5 Tips For A Stress-Free Trip To The Vets With Your Dog

9th September 2022

It is important to take your dog for regular veterinary check-ups, to keep them up to date with vaccinations and to prevent more serious problems from building up. However, some dogs will soon associate a trip to the vets with disagreeable experiences, and become difficult to manage. Here are some tips to help you and your pet have a stress-free visit.

1. Get your dog used to handling

When you are at home, include some care in your dog’s daily routine. This could be grooming, inspecting his paws, teeth, or ears, touching his chest, or gently lifting up his tail. If your dog is nervous about being handled, reward him afterwards with a treat, so he will make a positive association with the experience.

2. Get them used to travelling

If your dog only travels in the car for a trip to the vet, she will soon associate it with a negative experience. Get your pet used to going in the car for walks in new places, to meet other dogs, or simply for a drive about, in order to break the association.

3. Prepare well

Don’t leave the vets visit until the last minute, as your stress will transfer to your dog. Get together everything you need, and leave in plenty of time. Take a favourite toy or blanket with them so they have something familiar and comforting in the strange environment.

4. Avoid a packed waiting room

If your pet gets excited or nervous by the other animals and people in the waiting room, let the receptionist know you have arrived, and ask them to call you when the vet is ready. Take your dog for short walk, or wait in the car with them. You could also book a quieter time of day, so the experience is less busy and stimulating.