5 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR DOG’S STRESS DURING VACCINATIONS
Vets love animals but the reverse is not always true. Our pets can get stressed visiting the vet clinic. Here are 5 ways to reduce your dog’s stress during vaccinations, thanks to Dr Max from The Veterinary Hospital in Dubai…
Does your dog become restless every time you visit the vet? Your pooch is not alone in this case. In fact, many dogs act this way in fear of getting vaccination shots.
What are the causes of your dog’s fear?
Dogs are aware of the routine. After a dog’s first visit, he very quickly learns what to expect on the next visit. Most dogs are anxious about visiting the vet because of the following reasons.
- Discomfort
Some dogs aren’t comfortable with strangers touching them. This is why it’s important to make vet visits enjoyable as early as possible, so start them young. - Negative Experiences
The dog’s fear of going to the vet may be because of how they relate the place to unpleasant procedures. If you only bring your dog to the vet for painful shots, then it’s natural for him to fear vet trips.
It’s vital to know which vaccines your dog needs earlier and start taking your dog to the vet during his puppy-hood days. Through proper conditioning, you can make your dog understand that shots are nothing to fear.
To start off, the five tips below will help make your next visits to the vet more bearable, even enjoyable, for your furry friend.
1. Act as the vet.
If you have a puppy, counter the factor that makes vet visits scary by thinking how the vet will handle your dog. Make your puppy comfortable with the procedures in a relaxing environment at home. Inspect his teeth and open his mouth then pop a delightful treat.
Make your pooch realize that weird touches are not only safe but also show that he’ll have a delicious treat right after. You can also ask your friend to touch your dog to help your pup understand that touches from strangers are generally safe.
2. Choose a vet who connects with your dog.
If you dislike how your vet treats your dog, then by all means get another one. When your dog doesn’t like a vet, find one who is understanding and is enthusiastic to work with your nervous pup. Just because your vet handles your other dogs doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll be a good fit for all dogs.
3. Pay close attention to the vet’s behavior.
Besides your pet’s behavior, you also have to consider how your vet acts towards your dog. A vet who handles animals in a rush may not be good for anxious dogs. If this is the case, ask your vet to handle your pup gently.
Don’t hesitate to switch vets if they can’t cater to your request to handle your nervous dog tenderly. A vet with a gentle touch can examine a wary dog more carefully and thoroughly which will have a positive outcome on your pup’s health.
4. Take your dog to the vet just for a visit.
It’s a given that you should follow your dog vaccination schedule. But this doesn’t mean you can’t go to the vet without the necessity of him getting shots. Unfamiliarity is what often makes vet visits difficult. While socializing your dog, include visiting the vet clinic among the pleasant experiences he can get on a semi-regular basis.
No need for any exam or shots. Just go to the vet’s office with a bunch of treats and let the vet staff give it to your dog. Let your dog make friends, and be closer to the vet and staff to create a positive experience. After this, your dog will take his vet visits in stride.
5. Be calm yourself.
If you’re nervous for your dog, it will only worsen his anxiousness. Dogs can detect their owner’s body language so freaking out in his place will do no good. Take a deep breath before you go inside the vet’s office and talk to your dog in a calm voice.
It’s okay to pet and tell your dog that he’s going to be fine. But, you don’t need to repeat it over and over again. Doing so will only make your dog wonder and make him worry if there’s something he should be wary of.
You can’t blame your dogs for fearing and even hating vet visits. Getting a poke from a needle is pretty different from their normal “fun” routine of playing, eating and sleeping. However, a vet trip is absolutely essential for your dog’s health, so it’s up to you to make it a pleasant part of your dog’s routine experiences.
Providing the best care through check-ups and vaccinations is critical for long-term health. Vet clinic visits don’t have to be a traumatic experience. Simply follow the advice above to reduce your dog’s stress on visits to his vet.
About the author:
Dr. Max Spicer is the Managing Partner and Senior Veterinary Surgeon at The Veterinary Hospital in Dubai. He has taken strides towards providing comprehensive service by hiring veterinarians that are flexible, approachable, and highly specialised in their respective fields.
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