It's no secret that dogs like to visit the vet about as much as we like to visit the dentist. For most dogs, it causes stress that lasts for several hours. Thanks to their instincts, they sense it before you even leave for the vet's clinic. How can you handle it calmly and without unnecessarily stressing the dog?
Most dogs do not like veterinarians, just like any other stranger who touches them besides their beloved master. It's not pleasant to them, it stresses them, and in some dogs it even creates a strong sense of fear. Yet you can still prepare your beloved pet for a visit to the vet so that it not only manages it calmly and without whimpering, but it can even look forward to it. How can you do this?
Start by selecting the right vet and respect your dog's "opinion". I will now contradict myself a bit. There are also dogs that truly love their veterinarians. Do you know why? Their veterinarian is a good person who can connect with them and who "speaks their language".
Dogs can recognize good people, just like other animals. In most cases, the right vet can quickly get your dog on their side. To them, animals are not just an attractive sum on the check they give you. If your dog is still scared after repeated visits, I would recommend visiting another vet.
Of course, there are also dogs, just like some people, who are extremely afraid and hypersensitive to their environment. In this case, herbal therapy can help reduce stress. You can add a few calming droplets to your dog's water or food the day before you visit the veterinarian. You should also take a supply of your dog's favorite treats so you can properly reward him.
Despite apathy and nervousness, which can control a dog, it is good to keep them occupied. Even if he doesn't want to take a treat or play with a toy, it is good to practice with him in the waiting room or outside the waiting room. You can give him simple commands. He doesn't have to fully perform them, but for a moment it will force him to stop thinking about the suffering he is experiencing :)
"Habit is an iron shirt." This also applies in this case. If you visit the vet regularly, there is a greater chance of him getting used to it gradually, and the amount of stress and fear he experiences may gradually decrease; it may rather be fear of the unknown than the vet itself. The dog will learn that not every visit to the vet means he will get a shot, and that there's really nothing to worry about.
If your dog starts whimpering even before you leave your home or doesn't want to get in the car, you must regularly train him for these situations. For example, you can occasionally take a walk around the veterinarian clinic, or just go for a ride in your car to some other place. It is important that you are calm, too, because if you're not, your dog will know that something is up :).
And how does your dog handle visits to the vet? Does he handle it calmly, or is he sensitive like our dogs? Do you have any proven tricks that help calm your dog down?
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