Does your canine companion get nervous at the veterinary clinic? Going to the doctor can be overwhelming for dogs. For one thing, it’s an unfamiliar environment. There are also lots of unfamiliar smells to contend with, including the scents of other nervous dogs. Understandably, that can be overwhelming for Fido. We’ve gone all-in on the Fear Free method, which focuses on making veterinary appointments easier on pets. However, there are also things you can do to help things go smoothly. A Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet lists some of them below.
Timing
Is your pooch extremely nervous about appointments? Keep this in mind when scheduling. It may be best to get him in early, or at a time that’s less likely to be crowded. That’s one benefit of going with a Fear Free veterinarian. We make every effort to soothe nervous dogs and make friends with them, so they’re more at ease for their exams. In extreme cases, we may offer calming products to help our canine patients relax. Talk to the clinic when making the appointment.
Workout
Before your furry friend’s appointment, take time to walk and play with him. Fido will hopefully be a bit tired after a good doggy workout, and will naturally be calmer. You may also want to take your pooch for a walk at the clinic, and just let him sniff around and get his bearings a bit.
Positive Reinforcement
This one may not work for every appointment: if Fido’s just gotten fixed, it’s best to just get him home so he can recuperate. However, it’s not a bad idea to get into the habit of taking your pooch to a park or even a drive-thru after his appointments. This can help him form a more positive association with visiting his doctor.
Don’t Skip It
Don’t hold off on veterinary care, even if you know your canine pal would prefer to go to the park or take another nap. Preventative care can prevent many illnesses and diseases. Plus, skipping exams and screenings may mean leaving an issue untreated. In the long run, that will cause a lot more problems than a trip to the clinic. Healthy pets are happy pets!
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Are you interested in learning more about Fear Free? Contact us, your Rancho Santa Fe, CA pet clinic, today!
