Take Them A Couple Days Early
If you know that the vet particularly stresses your dog, try taking them in a few days before your scheduled appointment. This way, they can get used to the office and become familiar with the sounds of other dogs barking or people talking on their cell phones while they wait. Maybe even take them on a little walk around the building to get used to the smells. By the time your appointment rolls around, they will already be comfortable with where they are going. However, you should always ask your vet before doing this to make sure it is okay with them that you show up days before your actual appointment.
Make Them Comfortable With Their Crate
A carrier is simply a vehicle to the veterinarian for many animals since it is the only time they are in one. Pets who are familiar with their carriers are more relaxed while traveling in them when compared to those who are unfamiliar with them. That’s why many dogs avoid the area as soon as the carrier appears from the basement. One solution is to incorporate the carrier into the family furniture. Though you may not want it in your formal living area, make room for it in a location where your pet sees it frequently, such as the laundry room.
Clicker Training
If your dog tends to dart away when you try to take them to the vet, one of the best ways to associate vet visits with positive feelings is through training. One option is clicker training. Once they are calm and settled in their crate, let them know that good behavior equals treats with a simple click. Then, pick up a small treat and hold it just above their nose. As soon as they begin to sniff the treat, click again and give them the prize. You can repeat this process until you are ready to go to your appointment, at which point you can start giving them the treat immediately before putting them in the carrier.
Anti-Anxiety Medication
Some pets, particularly those with more than one pet in the household, may require a little more assistance than a caring owner can give. If your pet is one of these, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a low-dosage anti-anxiety medication for your next visit. You’ll need to talk with your veterinarian about some of these ideas before implementing them, but most vets shouldn’t have any problems prescribing this. Veterinarians care about animals and dislike seeing them frightened. Anything that may help a terrified puppy become a happy pet is something they should support.
Conclusion
Seeing the vet can be a scary time for your dog. However, there are many things that you can do to help the visit go smoothly. Using the tips listed above should help reduce a lot of the fear they are experiencing. If one method doesn’t work, try implementing multiple of these each time they have an appointment. Remember, your best tool for helping your dog relieve their anxiety is your vet. So always discuss with them the signs of fear your dog is showing about coming in, and they can help guide you in the best ways to make it easier on them!
