Mary Allen
Many animals get stressed when they have to go to the vet. Of course, because no one likes to go to the doctor, and it is difficult for us to explain to our four-legged friends that nothing terrible will happen. Once you’ve had a bad experience, it’s hard to forget. We have some tips on how to get your four-legged friends ready to visit the vet right from the start and what to do if your pet has had a bad experience.
Tips for Dog Owners
If you’ve brought a puppy home, the first vaccination usually doesn’t take long. Try to make an appointment for a pre-vaccination check-up. The veterinarian shouldn’t do anything wrong with this. He can examine the puppy and reward him with a treat. This way, your puppy will have a good experience right from the start.
If you bring an adult dog into the house, you can do the same as with a puppy. First, make an appointment where the vet just looks and meets the dog. Take your favorite treats, cheese, or sausage with you and try to combine a pleasant experience with a visit.
Sometimes changing the vet helps. If your dog has already gone through a lot with the veterinarian and is very afraid and tense as soon as it goes in the direction of practice, you should think about changing the veterinarian. In a new veterinary practice, you can try starting over.
The most important thing is that you remain calm at all times. If you are anxious and nervous yourself, your dog will notice it and the restless mood will pass on to him. This only complicates the whole situation. If you are unable to calm down, consider leaving the treatment room. This helps some dogs and the treatment is more relaxed for both parties.
Tips for Cat Owners
Most cats are delivered to the vet in a transport basket. Such a visit is very stressful for many cats and their owners. As soon as the cats see the transport crate, they run away or hide. It is very difficult for craftsmen to put their pets in the box at all.
If you brought your cat into the house, try to train it to the box from the very beginning. If that makes sense, it’s best to put it in your apartment or home so your cat can get used to it. Make the box a little cozier with your favorite blanket and some treats. Once they get used to it, some cats like to sleep in it and use the box as a refuge.
It is best to always take your cat’s vaccination certificate with you to the vet. Put it out just before driving, or hide it in your pocket or in your car. Some cats already on the vaccination certificate notice that they go to the veterinarian and hide. If you have a street cat, you should take care that she doesn’t notice anything. Because outdoor enthusiasts like to hide outside when they notice that something is wrong and only return late. If you have the opportunity, remember to leave your penis in the house overnight before visiting the vet so that he cannot hide outside.
When you go to the vet with your cat, make sure there are not too many dogs near the transport cage. Especially cats that don’t know dogs can get irritated very quickly. But velvet paws living with a dog are often not so funny when someone else’s snout sniffs their box. Take a blanket with you and place it on the box to protect the cat and calm it in the dark. Of course, it is best to have two separate waiting rooms – one for dogs and one for cats. Unfortunately, very few veterinary clinics are equipped this way.
Cats usually cannot be bribed with food/treats like dogs. When you’re at the vet with your velvet paw, stay calm. Because if you are stressed, your cat is stressed too. If you are too agitated, it is best to leave the room. By doing this, you will do yourself and your cat a favor, and the treatment will end sooner. If you stay in the treatment room, be sure to keep your hands away from the cat’s mouth and do not allow yourself to be scratched. In such situations, cats often no longer know who is a friend and who is an enemy and can scratch or bite.
If your cat is incredibly stressed, howling, drooling, or even peeing in the crate due to stress and excitement, consider making a home visit. Many veterinarians offer this, and it is usually less stressful for the cat and for you.