Read about some tips that can help get your dog to the clinic or vet remain calm and peaceful for their visit.
How to Keep Your Dog Calm When Visiting the Spay and Neuter Clinic
As a dog owner, it is up to you to advocate for their health and happiness. Since they can’t speak, you need to stay vigilant in order to ensure their physical and emotional needs are always being met. And while this typically includes a visit or two to the veterinarian office, your pup may not be a fan of this type of field trip. That’s especially true when visiting a spay and neuter clinic, as dogs can easily pick up on their owner’s anxiety and discomfort.
That’s why it is all too common for pets to feel anxious when the time comes to visit the clinic. They may not know what’s in store, but they know that something is happening. For the sake of your pet’s health and happiness, here are some tried and true strategies for keeping dogs calm while visiting a veterinarian office.
• Get them used to the car
Some pets only go in the car when they go to the vet, so they begin to associate car rides with stress and fear. Get rid of the anxiety by taking them on regular car rides around the block or to the dog park, and always end these trips with a treat. Soon, they won’t be so nervous to jump in the car and go exploring with you.
• Practice on your pet
Just like human beings, many animals are afraid of the unknown. Unfamiliar people, places, and especially smells can instantly raise a dog’s anxiety levels. This can easily be bypassed by practicing some treatments on your pet so they aren’t completely uncomfortable at the vet. Here’s one idea for making your pooch more comfortable with vet care: regularly brush their teeth at home. Dental care for pets is especially important, but 65% of pet owners don’t brush their pet’s teeth at all. Simply touching their mouth and getting them used to the sensation of a brush can calm them down before their next medical appointment.
• Stay calm
Dogs have an incredible ability to read emotions in body language and faces, and they will easily pick up on what you’re feeling if you’re nervous. While visiting dog spay and neuter clinics may be stressful for you as a pet owner, it’s important not to show it. The second you show tension in your voice or body language, your furry friend will immediately feel distressed. However, that doesn’t mean you should overcompensate with baby talk and big smiles. To make your dog feel calm, try and act as normal as possible.
Going to AZPAWS doesn’t have to be traumatic for you or your pet. Simply follow these tips and both of you will be all smiles throughout the entire appointment.