As a dog owner or someone looking to get into dog breeding registration, you are responsible for making sure that your dog is happy, fulfilled and healthy. While there are a number of different ways to do this, one major aspect of the care and raising of a dog is the regular veterinarian check-ups and vaccinations that must be done every year.
Not only do puppies need a slew of vaccinations in the first few months of their life, adult dogs also need regular examinations so that any medical conditions can be caught early. But many dog owners will know that these visits aren’t always easy.
Going to the vet can be a stressful experience for both dog owners and their furry companions. Many dogs get excited or anxious when they arrive at the vet’s office, and this can make it difficult for them to receive a proper checkup or medical treatment. The worst case scenario is that a dog may bite or snap while at the vet, possibly injuring the vet or staff members.
Simply skipping vet appointments is no solution at all. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your pup stay relaxed during their appointment.
Before Your Appointment
First and foremost, it’s important to get your dog used to the vet’s office before their appointment. Take them on visits prior to their scheduled appointment so they can become familiar with the surroundings.
During these pre-appointment visits, let them explore the office and meet the staff members. This will help them feel more comfortable during their actual appointment. Additionally, reward them with treats or toys when they do well – this will create a positive association with going to the vet that may help reduce anxiety in future visits.
How to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet
Consider the time of day when scheduling your appointment. If possible, try to book a time when your pup is usually relaxed, like after a nap or after dinner. If you have an anxious pup, consider asking for an early morning appointment when the office is quieter and less crowded. This will give your pup more space to relax without feeling overwhelmed by other animals in the waiting room.
If you have a high-energy dog that doesn’t settle down easily, make sure your pup is properly exercised beforehand. This will help tire them out and reduce stress levels while they wait in the lobby or exam room.
Bring items from home that may help soothe your pup while at the vet’s office. Comforting items such as their favourite toy, blanket, or even an item of clothing with your scent on it can help keep them relaxed during their appointment. You may also want to bring along some tasty treats so you can reward them for good behaviour during their visit.
During the appointment itself, try to remain as calm as possible while interacting with your dog. Dogs pick up on our emotions easily, so if you appear anxious then they may become more stressed too! If possible, have someone else hold onto your pup so you don’t have to worry about restraining them yourself and can just try to keep them calm. This can also help ensure the safety of everyone involved, including other animals.
Use counter-conditioning techniques to help reduce anxiety levels in your pup while at the vet’s office. Counter-conditioning refers to pairing something pleasant (like giving treats) with an unpleasant situation (like being in the exam room). By doing this gradually and repeatedly over time, dogs can learn to associate these situations with positive experiences instead of negative ones – ultimately helping them feel more relaxed while at the vet’s office.
Make sure you are following all instructions from staff members and trust their judgement; this will ensure that everything goes smoothly during the visit. If they think that your dog will need to be restrained to prevent injury to the staff members or other animals, then that is usually the best course of action. Vets and the staff members at the veterinarian’s office almost all have a deep love for animals and simply want to help. They won’t want to scare or hurt your dog, but they have to keep in mind the safety of all the animals under their care.
Finally, be patient! It may take some time before your pup is able to remain calm at the vet’s office, but with consistent practice and patience they will eventually understand that visits don’t have to be scary experiences – rather occasions filled with positive reinforcement.
