Pet anxiety can make vet visit hard. Take a look at these tips to make them happier experiences!
Dealing with a nervous dog can be stressful, but getting stressed out can only aggravate your pet even more. A visit to the veterinarian is meant for the pet’s health, but the unfamiliar territory, handling, and many smells can be stressful to easily agitated dogs. Taking a nervous dog to the vet isn’t impossible; take a look at these tips to help your dog have a great time.
Early Gradual Exposure
Whether your pet is a puppy or an adult, it’s best to acclimate it to new environments, such as the vet’s office. Many vet clinics offer visits for pets just to get used to the place. When your dog does need a checkup, it will already be familiar enough with the place and associate it as positive, providing a much easier time for the vet, the dog, and you.
A Reassuring, Positive Attitude
Even with familiarity, going to the vet can still be nerve-wracking for some dogs. You are your pet’s leader. Reassure your dog that it will be okay with a calm, positive attitude; getting stressed will stress out your pet. Use affectionate words, pets, and treats to help your dog stay calm.
Happy Car Rides and Carriers
If your pet only rides in a car or sits in a carrier when it goes to the veterinarian, it might associate those things negatively. Acclimate your dog to car rides and its carrier if it uses one, so that these things are normal, positive, and safe for it.
Emotional Support
While providing affection and reassurance to your nervous dog is helpful, be sure to avoid fussing over your dog. Going to the vet or any other place that might stress out your dog should be considered normal and not a big deal. That being said, it can also help to include a beloved toy or blanket in its carrier.
Calming Aids
Nervousness can affect dogs and other beings on a physiological level to the point that calming aids can be necessary to bring down nerves. Talk with your vet about using a pheromone spray, anti-anxiety medication, or another solution to help your dog remain docile during an appointment. If you can avoid having to sedate your dog for it to receive medical care, then you can do well.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!