Going to the vet can be a very stressful experience for dogs and cats. There are, however, things pet owners can do to make their pets more comfortable. Whether you need to go to the vet for your pet’s annual wellness check or because your cat or dog is sick, use the tips below to help keep your pet calm during its next vet visits :
Vet Visits: How to Prepare Your Pet for Vet Visits?
- Take Your Dog to Visit the Animal Hospital Accustom your dog to the sights and smells of the office by visiting the animal hospital with the dog before your scheduled appointment. After each vet visit to the animal hospital, be sure to praise your dog and provide a special treat.
- Accustom Your Cat to Its Carrier If you start your trip to the animal hospital by shoving your terrified cat into an unfamiliar carrier, the cat is going to panic, and it will not be a good patient. To avoid this, try leaving the carrier out and open for several weeks before your visit to the vet. Place treats and toys inside the carrier, and allow the cat to come and go as it pleases.
- Accustom Your Pet to Being Handled If your cat or dog is used to being picked up, touched, having its mouth opened and having its paws handled, a veterinary examination will be much less stressful. While you are working with your pet, note any potential issues, and share these with your veterinarian.
Vet Visits: Making Visits To The Vet Pleasant
- Relax During Vet Visits Dogs and cats pick up on their owners’ moods, so if you are anxious, your pet will also be anxious. In addition, dogs tend to become protective of anxious owners, and this can result in aggression toward veterinary staff.
- Be Generous With Treats Make each visit to the vet special by providing treats, toys and praise. If your pet is having a procedure that requires fasting or the animal may need to be sedated, however, make sure to use only praise and toys as rewards.
- Do Not Keep Your Cat in a Waiting Room With Barking Dogs If your veterinarian’s office has a quiet waiting area for cats, take advantage of it to keep your cat away from potentially frightening distractions. If there is a loud dog and no quiet space in the office, ask the receptionist if you can wait outside or in your car.
- Asking for Help If despite your best efforts, your pet experiences extreme anxiety every time you have to take it to see the veterinarian, talk to the doctor about your concerns. In some cases, using a mild sedative to calm the animal before each vet visit is the best solution for you, the veterinarian and your pet.
Follow these tips on how to find the right veterinarian for you and your pet to make vet visits more comfortable.
