We all know how pets react when it comes to taking them to a vet clinic. If you haven’t experienced it first-hand, you should check out the videos shared by pet parents online. Most pets including dogs hate going to the vet, making the process difficult.
If you are a new pet parent struggling to handle your dog for vet visits, we are here to help. We have put together some tips and tricks that will help you prepare your dog before visiting the clinic.
Get the Carrier Ready
If you have a puppy or a small dog, get them a carrier. Make sure it’s the right size so it’s comfortable for your pooch. You will find different types of carriers out there. But we suggest you choose a hard carrier as they are durable and sturdy.
Some carriers have two doors, while others have just one. For convenience, choosing a double-door carrier would be a good option. Once you’ve chosen a carrier, consider adding a soft blanket that has a familiar scent. As far as big dogs are concerned, it is obvious you cannot carry them in a carrier. So, we suggest you get a body harness and muzzle. This will not only provide better control, but you can also keep others safe around your dog.
Book an Appointment in Advance
Unless it’s an emergency where you need to rush your pooch to the vet, you should always book an appointment in advance. This way you won’t have to waste your time waiting at the vet clinic. This is especially beneficial for those who have impatient or aggressive dogs.
The longer you make them wait at the clinic, the more trouble they are likely to cause. This is why you should contact the vet office a day or two before your visit and book something in advance. Make sure to carry previous health reports if any.
Let your Dog Play Before the Vet Visit
Letting your dog play for about 30-40 minutes before visiting the vet clinic can be helpful. It will not only tire them out but also divert their attention. You can either let them play on their own, or take them out for a short walk. You must give them a little cardio play so they get tired.A tired dog is less likely to resist at the vet clinic and their demeanor will be more manageable. This will make things easier for everyone, including your pet.
Carry your Dog’s Comfort Item to the Clinic
Like other animals, dogs feel uncomfortable and threatened when they’re outside their comfort zone. This is what makes them react badly during vet visits. The clinic is unfamiliar to them and so are the people there.
This is why you should carry their favourite comfort item as it will help keep them calm. Be it a blanket or a toy, make sure to carry it with you to the clinic. This will keep your dog patient while waiting in the waiting room.
Pack Some Treats
Dogs love treats; therefore, you should not forget to bring them with you to the vet clinic. Treats are given as rewards to pets when they obey your orders. You can use their favorite treats to get their attention and keep them under control. Reward them every time they obey your orders. Some delicious dog treats are cooked chicken, silvers of turkey, peanut butter, etc. It depends on what your dog likes the most.
Train your Dog
You should train your dog for vet visits. This will make them less anxious and easier for you to control. There are plenty of training exercises to try. If you cannot do it yourself, you can hire a dog trainer. A well-trained dog is less likely to react during their check-ups, making the whole process smooth and easy for the vets.
Visit the Vet Clinic for Fun
Instead of taking your dog to the vet just for check-ups, you can sometimes take them to the clinic for fun. This is a great way to make your pooch accustomed to the people out there. So, next time when you go to the clinic, your dog won’t react.
Final Words
Taking your dog to the vet doesn’t have to be a never-ending struggle if you follow these tips. You can also try other tricks to make your dog well-behaved during vet visits. Anything that works for you and your dog will do.
Autor
Saram Pervaiz is a content writer and hopefully, a future bestselling author, whose sole passion is to create content that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also progressively life changing. Currently, he provides resources focused on producing content that improves the quality of life. He writes on a broad range of topics which cover different aspects of life . When he’s not working, you can find him buried in books, lost in music or procrastinating on her assignments. If you’re in the Scottsdale, Arizona area, you can check out Scottsdale vet clinic and their services, especially if you are in search of a reputable pet check-up spot.