How to make vet visits less stressful and calmer for your dog
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
Few pets enjoy vet visits, but a more confident canine will help to ensure these experiences are much more positive. So, how can you make vet visits less stressful and calmer for your dog? We’ve shared a few tips to help you reduce your furry friend’s anxiety levels when you need to take them to the vet.
Get your dog used to the journey
If you have a nervous dog, make regular trips to the vet when they don’t have an appointment to get them used to the location. Start slowly by first walking past the building and then visit when you don’t have an appointment. Ask your vet if they offer ‘socialisation’ appointments or if they wouldn’t mind you popping in to help familiarise your dog. You could take the opportunity to weigh your dog using scales in a veterinary waiting area.
If you rarely take your dog out in the car except for stressful experiences like vet visits, then car journeys can easily spook them. When a dog thinks they are going to the vet, they can become distressed by simply jumping into your car boot. Get your dog used to car journeys by rewarding them with pleasant experiences such as a treat or a trip to a nearby park.
Choose your timings
Although you might not have much choice over vet appointment timings, if possible, ask if you can book at a quieter time of day. Busy waiting areas full of stressed animals can be very distressing for a nervous dog. If your dog becomes too stressed, take them outside or wait in the car and ask the vet to call you when they’re ready.
Make sure you leave enough time before the appointment to ensure that you’re not rushing to get there. Your dog will know if you are stressed, which could make them more nervous. Allowing a bit of time before the appointment will ensure you can enter the building calmly.
Positive rewards for happier experiences
Whether you’re travelling by car or you’re walking to the vet, take one of their favourite items with you to help make them feel calmer. Any item that smells like home, such as a familiar toy or blanket, is a good way to reduce nervousness.
Instead of a scary experience, aim to create a positive one using rewards such as praise or treats. Desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques can help to replace negative feelings with a positive action like giving them a treat. For more information, please read our blog How to desensitize a puppy for grooming and visits to the vet.
Build your dog’s confidence
A great way to get your dog used to new experiences is through socialisation. This can help to build their confidence, so they are happier and calmer in unfamiliar locations. Socialisation is an important part of a dog’s development and should not be overlooked.
At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, our doggy day care service enables your canine companion to socialise with other dogs when you’re out all day. Our fully trained Doggy Daycare Assistants will closely supervise your dog and we also offer dog grooming services.
For more details about our doggy day care, get in touch to speak to our friendly team.
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