When you have a pet dog, the bonding gets deeper by the day. Together, the time you spend with each other in playfulness, fun times, going out for walks, and there are so many things that can fill your world with happiness. However, there comes a time when, ensuring the well-being of their four-legged companions, most dog parents must make a trip to the vet. Undoubtedly, this is the most challenging task for an owner.
The otherwise calm dog can suddenly display signs like trembling, panting, and even refuse to move when it realizes you are taking it to the vet. Indeed, for many dogs, a visit to the vet seems stressful. Fortunately, there are various ways to make the experience easier for both of you. Let us get into the details on why dogs fear the vet, and the tips you can utilize to help your furry friend feel safe and relaxed.
Understanding the reasons why dogs are apprehensive about visiting vets
It is important as a dog parent to identify the main reasons that make dogs so stressed when they are out to visit a vet. Here are the common points:
- Unfamiliar sounds and smells: At a vet’s clinic, the dog experiences a new set of smells and sounds, such as those of other animals, cleaning products, medicines, and so on. It can be overwhelming for the dog.
- Strange handling: During the checkup, the vet will naturally examine the dog in various ways. The dog is not habituated to these practices. So, it will naturally become irritated when the vet pokes its ears and keep their paws held.
- Bad experiences of the past: Maybe the dog had to deal with the side effects of a syringe in the past, and they remember it and anticipate the same.
- The stress of the owner: As a dog lover, many dog parents are equally stressful when they take their dogs to a vet. Dogs are quick to pick up human emotions, and once they sense their owners are stressed, they will sense it and become stressed too.
Therefore, the ultimate goal shouldn’t be focused on eliminating the stress factor, but to reduce it considerably so that the dog feels it is in safe hands, and that it can make it feel better.
Steps to acquaint the dog with vet visits
One can consider implementing several steps to reduce the anxiety of the dog when it is time to visit a vet. Here are the steps that you can take as a dog parent:
- Positive associations at home: Indeed, “Charity begins at home”, and you have to follow this statement too before you step into the vet’s clinic. Start by touching their ears, lifting their paws, and checking their teeth. Do not forget to reward them with treats every time they allow you to handle these body parts.
- Introduce mock exams: Make use of a flashlight to peek into their mouth or ears, just as the vet would do in the future. You can also pretend to listen to their chest with a toy stethoscope.
Gradually, the pup or the dog would learn that these activities aren’t scary but a routine of daily life.
Planning before the visit to the vet
- If you can plan the vet visit wisely, it will not affect the dog that much. For this, you can first seek a time slot when the vet is comparatively less busy. Early mornings or mid-afternoons are the best times to visit the clinic.
- Carrying the favorite items of the dogs, like their blanket, toy, or anything that has the scent of your home, can do the trick.
- Purposefully, make them involved in sessions of short walks or exercises, which can help burn off the nervous energy.
- Staying calm on your part is equally important. As you know, being your loyal companion, the dog will try to mirror your energy. When they see their owners are relaxed, they would be like them too.
Traveling to the vet’s clinic stress-free
Once you are done with the abovementioned tips, you can consider winning half the battle already. Now, getting there is another aspect of which you should exercise proper care.
- Small dogs: Secure them in a robust carrier or a crate, coupled with soft bedding. If necessary, you can crate-train your pup at first. You can cover it with a light blanket in case they get overstimulated.
- Large dogs: Keep a safety harness or crate in the back seat.
- Reward the journey: If you start giving them small treats at intervals, they will consider car rides with something positive and not be afraid to visit the clinic the next time.
During the examination
Now comes the real test, when you, along with your dog, are in the vet’s chamber, and they are proceeding to examine the dog. Here, your role as an owner becomes even more crucial. You should stay close to your pet and observe its reactions. Speak softly, as your voice can act as a measure of assurance to them. Generously use rewards, even for small things, when they are standing still, or allowing their paws to be touched. Lastly, ask for breaks from the vet if you notice the dog is getting overwhelmed during the checkup. A bonus tip: some dogs, as you may know, tend to snap out of fear. For their sake, you should train such dogs to wear a muzzle at home. Soon, it will realize it isn’t a punishment for them, but rather a definite way to earn treats.
After the vet’s visit
Even after the visit is over, you should carry on the positive reinforcements in the form of praising them or giving them treats. You can also go for a walk, which would instantly reduce the tension or stress that the dog might have had earlier. Invest some quality time in playing and cuddling with your pet to make it feel more comfortable.
The role of the veterinarian is equally important
Even if you sincerely do everything to ease out the tension, a supportive vet team is also necessary to make a difference. Thus, when you are locating a clinic, ensure that:
- The staff handles the dog with patience and kindness.
- You should visit the clinics where dog owners are allowed to stay during examinations.
- Lastly, the vet’s clinic should be open to fear-free practices like examining the dog on the floor and not on the table. It can help reduce stress a lot.
Your effort is worth it
Even if you do not want to be tagged as an exceptional pet parent, regular vet visits are indispensable for keeping your pup or dog healthy. During these visits, it will receive vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and other illnesses. Of course, the dog will never consider a visit to a vet’s clinic as a fun-filled activity. But, they would not be fearful and show signs of anxiety either. A calm dog would help the vet to examine it properly and to diagnose it for any underlying health issues.
If your dog does not appreciate visits to the vet, you might also be tempted to bypass the appointments, and by doing so, you will be doing more harm than good to their long-term health. Instead, it is worth practicing the tips mentioned here, and you can enjoy the company of your favorite companion for a long time.