Proper veterinary care is a crucial part of any pet care routine. Unfortunately, many of our furry patients don’t quite see it that way. (Actually, we suspect that most of them would rather take a nap than come visit us.) We understand that animal hospitals can make dogs nervous. All those strange smells, including the scents of other nervous pets, some of whom are sick, can be pretty unnerving for Man’s Best Friend. While we do everything we possibly can to make appointments comfortable and easy for our patients, there are also things you can do to help Fido’s visits go smoothly. An Aurora, CO vet offers tips on taking your dog to the vet in this article.
Pre-Appointment Workout
Before bringing your canine buddy in for his appointment, take him for a walk. Then, spend a few minutes playing Fetch or Frisbee with him. If Fido is a bit tired after his doggy workout, he’ll be naturally calmer and less excitable.
Calming Products
Does your pup get really nervous at appointments? Ask your vet about using pet-calming products, such as treats and sprays. These mimic the natural pheromones dogs produce when they are happy and calm, and can help soothe uneasy pooches.
Go For A Walk
If possible, try to arrive early. When you reach the clinic, if you have time, take Fido for another short stroll, and let him sniff some new grass.
Asking Questions
Before your appointment, find out if you need to bring anything, such as a stool sample. You may also want to ask about additional services, such as nail clipping.
The Car Ride
Fido should always travel in a crate: it’s much safer for both of you! Try to take a route without a lot of bumps or potholes, and avoid sharp terms and sudden stops or starts. We also recommend keeping a window cracked, so your canine pal will always have fresh air.
Treats
All done? Get that tail wagging again by treating Fido to a new toy or a yummy snack. A trip to a drive-through for a plain bunless cheeseburger will also brighten up your furry buddy’s day. (Note: we don’t condone giving dogs cheeseburgers daily, but it’s fine every now and then.)
Please reach out to us, your Aurora, CO vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
