Taking Care of your Dog that doesn’t Like the Vet: Top Tips & Tricks

Taking care of a dog that doesn’t like the vet can be challenging and stressful. Many dogs dislike veterinarian appointments due to fear and lasting anxiety, which can make it difficult to provide your dog with the best possible care. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can use to help ensure that your pup has a positive experience at the vet, no matter how much they may dread it. Here are some of the top tips and tricks for taking care of your dog that doesn’t like the vet.

Make the Appointment as Short and Stress-Free as Possible

As much as possible, try to make the vet visit a quick one. This can help reduce the amount of stress your dog experiences, which can make their visit more enjoyable. Ask your vet if you can schedule a shorter appointment for something like a checkup or vaccine update so that it won’t take as long as a full physical exam. In the words of pros from BetterVet, this can be particularly helpful for dogs who are fearful and anxious. Also, it’s also important to plan ahead and bring all the necessary documents with you so that your visit is as efficient as possible.

Have someone help you

It can be beneficial to have someone else come along with you to the vet. Having a second person there can help your pup stay calm and keep them distracted. This could be a friend, family member, or even a pet sitter. Just make sure that whoever you bring has experience handling dogs and is familiar with your pup’s personality. They should also know how to handle any potential anxious behaviors that may arise during the appointment. Additionally, make sure to keep your pup on a leash and in control at all times. It’s important to maintain control so that your dog doesn’t become too overwhelmed.

Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage good behavior in any situation, including at the vet’s office. Make sure to reward your dog whenever they do something well, such as following commands or staying still during an exam. Treats are usually the easiest way to reward your pup, but you can also use verbal praise and petting. This will help them associate the vet’s office with positive experiences, which can make future appointments much easier. If your pup becomes anxious at any point, it’s important to remain calm and don’t forget to reward them for good behavior.

Desensitize your Pup with Treats

If your pup is nervous around the vet, try to desensitize them with treats. Start by giving them a treat when they enter the office and then reward them every few minutes while you’re there. This way they will start to associate the vet’s office with positive experiences instead of feeling anxious or scared. Also, make sure you bring plenty of treats with you to reward your pup during the exam. While your pup is eating its treats, the vet can check them out and perform whatever exams they need. If done correctly, this can help make the whole experience much more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Play Music or Bring a Radio to the Vet Appointment

Classical music has been proven to reduce anxiety levels in animals, so playing something like Beethoven or Mozart can help your pup relax during their visit. You could also try recordings of soothing nature sounds such as waves crashing on a beach, birds singing in the forest, etc. Additionally, bringing a radio tuned to a talk station such as NPR or a sports station can be distracting and help take your pup’s focus away from the fact that they are at the vet.

Make Sure your Vet is Aware of your Pup’s Anxiety

If your pup is particularly fearful or anxious, tell the vet about it before any appointment and make sure they’re aware of their anxiety. Ask them if there are any special accommodations that can be made to help your dog feel more comfortable. The vet may have tips on how to better prepare for future appointments and what medications can be given beforehand to reduce stress levels. Additionally, some vets will allow owners to accompany their pets into the exam room, which can provide additional comfort in a strange environment.

It can be difficult to take your pup to the vet if they’re anxious or scared, but there are ways to make the experience more comfortable. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pup has a positive experience at their next appointment and won’t be so apprehensive in the future. Be patient, reward good behavior, and make sure your vet is aware of any issues that could arise during an appointment. With some extra preparation and a little bit of understanding, you can make vet visits much easier for your pup.