When getting a new puppy or kitten, there are training tricks you can do to make them more prepared for their visits to the Veterinary clinic.
Touch Training – Make sure to play with their toes, ears, belly and mouth. The more familiar they are with being touched in these areas, the easier it will be for the Veterinarian to examine them.
Why this helps: If you bring a pet for an ear infection, the Veterinarian will have to look into their ear. If they’ve never had this touched, that could prove difficult and stressful. If your pet requires a nail trim but has never had its toes held, this can be detrimental as it can set your pet up for a lifetime of difficulty with basic grooming.
Crate Training – Puppies, and even kittens, should be ok with going into a kennel. Whether it be where they stay when you’re out or where they sleep at night, a kennel shouldn’t be a fearful place for them. Leave your cat carrier out in a nice quiet area with a soft blanket in it, so it becomes a safe place for snoozing versus a scary box for transport.
Why this helps: If your pet has to stay in the hospital for any reason, ie: surgery, illness or boarding; they will be placed in a kennel. Being in the hospital is stressful enough, but if they’re used to a kennel, it does make it just a little less scary.
Leash Training – For dogs, being on a leash when in the clinic is very important. Make sure your dog is comfortable being attached to you and is easily kept close to you during exciting times.
Why this helps: Your dog may be the friendliest dog in the world, but another dog coming in could be ill or in pain, or there could be a kitty in a kennel that is terrified of dogs so if all animals are kept in good control, we are less likely to have any incidents or create more fear for your pets.
Comfort Training – Pets having a special toy or blanket is entirely normal and an excellent comforting tool for them. If they develop an attachment to one particular item as a baby, it can provide comfort for them their whole life.
Why it helps: Having something familiar in an unfamiliar place can be the ultimate comfort. The smell of home, the feel of the fabric or odd shape of the item can help put your pet at ease while they are in Veterinary care.
We strive to keep your pets as comfortable as possible during their visits or stays with us, but these few things can help make it that much better. We want all the furry kids to be a stress-free as possible during what can be very scary times.
Written By: Gill Peters, Client Care Specialist
