It’s important to take your pet to the vet so that it can get vaccinations and an exam to determine if there are any issues, such as heart worms or fleas. However, there are some pets that don’t seem to want to be in a vet’s office and for good reason as they sometimes sense that they will get an immunization or that they are going to be poked and prodded. If your pet is anxious when going to the vet, there are some ways that you can help to keep it calm.
Soothing Treats
There are a few herbal supplements that you can give your pet to try to get it to calm down before you arrive at the office. It’s best to give the tablet or liquid at home so that the pet has time to get relaxed before getting in the car to leave. A favorite treat is also an option. When you get to the vet’s office, give the dog a treat for being well-behaved in the car on the way over. As your pet has routine procedures completed, such as standing on the scale to get its weight checked or getting its nails trimmed, you can give smaller pieces of the treat as a reward. Once the pet sees that it will get something it likes for listening, it will become easier to enjoy the visit without as many treats in the future.
A Compatible Vet
The key to keeping your pet calm is to find a vet who will work with the animal in a gentle manner. If your pet feels safe and secure while in the office, then it will be easier for procedures to be completed. Your vet should be able to offer a few ways to keep the pet calm, even prescribing medications if necessary. It’s best to start taking your pet to the vet when its young instead of waiting until its older as this will give both the vet and the animal a way to get to know each other on a regular basis.
Practice
When you’re at home, practice a few of the things that the vet will do in the office. Feel the ears, the legs and other areas of the body that you know will get attention at the visit. This type of interaction can also help you detect any issues that you’re concerned about before going to the office, such as lumps or new mannerisms that are concerning. You might even consider calling a facility like Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital to see if you can visit the premises so your pet can acclimate to it before they need to visit for a checkup. Making sure your pet is used to being handled and checked up will go a long way toward making them feel comfortable and safe around the vet.
You might also want to take your dog to dog parks or other places where other animals are present so they are used to having them around. The last thing you want is for your pet to panic or even attack another animal at the vet.
Before you go to the vet, try to calm your pet by talking to it and offering a soothing place to lay in the car. When you arrive at the office, offer a few treats for the good work that the pet exhibits. Talk to the vet about any concerns that you have as the doctor should be someone you can trust about your furry friend.
