Taking your dog to the veterinarian is important for good health of your pet but can be a terrifying experience. It does not have to be so stressful because, as you say to your kids, “it’s for your own good” to visit the doctor and be protected from disease and serious illness. The trick is in finding ways to convince your dog that a doctor’s visit is not the end of the world. Contact your local Rockford area veterinarian as listed below or one closest to your home before the visit for advice and tips on how the visit can be less stressful.
If your dog is not accustomed to car rides, obviously it will be frightened if the only time it travels is to the Vet. There are tips you can follow to make car rides and vet visits more fun. The poor dog is all stressed out only because of the correlation of car and its purpose – the Vet.
The most obvious step is to take your dog to short trips other than going to the doctor. Associate a car ride as a fun thing to do. Go to a drive-thru where the pup gets a treat, take your pet to the Petsmart or Petco for a fun shopping trip, go to the dog park or visit a friend or relative.
Be sure your dog is well-socialized and enjoys being around other people and pets, such as frequent visits to the pet store, dog parks and other social areas pets are allowed. Some dogs that are not well-socialized tend to be shy around other animals and people, such as your veterinarian, which results in stress on your pet. Give your dog a small treat and lots of praise when doing well during socialization training and, of course, the successful visit to the vet’s office.
Being fearful of the vet may be associated with a past poor experience for your dog or maybe the pet senses your fears during the visit. I know for myself, their vaccinations hurt me more than they do the dog. On the other hand, everyone at the vet’s office fuses over the dogs, granting them lots of attention – a good thing; not to mention the treat they look forward to after a job well-done.
Sometimes there are special props linked with the doctor’s visit – leash, travel crate, that car ride – that is only used for such the occasion. Those “special” items should be used at other times as well. Keep the crate out so your dog can access it anytime. Remember the frequent car trips and use the leash or the car to pass the Vet’s office often other than at the time of the scheduled dates. If your dog has a problem with either a male or female, check into a vet with the particular gender preference that is less stressful on your pet – and don’t change doctors.
Many dogs are very protective of their owners and can become much stressed when their owners are close by. Sometimes it works to everyone's benefit to do a physical exam or procedure with your dog separated in a room with only veterinary staff in attendance. Of course you love your dog and worry about what is happening without you there to “care” for him, but if it relieves some of his anxieties, it is best to let the staff attend to your pet.
It may also sometimes be beneficial to have a period of play or exercise time before heading off to the vet hospital. This is a way to exert some of his excess energy and calm your dog for the vet. Any step you can take to make your dog’s doctor visit more comfortable will be so much less stressful for all concerned.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-have-a-trauma-free-vet-visit/page1.aspx http://www.petplace.com/dogs/getting-the-most-out-of-your-visit-to-your-veterinarian/page1.aspx
If you are looking for wholesome, natural and homemade treats for your favorite canine best friend, Led foot’s Pet Bakery near the Rockford area is happy to meet your needs. Check out the website at Ledfoot Bakery. Contact Susan Weitzel at 815 784-6358, Ledfoot Bakery Contact.
If you are seeking Veterinary assistance in the Rockford area, you can check out one of these at - Rockford Vet Clinics, Bellwood Vet, Rockford Veterinarians, Perryville Veterinarian , Cat Veterinarians Specialists
For all your pets needs and accessories in the Rockford area, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - Petco or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - Petsmart -PETLAND, (815) 332-4200 - Petland
For many of your pet essentials, visit your local Rockford-area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620 - 2454 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421 - CVS Pharmacy
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