How to have a positive vet visit for your dog Langford Vet Practice

Making the vets a positive place to be is important for your dog. Your dog will feel more comfortable if they get to know the veterinary environment and the staff.

It is important that your dog gets used to being handled by veterinary staff and this training can start at home. In a relaxed home environment, practice handling your pets’ paws, ears, stomach & back of their neck, as these are the most common areas handled by veterinary staff during a consultation. For further advice, please speak to a member of our team.

Take your dog to the vets on a regular basis, even when not having an appointment, to make them feel happy and comfortable visiting a vet practice and getting to know the team. This could be to check their weight or buying their food or flea treatment, so they do not associate the visit with a procedure taking place.

Another point of anxiety for your dog when visiting the vets may be the car journey. For some patients, travel can be stressful, so it is important to make this as stress free as possible to have a positive veterinary experience. Ensure your pet is going for regular car journey’s other than for a vet visit, so they don’t just associate the car with a visit to the veterinary practice.

Calming products are also available to help reduce stress, such as Calmex, Adaptil or Pet Remedy. Putting a familiar blanket with your dog’s scent in the car can also make them feel more at ease. If travelling by car, it is a legal requirement to have your dog suitably restrained, whether this is using a harness and seat belt or a guard if they are in the boot.

Start by bringing your dog into the vets when you’re passing. Ask our team to give them treats and make a nice fuss of them each time so your dog does not associate the practice with a negative experience. You can take this opportunity to weigh them too, as getting them used to the scales is also important.

Bringing that familiar blanket with you into the waiting room can also help to settle your dog. Don’t force your dog to sit or lie down - allow them to feel comfortable in their own way. Smaller dogs may prefer to be picked up and sit on your lap whilst you wait for your consultation.

If you feel they are getting stressed, you can choose to wait outside or in the car (if it’s not too hot), but please notify a member of the reception team where you will be waiting.

During an examination, sometimes your dog may become stressed, if feeling unwell or in discomfort. Try to stay calm and confident during the appointment to show your dog that you are not worried. You can reward your dog with treats to positively reinforce their behaviour (unless there is a reason they are not allowed to eat, due to having a procedure or have an upset stomach).

If you feel they are unhappy during the examination, please make the vet or nurse aware if you notice any abnormal behaviour, such as growling or becoming tense, so they can stop and give your dog a break and a chance to relax a little.

Always end on a positive note. If suitable, ask the veterinary team to give your dog a treat or some fuss as a reward for completing the examination. It may also be beneficial to take your dog for a stroll in the grounds (ask for our nature walk map) before returning them to the car, to allow them to relax after visiting us.