As a pet parent, you already know that visiting a veterinarian is quite a stressful event for your dog. It may be connected with visiting new surroundings, meeting strangers, or the ride to the veterinary clinic itself. Whatever the cause is, you can either ignore your pet’s worries or try and make this experience relatively less overwhelming for it.
If you are planning on visiting a veterinarian any time soon, this article is for you! Below, you will find six helpful tips, ranging from bringing your dog in a crate, using dogs’ CBD oil to calm it down, and making the drive enjoyable, to bringing your dog on an empty stomach, and remaining calm yourself among other things. Read on and make your next vet visit worry-free!
Visit the Vet’s Office Beforehand
The first thing to do is pay a visit to your veterinarian’s office beforehand. Bring your dog and try to get a feel of the place. Your dog may be familiar with the clinic already, but if not, it might be a good idea to go there separately before bringing him along.
If the veterinarian’s office has a play area where clients can let their dogs run around, it would also be a good idea to take your dog there before going into the examination room. This way, you will get to see how your pet interacts with other animals and how it reacts to the surroundings. You will also get an idea of how your dog reacts to certain situations and noises. It will help you gauge its behavior when visiting the veterinarian’s office.
Take Your Dog on a Walk Before the Visit
If possible, try to go on a short walk around the block or around your neighborhood. The goal is to tire your dog out before taking it to the vet’s office. This way, it will be easier for it to settle down once in the waiting room. If your dog is not used to such walks or if it refuses to go on them, you can always use CBD products to calm it down beforehand. You can also try bringing your dog on an empty stomach. That should make it slightly easier to handle and prevent it from throwing up in your car or the vet’s office.
Bring an Appropriate Crate for Transporting Your Pet
Though many veterinarians recommend that pets be transported in carriers or baskets, sometimes a crate is much safer for them. Crates come in different sizes, which makes it easy for you to find one that fits your dog’s size. You should also make sure that there is enough airflow inside the crate so that your dog does not get overheated in the car while traveling.
Stock Up on Supplies Needed for Driving With Your Dog
Make sure that you have all the supplies needed for transport in advance. You should have treats, toys, and water ready to give to your dog during the drive. Also, keep an eye on any signs of motion sickness and be prepared to give your dog some CBD products if needed. While driving, remember to stay calm and avoid sudden movements so as not to worsen any suspected motion sickness in your pet.
Use CBD Products During Transport.
Make use of CBD products to relax and help your dog cope with any anxiety during transport. Treats can also be given to calm it down if necessary. Just make sure that they do not contain onion or garlic, as they may cause additional digestive issues in dogs. There are many CBD-infused dog products available. You can also use CBD oil and apply it directly to your pet’s tongue.
Settle Your Dog Gradually to New Surroundings.
Try to make settling into its new surroundings as pleasant as possible. When you arrive at your veterinarian’s office, try and distract your pet with treats or toys while others are busy taking care of paperwork or tasks related to appointments and check-ups.
You can even place its favorite toy or treat inside its carrier so that it gets used to them being there. Once everyone is done, try and reward your pet with an extra treat or two before letting it out of its carrier or basket and entering the vet’s office.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, all of the tips above will help make your next vet visit less stressful for both you and your dog. Remember that a good deal of it depends on how well you can prepare your pet beforehand. The more relaxed your dog is, the easier the visit will be for both of you. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They should be able to provide you with even more information.
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