Taking Your Dog to the Vet
Is your canine buddy due for a veterinary exam? While your pooch will be much healthier—and therefore happier—with proper veterinary care, he isn’t usually very enthusiastic about coming to visit us. We understand this. Although we do everything possible to make appointments quick and easy for our furry patients, we know that many of them are unnerved by the unfamiliar environment, strange smells, and the presence of other pets, many of whom are sick or also nervous. Read on for some tips from a Lakeville, MN vet on keeping Fido calm at the animal hospital.
Take A Walk
Before bringing your pup to the office, take him for a long walk, and indulge him in a vigorous game of Fetch. This will help your four-legged buddy burn off any excess energy he has. Fido will naturally be calmer if he’s a bit tired.
Food
This isn’t a universal recommendation. For some appointments, your vet may instruct you not to feed your furry pal before bringing him in. This also isn’t a good idea for pooches that get carsick. That said, if your vet doesn’t object, you may want to give Fido his dinner before you bring him in.
Training
Teaching your canine pal some simple obedience commands can make a huge difference to how he behaves. Make sure that Fido knows and obeys basic orders such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down.
Be Calm
Dogs are very intuitive, and can easily pick up on their human pals’ emotions. Try to stay calm, even if you are worried about your canine friend’s health. Otherwise, Fido will sense your mood, and may get even more jittery.
Doggy-Calming Products
There are now a variety of products, such as treats, sprays, and collars, which are specifically aimed at helping keep dogs calm. These products mimic the scent of happy pheromones, which help sooth anxious pets. Ask your vet for more information.
Tail Wags
As you are waiting to be seen, talk to your furry friend in a soothing tone, and pet him. You may also want to consider giving your canine companion a special treat or a new toy when you get home. This will help him form a more positive association with visiting his doctor.
Do you need to Make An Appointment for your pup? Contact us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, today!
