How Can I Make Vet Visits Easier For My Dog?

. With so many strange sights, sounds, and unknown people and other pets, it's no wonder that your dog can become a little overly excited or even fearful when you go to the vet's office. The tips below can help you keep your pet under control and prevent the scene in the waiting room from becoming too stressful. All it takes is a little planning ahead of time.

If you have a small dog consider using a portable pet carrier for him. Pet carriers, or crates, can allow your dog to feel safe and secure, especially in strange places. Not only do they have their own space, blanket and toys with them, but they are protected from larger or more aggressive animals. If you have a larger animal you will probably prefer a collar and leash. In situations where you are around unfamiliar people and animals remember to keep your dog on a short leash so he can't accidentally provoke another dog or cat, and so they can't get too close to him. You have more control over your dog with a shorter leash. You should not use a flexible or retractable leash in a waiting room setting. They do not offer the kind of control you need over your dog around other pets. Many pets in a waiting room are fearful and react badly to inquisitive pets, even to friendly, playful animals, so it's important that you keep your dog close to you in the waiting room.

You may wish to consider muzzle training your dog. This may seem extreme but it can be handy at times when you visit a vet's office. Some veterinary hospitals will request you to muzzle a pet before bringing him to their office. Muzzles can prevent dogs from harming other pets if your dog has ever shown a tendency to do so. Muzzles fit around a dog's mouth and prevent biting. You may have to let your dog get used to wearing a muzzle since it can be irksome or even frightening at first. Allow your dog to try on the muzzle at home before going to the vet's office. There are other reasons for a dog to wear a muzzle besides preventing biting. Some dogs must wear them to prevent chewing or eating rocks and other objects.

You can also reduce stress at the vet's office by bringing your dog's favorite treats with you. Unless your dog is supposed to be fasting for a veterinary reason, such as for testing, or your veterinarian doesn't allow food in the waiting room, then giving your dog treats while you're waiting to see the vet is a good idea. Most dogs respond well to treats at all times and it will ease any fear he may be feeling. You can even practice a few lessons if you have been training your dog at home. This will help keep your dog's mind off any fears he may associate with the vet's office.

You should also make sure that you keep track of your pet's veterinary records. You should know if your dog is allergic to anything and when he had his last vaccinations. Knowing your dog's veterinary history helps the staff and keeps his information up-to-date, reducing confusion. It's up to you to look out for your pet's veterinary care. Regular vet visits are important for many reasons. Your vet will need to check for parasites, including heartworm; check his ears and teeth; know which shots are to be given, and so on. Your dog will also need a hands-on examination. All of these things will go much better if you are knowledgeable about your dog's health history.

It's even a good idea for you to get to know your dog's veterinary staff informally. If you can make an effort to talk to them when they're not busy, or drop by and say hello when your dog is well (instead of only visiting when your dog is having an emergency), your vet and his staff will have a much better sense of who you and your dog are and how to care for you. If you buy your flea preventive or heartworm medication from your veterinarian spend a little time talking to the veterinary staff when you stop by to pick it up so you can get to know each other.

Finally, one of the best things you can do to help your dog have a pleasant experience at the vet's office is to socialize him from puppy hood. Encourage him to meet lots of people and other animals (as long as they are current on their vaccinations). Socialization helps a dog learn acceptable behavior with people and animals. They learn social boundaries. Your dog learns, as a puppy, that not every dog wants to be friends. He learns to recognize the signs of a nervous dog or an unfriendly dog and to steer clear. Hosting or taking your puppy to a puppy party is one way to help your puppy become more socialized. You can invite several other dog owners over for a visit and allow the dogs to interact together (with supervision). Allow the dogs to play with each other and with the other owners. Events like this help them learn the manners they need for their excursions into the "real" world. You can see if there are any potential problem areas and what you need to work on more with your puppy. This is just one way to socialize. You can also take your puppy to parks and visit pet supply stores to have strangers meet him and pet him; let him meet unknown dogs and learn to read canine body language. All of these lessons will pay off in an adult dog that is confident and well-adjusted.

These suggestions can all help you make visits to the vet less stressful. A little planning ahead and you and your dog can visit your vet without fear or disaster. Your vet can be one of your dog's best friends. Following these ideas will help your dog relax and enjoy the visit as much as possible.

by: Tristan Andrews

POST COMMENT

Should I Train My Dog Using Treats? Protecting Your Dog With Coats The Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters Toys Are The Big Hit This Christmas Dog Coat Choices Have Come A Long Way Great Toys for Cats What eat largest snakes today - Snakes pictures and story Why Dogs Fight West Nile Virus and Dogs Internal and External Parasites in Dogs How Can I Find a Great Caretaker For My Pets? Different Types of Aggression in Dogs Anemia in Dogs Eco-Friendly Pets: How to be a Green Pet Owner