Just like humans hate the dentists, dogs hate the Vet. With all the poking and prodding at each visit, it’s no wonder they leave scratch marks on your leather seats and fight to stay inside your car.
Not going is not an option. So how can you make your furry best friend’s Vet visits less intimidating and more like licking dinner leftovers off the dining room floor? …. (well maybe not that good.)
1. Practice at home.
I know, playing pretend Vet is not as fun as fetch. But it’s important to get your dog comfortable with common Vet examinations to help ease their tensions during a real visit.
Handle their ears, examine their teeth and touch their paw pads once a day. Then, reward them with their favorite snacks. They may fidget at first, but slowly your pup will get comfortable with the examination process.
2. Visit the Vet for fun
A visit to the vet for fun is like inviting your mother-in-law over for no reason. Who would want to do that? But actually, frequent visits to the Vet will help your pup adjust to the environment.
Take your dog to the Vet and let him/her get used to the staff and space. Your pup will soon begin to think of the Vet in a more positive light.
… as for humans though, there are some things we’ll never get used to.
3. Calm your dog’s nerves
Dog’s get stressed and anxious by the sound of this three letter word. Ease your dog’s anxiety with a natural calming aid like hemp dog treats.
Give YUP PUP treats a try. These hemp treats are full of simple, clean, organic ingredients that will ultimately help Vet visits become less frequent and stress free.
4. Calm your own nerves
Your pups can sense when you feel anxious and will respond to your fear, with fear.
Take deep breaths and remain calm. This will send the message to your #FBF that there is nothing to worry about.
5. Exercise before the Vet
Take a walk in the dog park. Throw a frisbee in the backyard. Get active and help your pup burn off that nervous energy. Exercise boosts their endorphins, just like ours. Happy + tired is a win/win… for pup and human!