Raise your paw if you love going to the vet, and consider it an enjoyable experience? The two of you that did clearly have less trust issues than basically any pup I’ve seen come into my office. So how can you nail your vet visits and make them a less scary or even fun experience for you and your fur baby?
- Start young. I know, some of you this doesn’t apply to you having an older baby or the damage instilling fear of the vet has already been done. If possible though, from the very first puppy visit make sure it’s an exciting one! Lots of positive reinforcement, treats, loves and praise go a long way in them remembering that place as a good one.
- Don’t make every visit a “poke” visit. I am a HUGE fan of poke free vet visits to instill a sense of fun in your puppers. Make time to drop by for a weight check and love from the receptionists, or treats from the technicians next time you’re passing by. When you stop by to drop off a Christmas present (hint: we tend to like wine) bring them with and let them experience the excitement. If every time you went somewhere you got stabbed in the butt, do you think you’d be rushing to get back there? I didn’t think so.
- Don’t make a big deal of it. Here’s looking at you, mom and dad. Your kiddo feeds off of your emotional energy and body language. They are looking at YOU to be their fearless pack leader and if you get worked up about the small stuff, so will they. Leave your nervous energy for your own doctors appointment, and try to fake it til you make it at your fur babies.
- Bring a friend for moral support! Have another pup in the household? Bring them along so A) they are getting a treat filled, poke free experience out of it, but B) your fur baby has their buddy along for the ride to give them reassurance.
Have any tips or tricks that have worked to alleviate vet visit anxiety in your pups? I would love to hear them!