A trip to the veterinarian’s office can be overwhelming for many pets. There are other animals, new people, and of course shots and examinations. By following a few tips, however, you can help your dog to stay as relaxed as possible.
Nothing New
Before you take your pooch to the vet, be sure he is used to being held, touched, and grabbed. You can practice this at home by placing your hands on his body, belly, legs, ears, and tail while giving him positive praise or treats. This will help him not to become fearful when it’s time for him to be examined.
A Practice-Run Can Help
For many pets, a drive to the vet’s office before the actual appointment can help ease anxiety. By letting him become familiar with the staff and area first with a practice run, when the time comes for his first appointment it won’t be a big deal.
Think Before You Sit
Even if your dog is already familiar with your vet’s office, the waiting room can present some challenges. The sight, sound, and smell of other pets of different varieties can cause some dogs to get excited, aggressive, or even skittish. It would be wise to take a look around the room and decide on a quiet spot to sit with your pet instead of just sitting in the first seat you see.
Always be respectful to other owners and their pets. If your dog doesn’t get along well with cats, small animals, or other dogs be sure to sit far enough away that there won’t be a problem. Even if your pet is friendly, you should ask other owners before allowing your dog to make new friends. Their pet may not be.
Closeness Counts
Sitting close to your pooch can help him to feel less anxious. It also will allow you to respond instantly if any situations with other pets are about to occur. Be sure to pet him and give him positive praise. You may even want to rest your hand on him the entire time since this contact can be very soothing.
Distractions Make Things Easy
Bringing something to distract your dog with can help to ensure things go smoothly. Bringing some of his favorite treats will help to keep his attention both in the waiting room and during the exam. Just be sure to give them to him periodically not all at once so you don’t run out. If you will be giving him treats in the waiting room you should do this when he is sitting close to you so that you don’t create a problem with other dogs who may want some too.
Keep Your Cool
One of the most notable traits of canines is that they are very in tune with the emotional state of their owner. They can pick up on how you are feeling with little effort. So be sure to stay in a positive, confident, and relaxed state. If you are nervous or fearful this can cause your pet to act that way as well.
Going to the vet for regular check-ups and of course when there is a problem is vital for your pet’s health and well-being. And by using this advice you can help to make it a much more pleasurable experience for him and yourself.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Why Do Small Dogs Shake?
If you have a Bichon Frise, a Beagle, a Chihuahua, or any of the other small dog breeds, you may have often wondered, "Why do small dogs shake?" Most of the time when your pet shakes it is a perfectly natural reaction to something in its environment, and not a cause...
The Quick List Of Dangerous Foods For Dogs
We all want our pets to be safe and healthy. However, there are many foods they should never eat. The following are some of the most common dangerous foods for dogs you’ll need to know in order to keep your pooch out of the emergency room. Alcohol Foods and beverages...
Is Chocolate Harmful To Dogs?
As a pet owner, you may have heard that you should never allow your pooch to eat chocolate. You’re most likely wondering is chocolate harmful to dogs and the reasons why. So here’s what you’ll need to know about this potentially deadly food. Why Is Chocolate Harmful...
The Benefits Of Feeding Dogs Raw Food
Buy on Amazon There are many benefits of feeding dogs raw food. Because of this, raw diets such as the BARF and PREY models are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, as more and more dog owners are learning about the advantages of going raw they are making the...
Carrots For Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
Can dogs eat carrots? Many owners looking for a healthy snack for their pets have pondered this question. The answer is yes. And here’s your guide to everything you’ll want to know about carrots for dogs! Top Benefits Of Carrots For Dogs Carrots are extremely...
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Like most canine owners you most likely have wondered, can dogs eat bananas? You may have accidentally dropped one on the floor and your pet gobbled it up, or maybe you’re just looking for a healthy natural snack for your pooch. Either way, you’ll be pleased to know...
6 Essentials to Pack in Your Pooch’s Emergency Kit
When the weather changes for winter, it can bring flurries, snow, and storms, and you don't want to be left unprepared when you have your furry friend to care for. That's why it's important to pack an emergency kit that's perfect for your pooch. Here are six essential...
Don’t Make These Mistakes With Your New Puppy
Bringing home your new puppy can be very exciting. However, when adding a furry family member to your household there are a few mistakes you won't want to make. By avoiding the following four common pitfalls you can help to make sure you end up with a happy and...
11 Health Benefits of Owning a Dog
Here’s a fun fact: dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and better moods compared to the average person. It might be hard to believe, but it’s true. If you want to learn about more ways owning a dog can be beneficial to your health, then...
Pet Panache: The Latest Styles For You And Your Dog
Check out our list to discover the latest trends in all things canine that every pet parent should know. Café Style Many cafes welcome four-legged friends, offering water bowls and the odd doggie treat alongside our flat whites and chai lattes. However, make your way...
6 Tips To Make Your Home Dog-Friendly
Dogs are simple creatures, aren’t they? As long as they are fed and watered, along with the occasional walk, all is right with the world, right? Wrong. Your pet will require constant love and affection, and a house that is dog-friendly. Of course, you’ll be able to...
5 Tips To Help Make Sure Your Pooch Enjoys Grooming
Grooming your pooch is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some bonding while also caring for its health. At first, washing and trimming your dog’s hair and nails can be a little tricky, especially if your pet has an active personality. However, dog grooming does get...
The Top 6 Tips To Prepare Your Dog For Hunting Season
Hunting season is once again just around the corner, and I bet you are already feeling the itch. Whether you have a seasoned hunting dog or just a new fledgling pup, adequate preparation for your dog is crucial before finally heading to the woods for yet another...
Dogs at Work and Play: How Dogs Provide Therapy and Make Good Pets
6 Ways To Help Dogs Cope With Separation Anxiety
As much as we would like to be home all the time, there are simply times that we couldn’t help but be away. It could be for a vacation, an emergency, for work, or for studies. But no matter what our reason, dogs would find it difficult to understand. And if you find...
Vaccines For Your Dog
Booster vaccinations for dogs are a vital part of maintaining the health and reducing the chances of illness in your pet. They are a way for owners to prevent the possibility of their dog contracting potentially serious diseases. There are many reasons why it is a...
Flying Pooches: Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel
It doesn’t happen too often, but sometimes you’ll need to transport your dog long distances, and this will generally involve air travel. The problem is this: dogs aren’t really built for flying, and planes aren’t usually constructed with dogs in mind either. So, how...
5 Ways Your Life Will Change After Getting A Dog
Are you looking to get a dog? Not sure how it’s going to change your life? Getting any form of new pet, especially a dog, can create brand new changes in areas of your life where you may not even realize. Although some might find these changes challenging at times,...
6 New Exercise Ideas For Your Dog
Dogs are like little kids. They can and do get bored of the toys and activities they once loved. If your dog has been showing signs of restlessness on his usual walk in the park or doesn't appear as enthusiastic about playing fetch as he used to be, it's time to...
Importing Pets to Thailand: How to Start
Traveling to another country with your pet can be hectic and scary if you don't know all the rules and regulations that cover transporting a pet. Every country has different regulations, and every airline or transportation company has rules too. While it might be...