Help your dog fear the vet less!
Do you have a furry best friend who is terrified at even the thought of having to step paw into the vet clinic? Much like we humans hate scheduling appointments to get our teeth cleaned or going to the doctor, many dogs fear the vet.
The Vet Set in Carroll Gardens wants your dog to have the best vet experience possible. Learn more about how you can create less stressful vet visits in today’s post.
Calm and Content Vet Appointments
The vet can be a scary place for a dog if they’ve only had bad experiences. It’s a stressful environment with a whole host of strangers, weird smells, frightful sounds, and other unknown animals, not to mention all the poking and prodding that’s uncomfortable and sometimes painful. A vet office is extremely overwhelming even for the most well-adjusted canine.
So, how do you help your dog cope with the unavoidable vet appointments they have to endure? Many dog owners can rationalize vet visits and understand that it’s in their best interest, but there are many practical things you can do to help your dog tolerate the occasional vet appointment.
Begin socialization early.
Early socialization for a puppy is critical in their development, and the earlier you can get them used to the world around them the better adjusted they will be. The Vet Set understands that if you’re adopting a dog, you may not always have that luxury.
Puppy or not, help your dog get used to their surroundings by regularly walking them outside and socializing them with other dogs at a dog park. Take your dog for car rides and invite guests over to your home to familiarize them with different environments and people.
Help familiarize your pet with being handled.
Beyond belly rubs and pets, some dogs don’t like being handled and this can become an issue when they go to the vet. Because a vet appointment is a series of examinations, your dog faces a lot of handling that they may not be used to.
You begin to help your dog get accustomed to handling by doing small movements. When you’re at home and they’re relaxed, play with their ears or pick up their paws in a playful manner.
The more you incorporate touch into your daily routine with your dog, the more comfortable they are with you and other people handling them — the perceived threat is reduced and less invasive.
Do you have a dog that you or other family members like to dress up? This can actually be extremely helpful in your dog learning how to be handled because they’re used to you tying, zipping, and buttoning up different doggie outfits! Other items such as bandanas or bow ties can help them accept bandages or cones, should the need ever arise.
Take your dog to the vet just to say hello.
Stop by the vet’s office every once in a while to say hi to the vet and staff without any other agenda. This begins to reinforce that the vet doesn’t have to be a scary place that is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Instead, your dog gets to socialize with the staff and transform the unknown to a less-stressful environment.
You can even leverage high-value treats and give them to the vet and staff to give to your dog while you’re there.
Teach your dog basic commands.
Basic training commands such as sit, down, stand, and turn around can greatly impact your vet visits while reducing the stress your dog experiences. When your dog can perform basic functions under these commands instead of having to be forced to move their bodies, it keeps everyone, especially your dog, a whole lot more relaxed.
Help your dog become well-adjusted to muzzles and crates.
Mentioning muzzles can be intimidating to many dog owners, after all, they’re for bad, aggressive dogs, right? Contrary to popular belief, muzzles can be a helpful addition to any dog. Check a post we made on the topic of muzzles.
Because even the most well-behaved and well-socialized dog can bite when they feel threatened, a muzzle can keep everyone safe.
Crate training can also be a favorable tactic to use in your dog training. Not only are they able to adapt to this environment, but it also becomes a safe place for them. It’s great for house training, safe travel, and overnight vet stays.
Many vets notice the difference between crate-trained dogs — these dogs are able to settle themselves, while those that aren’t crate-trained tend to whine, cry, and bark from being confined.
Use treats and toys.
There is certainly no harm in liberally using treats and toys during vet appointments, assuming that they’re healthy enough to do so. Both treats and toys can help keep your dog distracted and reinforce good behavior.
If you have a dog that tends to hide out and lays under chairs or nestles behind you, chew toys can be extremely effective. They’re able to stay focused on the chew toy or treat until the vet is ready for them.
You can also give your dog a job to do while you wait. Run through all their tricks while in the waiting room. This helps to keep their stress levels low while keeping them focused on one task at a time.
Successful Vet Trips Ahead!
When you internally work with your dog to help reduce the stress and fear around the vet, it can become a more neutral experience, and they may even come to enjoy it. From early socialization and physical interaction to visiting the vet to say hello, teaching basic commands, crate and muzzle training, and using treats and toys during an appointment, your dog’s stress levels are sure to improve!
From stress to success, your dog can overcome their fear and anxiety of the vet.
For more information on our vet services in Carroll Gardens or to discuss a time to bring your dog in just say hello, connect with The Vet Set today!