Taking your dog to the vet? Vet visits can be stressful, a new environment, slippery floors, and even more slippery exam tables. Vet offices are full of funny smells, scary sounds, strange people, and unknown animals. Plus, the poking and prodding they are subjected to can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. It may be overwhelming for even the most easygoing dog. There are things you can do to make your appointment a good experience for you and your dog.
Here are some tips that will help your dog tolerate a routine examination. It will also help if they have a serious illness or injury.
Consider stopping by to introduce your dog to the clinic, have a weight check, let the staff give a tasty treat. This will reduce the anxiety when coming for an appointment. Fun and happy social visits can dramatically reduce the stress level.
Take the time to touch your dog everywhere, every day. Getting your dog accustomed to being touched all over is essential for your dog’s comfort during an examination. In a routine exam, a veterinarian may look in your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth, listen to his heart and lungs, touch and probe his belly, manipulate his joints, and take his temperature. Dogs that are handled, petted, and touched all over daily will be less likely to perceive this as invasive, and more likely to regard it as affectionate.
Play with your dog’s mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth will help them get used to having their mouths handled. Another good exercise is opening your dog’s mouth, looking in, and then popping a treat in his mouth. Your dog will learn that your opening his mouth means treats are coming.
Get your dog used to being leaned over, held onto, and picked up. Even dogs that are handled regularly can have a tough time when someone leans over them, holds them down, or picks them up. Basic training can really help lower your dog’s stress at the veterinary clinic. Your dog will be a whole lot more relaxed if you can ask him to move his own body, rather than having to push, pull, or cajole your dog into position.
Familiarize your dog with a muzzle. Getting your dog used to wearing a soft muzzle doesn’t mean your dog is bad, or that he will necessarily bite. For some dogs, using a muzzle is a good way to ensure safety if the vet needs to examine a sensitive place. Even well-socialized dogs can bite when they are threatened, scared, or hurt; it’s an instinctive and normal reaction. Plus, a dog that is seriously ill or has suffered a painful injury may lash out without even realizing what he is doing.
Crate training your dog is equally important. Crates are not only wonderful aids for house training, they also make comfy sleeping quarters and provide safe travel compartments. Your dog’s ability to settle into a crate can mean the difference between a stressed-out dog and a comfortable dog if he should ever need an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital.
When you do take your dog to the vet for a regular exam or for treatment for an illness, be sure to bring along treats or toys to help reinforce your dog’s good behavior. Be generous with your rewards and really let your dog know when he is doing a good job.
Whether it’s a routine appointment or you’re checking on symptoms, be prepared for the questions the veterinary will ask. Always write down all your dog’s symptoms. Keep a diary of what is going on so you are able to give your vet a clear account of what your dog has been doing.
Write down your own personal questions. This can be as many as you need to ask. If, for example, your dog is going to need surgery, you need to be able to understand what is going on. Remember, knowledge is power and it can take away much of your fear.
It is a good idea to have medical insurance for your dog if your vet takes it. Do not feel bad if your financial situation is tight. This is OK. We can do so much in veterinary medicine now, it’s not uncommon to need procedures that the average person finds themselves financially strapped. Ask what options the clinic has available there are finance companies that specialize in pet care financing and offer a payment plan that you can afford. Ask for an estimate, particularly if your pet has a major health issue. ”
For routine visits, bring a list of your pet’s food brands and medications, details of any special diets and treats, and how much food your pet gets each day.
The clinic will ask your dog’s weight one year ago, to flag any significant changes
Bringing your pet’s health records, or having them transferred ahead of time. Records from these visits will have information pet’s drug allergies, sensitivity to anesthesia, and baseline blood values. Recommended Related to Dogs Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Dogs
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when a dog’s stomach and/or intestine becomes home to an unusually high number of inflammatory cells. These cells cause changes in the lining of the digestive tract, which inhibit the normal absorption and passage of food. It is important to note that although some of the symptoms may be similar, IBD is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome, which is caused by psychological stress rather than a physiological abnormality.
Read the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Dogs article > >
Tell your vet, too, about any change in your pet’s water drinking habits, appetite, playfulness, energy level, or other behaviors and any vomiting or diarrhea.
Think your pet may have a serious illness? Try to remain calm and objective. Be prepared to give your vet details of the symptoms how long they’ve been going on. Ask your vet about signs you should watch for to see if your pet is getting better or worse.
If your vet asks for a stool sample from your pet, ask how much they need, collect a fresh specimen, and bring it to the appointment in a sealed bag. Likewise, if your dog is having a urinary issue, don’t let him relieve himself when you get out of the car, because the vet will want to get a sample.
Use restraint. Your dog should be on a leash when you go to the vet. In the office there may be strange animals that are not friendly, and they can become frightened or may even fight.
If your dog is enthusiastic or assertive, tell your vet’s staff in advance. Check that collars, harnesses, and leashes are secure and comfortably snug.
If your dog gets car sick, fearful or aggressive? You can ask your vet to prescribe medication or other remedy to make the visit calmer. Thundershirts and Adaptil collars are available and can help for traveling to the vet. Bring their favorite toys and treats on their visit. Bring a favorite blanket or pillow. When arriving at the clinic ask to have you and your dog put in a quiet place as soon as possible.
I hope some of the tips will help make you and your dogs experience a better one.
