Easy Vet Visits
Schooner at the vet
Does your dog hate going to the vet?
It’s important that your dog at least tolerates his vet visits — the easier it is to get him through the door and into the exam room, the better care he’ll get. And every dog needs to go to the vet at least once a year for vaccines, a heartworm check, and a general wellness check.
Schooner had a quickie vet visit recently to get his current weight (to make sure his heartworm dose is correct — he’s growing like a weed!) and to get a booster on one of his puppy shots.
I took this delicious concoction of summer sausage, chicken and FreshPet dog treats to the vet visit with us.
With this delicious “doggie trail mix,” I helped Schooner enjoy the vet visit. I also helped the vets and the technicians more easily examine him. They could also make friends with Schooner quickly — the fastest way to make friends with a dog is usually through his belly!
Doggie “Trail Mix”
The treats make all the difference to a dog who is on the fence between “this is ok,” and “I don’t like this at all!” If we can keep the visit fun and light — and yummy! — we have a better chance of getting everything done in an efficient and effective way as possible. Less stress for Schoons, for me, and for the veterinarian and technicians! Everybody’s happy!
Taking treats with you to your dog’s vet visit is easy and makes such a difference (to the dog and for the vet!).
When I clean out the fridge and find leftovers that won’t get eaten, I chop them up and store them for this very purpose. It’s so easy, it’s free (I was going to throw it out otherwise), and the impact on your dog is huge.
Your turn: Do you take treats with you to the vet? What’s your dog’s favorite treat for his vet visit?
I always take treats. And I’ve learned to take a water bowl too. We walk to the vet and if the doc gets behind, Honey can be pretty thirsty by the time she’s examined.
Frankly, I wouldn’t know how to manage even the best-behaved dog at the vet without treats. So many distractions. So many opportunities for disaster.
My Pug hates vet visits. He even recognizes the building and will not get out of the car! But one thing that I found which has eased the tension, at least for me, is knowing I have the best pet insurance that allows me the freedom to chose a clinic both my Pug and I are comfortable with. One less thing to worry about.
Pamela, yes, so very true. And great thinking about the water bowl. All the dogs seem to get thirsty — probably from all the treats I’m feeding!
Olivia, what a great thing, the pet insurance. Anything that can de-stress YOU, will also probably de-stress the dog. Excellent!