Teaching Dogs to Be Comfortable with Vet Visits
Ever Notice How Your Dog’s Ears Perk Up at the Word ‘Vet’? Imagine this: You are dressing up your dog for the vet and everything is going well then you mention the word ‘vet’. You notice then that he is no longer wagging his tail, but looking at you like he does not want to…
Ever Notice How Your Dog’s Ears Perk Up at the Word ‘Vet’?
Imagine this: You are dressing up your dog for the vet and everything is going well then you mention the word ‘vet’. You notice then that he is no longer wagging his tail, but looking at you like he does not want to go there at all. We know this feeling, have been there, done that kind of thing don’t we?
To maintain the proper health of the dogs, they need to have regular visits to the vet which otherwise is a very daunting task to most dogs and also their owners. But this doesn’t have to be the case – with a little bit of prep work, you can make the ordeal much easier for all parties.
Sniffing Out the Signs: Is Your Pup Stressed?
Stress in dogs- Working breeds and certain other breeds are more prone to stress hence they express it in one way or the other By looking at the amount of exercise that the dogs are given by their owners, it can be seen that they get stressed at some point by the day.
Some may start to pant excessively or excessively rub their body on the floor, some may refuse food and become very still or attempt to go to a secluded area. It will be important to try and spot these signs early so that you can come in and offer support where possible. Understanding how your dog responds to stress can also help you in an effort to make your dog’s trips to the vet less stressful.
Treats and Tail Wags: Making Vet Visits Fun
One way to ensure that your dog doesn’t develop a phobia for the vet clinics is to take the dog to the clinic without having to apply any form of aggression. Allow them to roam around, to smell the Kennel and maybe get a piece of biscuit from the Kennel staff.
So making these visits fun by bringing treats, toys and even your dog’s meal will make the visits to the vet more of an enjoyable affair. Forcing your pet to associate the clinic with punishment or stressing it out every time it goes for an exam actually encourages the opposite.
Tip: Indeed, even though most dogs do not enjoy going to be treated by the vet, bringing along foods or toys that your dog used at home makes the visit seem like a fun trip.
Practice Makes Paw-fect: Vet Visit Rehearsals at Home
Preparing your dog for trips to the vet can be an easy process if you run some stress-free rehearsal sessions at home. This way, the rehearsals will be transformed into a form of a game so your dog will no longer be anxious during a real performance.
- Pet your dog’s paws, ears, mouth, and all over your dog during play or washing them.
- Make them familiar with medical instruments such as stethoscopes and thermometers not as things that are used to ‘scare’ them but as items that are part of a doctor’s kit.
- Use positive responding methods that include engaging in activities such as “Still” Game where the puppy receives treats.
- Pamper your pet when he behaves well by giving him extra cuddles and a little snack so it will not feel bad.
Vet Day Vibes: Tips for a Pawsitive Experience
This day going to the vet can be really an exciting one for your pet dog, it is always advisable not to make the situation look so stressful. A non-aggressive tone of voice will also assist in providing comfort to your pet to make him or her feel at ease.
- Do not lose your temper and do not sound sad; your dog will sense it and may become reactive too.
- If your dog doesn’t like company, inform the vet staff prior to your arrival so that the dog is not stressed up.
- Also, you may want to bring with you your dog’s toys and snacks to make your dog comfortable and busy while the veterinarian is checking him.
- These dogs should be brought early so that they can familiarize themselves with this environment before the actual appointment time.
What If My Dog Is Still Shaking in Their Paws?
Despite all those measures some dogs will still be stressed when it comes to any veterinary practice. One needs to notice when his/her dog is overwhelmed and take necessary measures to ensure that the dog feels at ease.
- Still, after speaking to your vet regularly, you might get additional tips they haven’t shared on this list.
- It is advisable to try to put your dog to sleep with a light sleeping pill recommended by the vet or try some techniques that will help to calm him down.
- Sanitize your hands before making physical contact with the dog product, offer your dog an additional amount of comfort like holding the dog or using calming spray meant for the pet.
Meet the Vet: Your Dog’s New Best Friend
Your veterinarian is your ally when it comes to ensuring that the more traumatic aspects of dog wellbeing are minimized when it comes to vet check ups. Whether it is a monthly check-up or an emergency, your dog’s experience at the vet depends on the doctor, and a good veterinarian and one that is good with your dog taking the time to understand the fear and ease the tension.
- Inform your veterinarian on the different needs and stresses that your dog would have.
- Select a vet who has the patience of caring for your dog until it comes to him or her voluntarily.
- Do not interfere with your vet’s handling of your pet particularly if your dog becomes nervous or anxious during the examination.
- Take your dog to the vet often so that the animal gets used to the surroundings and the people there.
Wrapping It All Up
It takes time and effort to socialize a dog to become okay with visits to the vet but it is a process and a worthwhile one at that. Acquaint them early, make social experiences have positive meanings, touching and exposure should be done at home.
It is very important to remain poised and ready the time the visit happens. By following these steps, your dog will not be a quivering mess in the waiting room but instead will wag his tail. To learn more ways on how to make your pooch happy and healthy, you can read more on the following.
Just a reminder: You don’t just go for a walk to the vet with your dog; you are establishing trust and are investing for future successful visits to the vet for both of you. That’s the spirit, and you deserve a pat on your back for being a considerate pet owner!
