What Should I Do Before Taking My Dog to the Vet?
Preparing your dog for a vet visit is a good idea. A urine sample may be required within one hour. The sample can be kept in a refrigerator for up to twelve hours. You can take your dog on a short walk before the appointment to help relieve excess energy and calm them down during the trip. Practice sitting and lying down commands before the appointment. You and your dog will be able to distract the vet by using this technique.
Preparation
Being prepared is the best way for your pet to avoid fear of the vet. Even though your vet visits are rare, you can prepare your pet by using positive coping strategies. For instance, you can prepare your dog’s mind beforehand by practicing the veterinary examination in your house. This way, you and your pet will develop trust. When your pet is treated calmly and politely, it will develop a positive attitude toward the veterinarian.
Friendly staff in a veterinarian clinic
When looking for a veterinarian, finding one with friendly staff is important. If you are unsure where to start looking, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. You can also search for veterinarians in your local area on review sites such as Yelp. Ideally, you want to choose a veterinarian based on your preferences and your dog’s health history. A vet clinic with friendly staff will help your pet feel comfortable and at ease.
Teaching your dog a “touch” cue
To teach your dog the “touch” cue before taking your dog for a trip to the vet, try teaching your pet to approach your hand without using a verbal cue. Instead, show your hand to your pet and then click or give a treat to any dog who approaches. Once your dog understands the “touch” cue, you can introduce the “touch” cue earlier in your training.
You can train your dog how to get comfortable in the car
If your dog is anxious, you can introduce your pet to the car a few days prior to your trip. If your dog is a good behavior buddy, you can reward him by standing near the car or playing tug-of-war. Repeat these steps a few times a day, until your dog is fully comfortable riding in the car without fear of being kicked out.
Introduce your dog to strangers
These are some easy steps to help you introduce your dog to strangers. Before you introduce your dog outside to strangers, it is a good idea to keep him on a leash. This way, you can see if he enjoys meeting the people. When introducing strangers, it is important to keep your voice positive and to not become too nervous. It will be easier to introduce your dog to strangers the more you expose your dog to them.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a way to treat your dog’s symptoms without having to take him to the vet. This system of medicine is based on the principle of “like cures like”, where a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy animal is also likely to cure the same condition in an ailing one. This method is relatively new but its roots date back thousands years. Historically, herbs were given to animals in small doses to treat symptoms caused by poisoning. Homeopathic veterinarians recognize this treatment as an alternative to traditional medicine.
Subcutaneous fluids
Subcutaneous fluids can be stressful for your pet. However, the benefits can outweigh any inconvenience. You can give your pet subcutaneous fluids at your home to provide the same hydration without the stress of a vet. Here are the steps to give subcutaneous fluids your dog. A veterinarian will give subcutaneous fluids in various forms. Make sure you do not purchase any fluids that contain sugar solutions or dextrose. Sugar and dextrose solutions can cause severe skin irritation and even necrosis.