As adults, we have a tendency to become frightened in uncertain situations. The same is true for dogs. If your dog is normally confident and calm-tempered at home, when you take him to the veterinarian’s office, he may become panicky, aggressive, shy, or cautious if he is not used to his surroundings. The strange sounds, unusual walking surfaces, new smells, and sights might alarm him as he gets used to the emotions of the people around him. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help your dog become acclimated to going to the vets in Durham.
The first steps involve preparation. If your dog is normally inside and only taken out to relieve himself or for period walks, start by socializing him. Taking him in public around new people and in new environments will not only help him when you take him to the doctor, but might also make him a calmer dog inside your home. Try to vary the walking surfaces between tiles, gravel, and dirt or asphalt so that he will not feel as unsure in the veterinarian’s office. Exercise patience, though, because your dog may act out the first few times you change his environment.
You need to make sure that your dog obeys and responds to you. Educate yourself about obedience training, teach him to lie down, stand up, stay, and sits down at your command. Your dog trusts you to set boundaries and will follow your guidelines, making him feel safer. In addition to training, your dog should also be comfortable with the way a veterinarian will handle him. Touch all of his body parts as if you are massaging him. Make sure you examine his face, body, legs, and paws, inside his mouth and ears and tail. Squeeze his shoulders and hips gently and lightly press on his spine. Get him acclimated to having various body parts touched. In addition, your veterinarian will give him a bear hug from the front and behind, as well as a belly rub, the position for x-rays, so try these positions, too. Do not forget to reward him with treats!
If your dog is still having difficulty going to the veterinarian’s office, ask if you can go immediately from the car into the room, bypassing the reception area altogether. You can also give your dog calming herbal remedies or arrange for a home visit from the veterinarian.
It’s never too early to start taking your dog to visit the vets in Durham. Ashfield Veterinary Surgery is the perfect place to take your dog to be taken care of. Give them a call today.