It is commonly expected that taking your dog to the vet would give them anxiety and fear, especially if they are the type of dogs that get very cautious and unapproachable with strangers. Regular vet visits for your dog are important in order to guarantee their perfect health. That is why it is important for an owner to learn tips and what to do each time there’s an appointment.
New environments, new scents, and unfamiliar people can be stressful for your furry friend. Training your dog to be calm in these situations can save both you and the veterinarian from being bitten by your anxious pet.
Aside from having face-to-face clinics, you can also find numerous online vets in Hamilton. These online vets may come in handy if you and your dog are pretty far away from an actual doctor. Although it isn’t face-to-face, it can still contribute to your pet’s assessment and medication.
Below are the six strategies to calm your stressed dog during vet visits:
- Schedule the appointment for off-peak hours.
Crowded places can make your dog anxious and afraid. The combined unfamiliar and packed setting of the veterinary clinic can make your dog stressed and uneasy, especially in the waiting room. That’s why it is wise and recommended that you schedule the vet appointment during off-peak hours to reduce their anxiety.
- Offer them their favorite treat or toy.
Giving your dog their favorite treat or toy can help them ease their anxiety and tension in the clinic. Dogs get calm and encouraged whenever they see or taste anything that they love. Handing them their favorites can contribute to a smooth and carefree vet appointment.
- Use anti-anxiety products.
Using anxiety aids is also recommended to help your stressed dog calm down during vet appointments. Medications, supplements, calming wraps, thunder shirts, and/or pheromone products are some of the examples that can aid your anxious dog to result in a calm checkup.
- Have regular visits to the vet.
Regular visits, or even friendly visits, can help your dog become comfortable and familiarize themselves with the surroundings of the vet. This can make them become more and more accustomed to the once scary ambiance of the clinic. And also, by initiating regular visits, your dog can slowly recognize that the vet isn’t such a scary place at all, and your dog can memorize the faces of the personnel, so the next visit won’t be so stressful.
- Exercise your dog beforehand.
Engaging your dog in physical activities before the vet visit, such as making them run around or play with you, can contribute to the breakdown of their stress and nervousness. Exercising is a good way to make your dog happy and excited. Afterward, this can make your dog tired; thus, by the time of the appointment, they can relax and rest, and there will be less stressed behaviors.
- Accompany them.
It is known that dogs love their owners so much that they want to be with them wherever they are. As an owner, accompanying your pup can make them calm during vet situations. A dog owner’s presence can comfort them and assure them that everything will be just fine. It is recommended that you hold their paw, rub their fur, or even just be present in their sight– these are enough to help your anxious dog calm.
Veterinary visits are really essential for dogs — such as vaccinations or regular check-ups. Dogs can actually sense their owner’s emotions, and they can adopt them as their own. Thus, it is crucial that you, as an owner, first calm your own nerves and banish your anxiety. Maintaining your cool and composure during appointments can contribute to the improvement of your dog’s behavior in clinics.
Sources:
- https://www.rover.com/blog/taking-an-anxious-dog-to-the-vet/
- https://www.cesarsway.com/8-secrets-to-stress-free-vet-visits/
