Keep that Tail Wagging: Tips to Reduce Your Dog’s Stress During Veterinary Visits

​Many dogs come bounding through our front doors, ready to accept our cuddles and treats and seemingly oblivious to shots and exams. But for others, a trip to the veterinarian can be a nerve-wracking experience. The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds can trigger stress and anxiety even in pups that are normally laid-back.
 
With a few simple strategies, we can help alleviate their worries and make vet visits a more positive experience for our furry friends! Here are some tips to reduce stress during your dog’s next visit to the vet.

What you can do even when you don’t have an appointment:

1. Early socialization: expose your dog to different environments and experiences to help prevent fear and anxiety. Bring your dog to visit us for quick, fun visits. Ask someone on our team to give them a treat, put them on the scale, give lots of praise, and then leave. A 100% positive experience can go a long way to making them comfortable walking into our office the next time they are in for an appointment.
2. Acclimate them to handling: gently handle your dog's paws, ears, and mouth at home to simulate what they might experience during a vet exam. Reward them with treats and praise for staying calm and cooperative. This desensitization can help reduce anxiety during actual exams and procedures at the vet's office.

One the day of your appointment:

1. Burn off some energy: on the day of your vet visit, start by engaging your dog in some playtime or a brisk walk. This helps burn off excess energy and can help relax your pup before the visit. Plus, it's a great way to bond and distract them from any pre-visit jitters!
2. Positive reinforcement: throughout the vet visit, use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for calm behavior. Offer treats, praise, and gentle petting to reinforce their good manners and bravery. Encourage them to sit quietly or perform simple commands that they already know, such as “sit” or “stay”, to build their confidence. We have lots treats, but bring your dog’s favorites as an added incentive or reward. This creates a positive association with the vet's office and can help reduce anxiety for future visits.
3. Work as a team: let us know about your dog’s preferences and sensitivities. If your dog is nervous around other pets, occasionally aggressive towards men, or sensitive about having their ears touched let us know so we can adjust our plan.
4. Calming Aids: consider using natural calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or herbal supplements, to help relax your dog during vet visits. These products can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Consult with your veterinarian before using any calming aids to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog.
   1. We are often asked about CBD products for pets, particularly anxious pets. Currently, there are significant knowledge gaps in the science, safety, and quality of CBD for pets. Until there are published studies on the safety and efficacy of CBD and standardized dosing, we do not recommend that our clients administer CBD products to their pets. Learn more!
5. Post-visit relaxation: after the vet visit, celebrate your dog's bravery with extra cuddles, playtime, or a special treat. This reinforces the idea that visiting the vet is a positive experience and helps alleviate any lingering stress or anxiety.

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Not enough?
 
Even with all these careful measures, vet visits are still stressful for some dogs.  While some dogs may freeze when they are anxious and allow examination, some become angrier and angrier with each part of the exam.  If your veterinarian feels that your pooch is still very anxious, they may recommend administration of calming medications in advance of their next visit. These medications are very safe and can make vet visits less frightening for your dog!

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​By implementing these strategies, we can help reduce stress and anxiety for our dogs during veterinary visits. Remember to be patient and understanding with your furry companion and always prioritize their comfort and well-being. With a little bit of preparation and a whole lot of love, we can make vet visits a positive experience for our canine friends.

Contact Us

​As always, we are here to help care for your pet and answer your questions. Give us a call at 978-369-3503 or email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.