Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny chihuahuas to giant saint bernards. And they can be found living with people in every corner of the globe. Dogs may love going everywhere with you, but that doesn’t mean a trip to the veterinarian is always pleasant for them! One study found that over half of dogs show signs of anxiety when seeing their vet. No wonder some vets have started using aromatherapy oils or calming music during visits! But what else can you do? Here are some ways you can make it easier on your dog next time you take them for a check-up!
Play With Them First
Remember how much fun it was when you were a kid and your parents would tell you to get in the car because it’s time for a doctor’s visit? Well, dogs don’t know any better. If they see you putting on shoes, picking up their leash, or grabbing your keys, they might start to realize that a trip to the vet is in their near future. You can save yourself some stress by just playing with your dog first. They’ll be too tired and happy from playing to even think about where they are going.
Keep Them Relaxed
If you know that your dog is particularly anxious, you have to keep them relaxed. If not, they might tear out the stitches from their recent surgery or knock over a bunch of expensive equipment at the vet’s office. So you want to be sure to keep them calm. Veterinarians have lots of tricks for doing this, such as offering anti-anxiety treats and playing calming music during the visit. If your dog is very skittish about the situation, you can ask your vet for some ideas ahead of time to keep them relaxed through the whole process.
Praise And Treats
When you bring your dog into the waiting room, try to make sure that everyone there is greeting them warmly and giving them treats. Let them know that they were good by giving them treats or taking them for another walk so they can be happy and burn off all that pent-up energy before their next meal! Not only will this get them used to the idea of more people in their space, but it will also reinforce the idea that going to the vet is a good thing! Another way to do this is once you are home after the visit.
Use Relaxing Scents
Anxiety is something that humans are well-acquainted with, but not all of us realize that our dogs can experience it. If your vet has told you that your dog is anxious or showing other signs of stress, try giving them some calming scents before their next check-up. Veterinarians often use aromatherapy to help dogs relax, which means you can try lavender, chamomile, or even just a nice massage. The key is to give them something relaxing when it comes time for the big event.
