end…of their checkup.
With so few hiding spaces, this whiskered pair decided that the sink would be their best option to outwit those humans in scrubs. Unfortunately, their plan didn’t work, and the two somehow found themselves in this awkward position.
Plump and Proud
No one likes to be told by their doctor that they should shed a bit of weight, especially not this plump hedgehog. This hedgehog’s furious face says it all. The vet recommended that the spiny pet reduce his weight and lay off the worms.
As funny as his face is, obesity in hedgehogs is a real health concern. Overweight hedgehogs cannot roll themselves into a protective ball, and face other health issues. While this angry little critter isn’t happy about having to skip his favorite snack, it’s for the best.
Mmmm…Chair
For many people, ferrets make the perfect pet. These slinky mustelids often have energetic and entertaining personalities. The ferret’s inquisitive nature, however, can sometimes get them into trouble.
Ferrets use their mouths and teeth to explore new environments or communicate. This ferret decided to turn his trip to the vet into an opportunity to explore a new place and try new foods. Unfortunately, this new chew toy happened to be a vet’s chair.
Band of Furry Brothers
These three brave guinea pigs prove that anything is possible if you stick together — even scary vet appointments. These three Musketeers were photographed huddling together on the vet’s examination table.
Guinea pigs are highly social animals and prefer to live in groups of two or more. These ‘herds,’ as they are known, help members of the group feel safer and less stressed. No wonder these furry friends banded together at the vet.
The “Dog”-tor Will See You Now
It can be a nerve-wracking experience for pet parents to be separated from their pet while they undergo treatment at the vet. Luckily, this veterinarian knew that the best way to calm this pet parent’s nerves would be with humor.
This vet snapped this adorable picture of the boxer wearing a protective hairnet. The picture — featuring a doggo sporting a serious look and surgical cap — has racked up 400 comments on Reddit. Some posters even pointed out the boxer’s similarity to Neil Patrick Harris on Doogie Howser, M.D., calling him “Dr. Doggi Howzer.”
“Shaved Weasel”
This cat owner thought that they would take advantage of their pet being sedated and sneak in a quick haircut. What resulted was one of the funniest grooming “fails” ever. Maine Coons, like this cat named Coco, are known for their long hair.
Coco’s owner thought they would just trim off some of her matted hair. Instead, the haircut left Coco looking like a “shaved weasel.” Fellow Reddit posters cautioned Coco’s owner to sleep with one eye open, warning that the “grinch”-like cat was probably plotting her revenge!
My Little (Sleepy) Pony
If there were ever a picture that could inspire someone to become a veterinarian, it would be this photo. This picture was snapped by a Reddit user who happens to be an equine veterinarian.
The vet shared that his tiny patient is a miniature horse foal and that he’s about a week old. This baby horse preferred nap-time to chat-time when he fell asleep on the vet’s feet while his parents were speaking to the vet.
So Close Yet So Far
For some pets, even a visit to the vet can be filled with a multitude of temptations. This dog didn’t expect to come across a perfectly good toy, just slightly out of her reach. According to Lillian’s owner, she really really wanted this toy.
To her credit, Lillian behaved herself and was able to resist the temptation to take the vet’s toy. As a reward for her good behavior, she received lots of treats and praise. Her owner shared that she was exceptionally proud of her once-impulsive pup’s behavior.
Mission Accomplished
Search dogs can provide invaluable assistance during disasters, or in other life-and-death situations. This dog, aptly named Hunter, was on a mission when he arrived at his vet’s office. Not long after using his powerful nose, Hunter found the ultimate hidden cache — treats.
While Hunter’s owner shared that he is trained to find live people, it seems that his sense of smell is also great for finding treats. She also shared that while she admired his ability to find the treats, he didn’t get one until after the appointment.
Filing Can Be ‘Ruff
Going to the vet isn’t always fun and games. For this dog, going to the vet means another day on the clock. This adorable terrier works behind the scenes to make sure her furry friends get the best care possible.
This Reddit user shared a picture of what might be the cutest receptionist ever. The poster also shared that this pup loves to greet all kinds of animals at the vet’s office. It’s no surprise that this computer-savvy canine is so popular.
Exotic and Adorable Animals
One of the most exciting things about working in a veterinary office is getting the opportunity to handle unique and exotic species. This vet tech shared an adorable picture of her feeding a two-month-old coatimundi on Reddit.
Coatimundis are small mammals that are native to Central and South America. These interesting animals are closely related to raccoons and can be kept as pets in some areas. We’re sure this was a memorable experience for the vet tech, and for the coatimundi who received such great care.
Proceed With Caution!
Most vets have had their fair share of unruly and aggressive pets. Because of this, most commenters on the Reddit post were wondering what exactly this cat did to deserve such a severe warning label on his cage.
It turns out that the cat had a good reason to be cranky. He had undergone surgery to correct a very painful urinary system blockage. While the poster claimed that this cat is actually the friendliest of her cats, it seems that he turns into the opposite once he gets to the vet.
Nice to Meet You
For some pets, going to the vet can result in meeting other furry friends. These two exotic pets were introduced while waiting to be seen at the vet. This Reddit user was able to perfectly capture the confused look on their ferret’s face upon meeting the masked animal.
While raccoons may be kept as a pet, they haven’t truly been domesticated like ferrets. Ferrets, which are believed to be descended from European polecats, are estimated to have been domesticated about 2,500 years ago.
