Is Your Dog Scared of the Vet? Try These 7 Tips | Pupford
There is no doubt that going to the vet is a tall task for some dog parents, especially when it comes to generally anxious dogs. When a dog is scared of the vet it can become quite overwhelming!
Nervous dogs can quickly get stressed when they realize they are on their way to the vet with their parents. Even your most happy furry friend may tuck their tail as you walk through the lobby heading to your veterinarian's office.
But don't allow the thought of your dog never learning to love a veterinarian visit discourage you from taking steps to make them feel comfortable whenever you have such a trip.
We have some ideas that dog parents can use to make the next trip much easier. Most of these tips require consistency and commitment from the doggy parent, but it is worth it in the end.
They can help ease your dog’s nerves and make them more comfortable. Taking these steps can help you moderate some of your dog's anxiety and help you keep their health a number-one priority without putting them and yourself in unfavorable positions. Here are 7 tips for dogs who are scared of the vet:
- Exercise your pup before the appointment
- Visit regularly, but just for fun
- Use an anxiety medication
- Ask for at-home vaccinations
- Find a vet who makes house calls
- Understand why your dog fears the vet
- Try a calming supplement
Let's dive into each tip below. 👇
1- EXERCISE YOUR PUP BEFORE THE VET APPOINTMENT
Physical activity, like going for a walk, can help manage many types of dog behavioral issues. Typically, exercise wears your pet out, allowing them to exert a healthy amount of energy.
This has a calming effect on their muscles and can reduce the amount of nervous energy they may have sitting idle in their bodies.
If your pup is usually jumpy and overly energetic, making it hard to keep them under control at the vet, exercise beforehand potentially could be a game changer for you.
Sometimes a long walk before visiting the vet is just what your dog needs to get them in a balanced state of mind and body.
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2- VISIT THE VET REGULARLY, BUT FOR FUN!
Your dog doesn't only have to see the vet when it's time for vaccinations or when they are sick.
Try to make non-medical and casual visits to the veterinarian's office, and your anxious dog might start to learn how to adjust.
This desensitization training aims to teach your pet to relate the vet building with positive feelings.
Bring them there on non-appointment days. This will give you a chance to walk them around the exterior of the vet’s office and take in all the smells.
Make sure to bring a high-value treat so your pup will associate the smell of the area with yummy rewards and positive vibes.
Bring them often so they can get very comfortable with the location so it will eventually become familiar.
3- USE AN ANXIETY MEDICATION
Many dog parents consider anxiety medication as a last solution.
However, some furry friends are highly fearful of the vet, thus making medication the only choice.
You can get an anti-anxiety drug from the vet to give your pet a couple of hours before each office visit.
However, it is essential to note that some of these medications may make your dog feel disoriented, thus increasing their anxiety. Make sure to work with the vet to determine if this is the right course of action going forward.
Related Reading: Why Is My Dog Scared of Other Dogs?
4- ASK YOUR VET FOR AT-HOME VACCINATIONS
Sometimes, it’s best to not put your dog in a position that will skyrocket their anxiety before they have had time to practice desensitizing the vet’s office.
Did you know you can learn ways to desensitize and counter-condition your dog to help with problems at the vet’s office using our online Pupford Academy+ courses? Try out our free Dog First Aid Course to see what Pupford Academy+ has to offer you and your dog.
Take as many opportunities to work on desensitization and counterconditioning training so you and your pup can walk into the vet’s office with a plan and preparation. In the meantime, do what you can to avoid bringing them in.
Make an inquiry to your vet about at-home vaccinations. It’s not guaranteed that all vets offer at-home vaccination options, but it’s ok to ask.
The more information the vet nurses and vet techs have about your dog, the more prepared everyone will be when the time comes for your dog to come in for a checkup.
Strong communication with your vet is always a good thing, so ask a lot of questions.
5- GET A VETERINARIAN WHO MAKES HOUSE CALLS
Similar to the above, this option lets you give your dog the medical attention they need from home rather than making it feel uncomfortable and stressed in a vet's office environment.
Many veterinarians today have flexible routine examination and vaccination services and may offer mobile veterinarian appointments or house calls.
On this note, be sure to learn about at-home euthanasia for when that time comes for your pet.
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6- UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR PET FEARS THE VET
One might ask, why does my dog fear the sight of a veterinarian?
Generally, it is common for animals, from cats to dogs, to be scared when visiting the vet clinic.
The scent of the clinic itself is a primary reason for this recurring fear. The overwhelming smells of other dogs and humans can trigger stress and alertness in our dogs, not to mention the smell of cleaning products that emit strong odors.
Oftentimes, they associate the vet with being handled and touched by strangers in order for the vet nurses, techs, and veterinarians to evaluate them. This can be understandably overwhelming to a dog who doesn’t know the concept of the vet’s office.
7- USE A CALMING SUPPLEMENT
A simple and effective way to help a dog who is scared of the vet is to use a calming supplement.
Calming supplements are a more natural alternative to anxiety medications that help your dog relax and feel less afraid of vet visits.
Of course, discuss this option with your vet!
And be sure to check out our Calming Supplement here, it's made with natural ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, and more!
RECAP OF HELPING A DOG THAT'S SCARED OF THE VET
Over time, with the right desensitization training, dogs can begin to understand little by little - this is a place where I go to feel better.
Another tip is to exude a positive, happy, and calm attitude when you visit. Dogs tend to be sympathetic to human emotions, so avoid giving off nervous energy. Above all, exercise patience and consistency because your dog will need time to conquer this type of fear.
Here's a quick recap of 7 ways to help a dog who is scared of the vet:
- Exercise your pup before the appointment
- Visit regularly, but just for fun
- Use an anxiety medication
- Ask for at-home vaccinations
- Find a vet who makes house calls
- Understand why your dog fears the vet
- Try a calming supplement
And don't forget to try out the popular Calming Supplement here!
What else has helped your dog be less fearful of the vet? Tell us in the comments below.
🐶 Don't miss out! Try out the Calming Supplement to help ease your dog's fear of the vet. Shop here! 🐶
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