Just as we may sometimes be nervous about visiting the
doctor, your pet may feel a little apprehensive about a visit to the vet’s
office. In choosing a vet that you are comfortable with, you can feel confident
in your pet’s comfort, too. When it comes time to schedule an appointment with
your veterinarian, there are additional steps you can take to help make the
experience a positive one right from the start.
The first step to an easy vet visit is to make your pet
comfortable before going anywhere near the office. Animal
Planet’s Pets 101 blog suggests developing a calm pre-vet routine, which
includes regular at-home check ups to get them used to being handled, practice
trips in the car or carrier and plenty of love and affection.
The journey itself can be stressful especially for cats, who
often see the car as an unpredictable and unfamiliar place. Try taking them out
for short drives around the block, and work your way up to longer trips or even
an unscheduled visit to your vet just to say hello to some staff. As the
anxiety of uncertainty lessens, so will your cat’s overall concern for car
trips.
For dogs, the car trip may be a piece of cake… that is until
you pull into the vet’s parking lot. So why not make the vet a place where your
dog can have some fun? Pet
Trainer Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog suggests that you spend some time playing with
your pet upon arrival, perhaps outside the building, so they can come to
associate the vet’s office as a place where fun things happen, too!
Once you’ve entered the lobby, you and your pet might encounter
other pets and their waiting humans. It’s important first for you to remain
calm, as your pet will feed off your emotions. Although it is impossible to
predict who or what you will encounter in a waiting area, you can request to
schedule an appointment at your vet’s least busy times to help minimize
exposure. While you’re waiting, talk to your pet in a calm voice to help keep
them relaxed and focused on you. For a dog, you might also consider bringing a
small towel or yoga mat from home for them to sit on, so they have their own familiar-smelling
space in which to wait.
Remember, most vets will take the time to break the ice a
bit with your pet once the visit begins. A few minutes of casual interaction
will make your pet more at ease, as will the continued presence of a towel or
toy that they are familiar with. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for additional
recommendations if you feel concerned for your cat or dog’s comfort.
Preparation and open communication can lead to a healthy, happy relationship between
you, your vet, and your pet.
