Stress Free Veterinary Visits for Your Dog

Stress-Free Visits to the Vet

Make Veterinary Experiences Better For You And Your Dog 

For some, a visit to the veterinarian begins with a game of tug-of-war at the clinic’s front door. Your pet knows exactly where he is, and remembers the last visit—the probing and prodding, the smell of fear in the air and the whimpering sounds coming from behind closed doors. It’s no wonder you find yourself coaxing your pet to go inside, right?

Familiarize Pets At An Early Age

Visiting your veterinarian doesn’t have to be so frustrating. Minimize your pet’s stress by taking proactive measures, especially while your pet is still young.

Familiarize your pet with being handled. Frequently touch his paws, toes and ears. Open his mouth, rub his gums. Reinforce cooperation with affection and training treats. We will always offer your dog tasty treats here at the Earlysville Animal Hospital - if he is used to getting treats for handling he will look forward to them and take them from us more readily. Be sure and tell us if your pet needs to have a special diet - we have hypo-allergenic treats for those dogs with food allergies.

Bring your pet to the animal hospital for happy visits. This is a time when he comes just to say, "Hi". We will give him treats and let him have a visit where nothing negative happens. Many dogs become much more comfortable with us if they think the animal hospital is a normal place to visit. We are able to offer happy visits many times during the day but please call first.

We have comfortable, padded, slip free mats on all our exam tables to make your dog feel more secure when they are on the exam table. Many dogs are even more comfortable if you bring a mat with you that the dog rests on at home. We also try to make the experience easier for you and your pet by having scales built right into our exam tables and having tables that slowly and quietly rise with your dog on them so we don't have to pick big dogs up. Many of our patients love our tables. They come running into the room and get right on them and look at us like they are saying, "This is my place here! This is where I get my treats and pets!"

Comfort Goes A Long Way

Car rides can be a good experience. If your pet only connects being in the car with visits to the veterinarian, consider taking Fido along when running short errands. Travel is recommended with your pet secured—either in a carrier or with a seat belt harness.

Notice how in-tune your pet is to your behavior? Remember to stay calm and anxiety-free when preparing for a visit to the veterinarian.

When you’re at the clinic, keep your pet’s socializing to a minimum. Along with communicable diseases, other pets may be aggressive and can create additional excitement or agitation. All the pets in the building will be less anxious if all the pets are calm and happy. Have your dog securely attached to a short leash. This is not the time for a flexible leash. You want to always have your dog right at your side during a veterinary visit.

In the exam room, a soothing voice, encouragement and affection can influence your pet’s calm demeanor.

Preparation doesn’t just extend to your pet. The more information you can give your veterinarian regarding your pet’s health, the quicker you’ll receive a diagnosis and avoid a prolonged visit. Make veterinarian visits less traumatic and everyone benefits.

Thank you to VPI Pet Insurance for their suggestions for this page.