How to Calm your Pet's Fear of Visiting the Veterinarian

Fearful or aggressive pet is difficult for veterinary staff to examine. If your pet has an extreme aversion to visiting the veterinarian, help her get acquainted with that environment.

Steps:

1. 

Visit the veterinary hospital or office with your pet once a week until your pet is habituated.

2. 

Take treats and have the staff give them to your pet. Make it a fun experience, and then take your pet and leave.

3. 

Use a gradual approach if your pet is already fearful and won't accept treats. For example, play with her on the front lawn of your vet's office and make her feel comfortable. Over a period of a few weeks, gradually bring her to the front door and progress to standing in the front lobby and visiting with the staff.

4. 

Give treats for calm behavior.

5. 

Attempt to get your pet acquainted with a single staff member so she has a friend'pets, like people, get along with some individuals better than others.

Tips:

Ask your veterinarian if a previsit tranquilizer might be the best solution.

If your pet is fearful and an exam is essential, give her to the staff and leave. Sometimes pets do much better when alone with the veterinarian. Animals sense your anxiety.

Difficult pets at the vet- Try to be the very first or last appointment of the day. That will reduce the stress on the dog and make it easier on you. Always let the vet put a muzzle on the dog if he finds it necessary. Even though the dog is sweet to you, he might not be to others

Easier visits to the veterinarian - Dog obedience training is not only fun for both you and your dog, but it can also be very helpful when visiting the veterinarian. Knowing basic commands (stand/stay commands), your dog should allow the vet to examine him/her more readily

Familiarity-