How to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Fido

Going to the vet can be a pretty stressful event for your pup. Let’s face it, the combination of strangers, weird-looking medical instruments, and needles could cause some anxiety in even the calmest of dogs. 

Thankfully, we have some tips to make your next trip to the vet as peaceful as possible. 

Choose the Right Vet

This first step is by far the most important. You want to choose a vet that is going to be the right fit for you and your pup. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions! Here are some questions dog owners should ask their vet. 

If your pet is skittish at the vet, make sure you find one that is going to take the time to reassure your pup that everything is going to be alright. 

Some good things to look for in a vet include using treats to help the dog feel happier and taking extra time to encourage your dog rather than forcing them to do something. 

Talk to Your Vet

Communication at the vet is so important. Make sure they know what scares your dog or what they may not like. Going along with that, make sure your vet knows what your dog does like. If belly rubs or a scratch behind the ear always helps your pet calm down, make sure your vet is aware of that. 

It can also be helpful for your vet to know what commands your dog is trained for. If they can sit, stay, lay down, or shush, tell your vet so they can manage your pet as easily as possible. 

Lastly, if you are at the vet because your dog is having a specific issue, pictures or videos can be extremely helpful. For example, if your dog has been making a weird sound when they breathe or the way they run has changed, taking a video can be helpful to show your vet what you mean.

Make the Vet Fun

Give your dog lots of love and affection (and treats) before, during, and after your vet visits to help them feel happier. 

Then, after each vet visit, take your dog to do something fun! This could be walking in the park, visiting a dog bakery, or going swimming. Knowing that something fun always follows a visit to the vet can make any dog more eager to go. 

Condition your Dog

It can be helpful to prepare your dog for the vet by de-sensitizing them to some of the things that may happen. This could include checking your dog’s mouth and ears at home, lifting their tail, or placing them on a table or counter to get used to being on the exam table. 

Anything you can do at home to prepare your pet for their appointment will be beneficial once you get there. 

Get There Early

Arrive to your appointment early to allow your pet the opportunity to get acquainted with a new environment. Allow them to sniff around the waiting room, say hello to the staff, and get comfortable where they are. 

Also, bring your pet’s absolute favorite treats and allow your vet and vet tech to be the ones to give them to your dog. This way, your dog will think of your vet as the person with their favorite food. 

The most important thing to remember when visiting your vet’s office with a nervous dog is to make sure they are either on a leash or in a crate so that they don’t potentially hurt themselves or anyone else in the office. If you do that, hopefully, your appointment goes smoothly!