4 Ways To Make Your Dog More Comfortable At The Vet
Posted on: 18 February 2016
Taking your dog to the vet can be challenging, especially if your dog knows where he is the moment that you arrive. Your dog may try to drag behind, making it difficult to even get into the vet's office, or he may act scared, which can make you feel bad for your dog. In reality, vet visits typically aren't that bad. In order to get your dog comfortable with this, you will want to consider these four ways to make your dog get used to it:
- Get Your Dog Used to Being Handled: When your dog visits the vet, one of the reasons he may be uncomfortable is that he does not want to be touched by a stranger. This can make it difficult for the vet to collect the vital health information they need, such as temperature, heart rate, and weight. In order to get your dog used to this, you should consider taking some of the same steps at home and get your dog used to being handled in this way.
- Go for Regular Check Ups: Many dog owners don't take their dog into the vet until there is an actual problem. Instead, you should be taking your dog to the vet even when they are well for regular checkups. Not only is this essential for catching problems early, but it also ensures that your dog gets used to the staff and environment without having to undergo any kind of stressful treatment.
- Give Your Dog Treats: During the wait times for the vet or when your dog has allowed the vet to gather the vital information, you should give your dog a treat to keep them encouraged and happy throughout the visit. Giving your dog treats will get them more excited about vet visits.
- Stay Calm: When you visit the vet with your dog, it's best to stay calm, even when you know that something is wrong with your dog. If they sense that you are stressed, they will feed off that and become worried, as well. You should even avoid petting and talking to your dog in a soft voice too much, which can reinforce their feelings that there is something to be worried about.
By considering these four ways to make your dog more comfortable at the vet, you can be sure that you end up getting the best and most positive experience out of it as possible. If you're looking for a vet in your area, visit one like Deep Creek Veterinary Hospital.
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