Visiting the vet can be a very stressful and scary experience for puppies. Luckily, there are things that you can do to create a more positive experience from your front door to ours. Many of these can be put into place from the day your puppy comes home.
Step 1
Restraint selection
- Cages and carriers
- Enough space to stand, sit and lie down
- Minimise slipping (use towels and mats)
- Harnesses
- Connect to car seatbelt for security
- Introduce your chosen restraint method the day your puppy comes home to allow them to get used to it
Step 2
Play the vet!
- While playing, try to touch the feet and ears often so they are less sensitive to vet examinations
- Make the above interaction more positive with treats!
- Learn to recognise subtle behaviours of stress or fear
(e.g. licking lips, yawning, refusing eye contact)
Step 3
Travelling to the vet
- Calm environment (play quiet music, spray calming phermomones)
- Comfortable temperature
- Careful driving to minimise nausea and instability
- Regularly practice short drives in the car
- Provide treats or rewards for calm behaviour
Step 4
At the Vet!
- Limit and control interactions with other patients in waiting area
- As well as visiting the vet for health checks and vaccinations, regularly visiting the clinic waiting room and providing treats can create a positive experience.
- Regularly handle your puppy, including touching their head, paws and legs to minimise stress when your vet examines them.
