Mary Allen
No matter how much your dog hates going to the vet, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Then it is helpful for you and your dog to be prepared. Here are some simple exercises you can do with your dog at home.
The most important thing is to prepare your dog for the typical situations and actions that will occur during a vet visit. For example laying the dog on one side, touching the paws, checking the mouth, eyes, and ears, raising the tail, taking the temperature or putting a muzzle.
The training supports your dog’s sense of control. If you started training early, when your dog was just a puppy, he probably won’t have any problems if an unfamiliar vet looks in his ear, checks his temperature, or touches his paws. Don’t worry if you have an adult dog – training makes sense here too, because dogs never stop learning.
During training, it is important that you choose a pace that suits your dog. If possible, start with short training sessions when the dog is calm and relaxed. Learn your dog’s signals and adjust training accordingly. For example, if he tries to run away or spins his head quickly when you try to do a dental check, you may have gone too fast and need to take smaller training steps. As with any training, it is important to proceed calmly and methodically, gradually increasing the training and then rewarding with pats and treats. Training should be fun!
Examining your dog daily at home is a great way to get them used to typical veterinary procedures while also helping you catch illnesses and injuries in a timely manner. Start at the head with the mouth, nose, eyes and ears and then work your way backwards. Make sure the skin and coat are free of rashes and tangles and check the legs, paws, neck and back for any areas that feel swollen or you find any injuries. It is also good to take your dog’s temperature when he is healthy to know his normal temperature.