What a cute little guy!
Can't help you much with how the Vet works in the US as I'm in Oz BUT I thought I'd mention a couple of things I've noted with regard to the dogs themselves and going to the Vet.
I've taken a few different dogs to the vets over the years and they all react a little differently but a couple of times now I've noted that the dog will be all excited that you're out on a "trip" together right up until they get close to the door and can "smell" where they're going, or perhaps it's hearing the other animals, anyway it's not unusual for the mutt to be prancing along up the path and then come to a grinding halt and refuse to budge just before you get in the door. With a smaller dog it's not so difficult to pick them up and carry them in but with bigger boofs, like my dog, it's a little harder.
I always take some kibble or treats in my pocket to "encourage" him in the door.
Once we're inside the reaction can vary but be aware that there could be all manner of exciting and interesting and scary things going on from an animal's perspective.
It's not unusual for us to get inside the vets and discover that there are cats or other dogs in the waiting room. For that reason we always attend the vet with the gentle leader on AND I keep the mutt on a very short leash. Once we're inside I let them know we're here and then I sit down away from the other animals and get him to sit too. I talk to him calmly and praise him a lot for sitting still. If other animals come to say hello, I'll let him but I still keep him on a short leash and I do my best not to let him get over excited. And even with all that be aware that you may well have a beautifully behaved dog yourself but other animals in the waiting room might not be on their best behaviour. Don't forget they might be scared and nervous too. You've got to remain alert.
Once you're inside the exam room it's quite possible that your dog is not going to want to be there AT ALL. All dogs react differently. My Gran's dog (a small fluffy little guy) would growl and bark like a savage the minute he was in the consult room. My own dog is happy enough to see the vet, if somewhat nervous, right up until the bit where the Vet starts the examine him then he lets his displeasure be known.
Because the vet might want to take the dog's temp (which will mean a thermometer up the bum) or give them a shot or even checking the dogs ears can be upsetting for them sometimes, it's worth being prepared to have to restrain them firmly and there's no shame in asking for a muzzle if you're uncertain how the dog will react.
After suffering through numerous bites myself and also having had the Vet get bitten I always ask for the muzzle now and when we put it on him I always make sure to praise him for being such a good dog and I talk to him quietly and always stroke him and do my best to keep him calm while he has it on. He doesn't like it much BUT it does make him much easier to handle, particularly if he's having a shot, so it's much safer for him too.
Once the exam is over it's easy enough to get the muzzle off him and I always make sure that he gets a treat for being such a good dog and heaps of praise too. AND luckily I have a great Vet so he always makes sure to pat him and "make friends" again after the exam also.
Where ever I can I try to make the Vet experience a good one for my dog and my Vet is great and very gentle and kind but the only way for a dog to let you know they don't like something is by growling, barking and biting if they have to so being prepared for that, makes all the difference.
After the Vet I like to take the mutt for a special walk somewhere REALLY interesting with lots of smells OR spend some extra time playing with him OR just sitting with him and extra treats after the fact. My rationale being that if he can associate this thing he doesn't like with good things after the fact he might resign himself to getting it over and done with easier.
Hope all goes well with it.
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