While going to the vet is often necessary for the health and safety of your pet, you might feel like visiting the vet is an experience that both you and your pet don’t enjoy. This event can bring with it feelings of stress and unease for everyone involved, which can make you want to put off these visits as often as you can. But to keep your pets safe and healthy, they’ll have to visit the vet at times.
If you have a vet visit coming up, here are three ways to prepare yourself and your pet for going to the vet without it being a horrible experience.
Practice The Visit Together
One of the best things that you can do for your pet in the days leading up to your vet visit is to do a few practice runs with them. This can be especially helpful for animals that may not like to be held or handled too much.
To best do this, choose a time in the day where your pet is usually calm to begin practicing the vet visit. Use your hands to feel all around your pet, especially on the chest and belly. Look in their mouth to get your pet used to having their teeth examined.
Along with getting your pet used to being handled in this kind of way, doing a practice vet examination can also help you to become more familiar with your pet and notice if there is anything abnormal that you may want to bring up to your vet during the visit.
Bring Along Something Comforting
If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket that they like to play with each day, bringing this item along with you could be very comforting while at the vet. You can take this toy or blanket with you in the car as you make your way to the vet and then keep it close to your pet while they are seeing the vet during their appointment. Its presence could be very calming.
Plan Something To Look Forward To Afterward
For the times when you’re not visiting the vet for an emergency, it can be helpful to plan something fun to do after the visit is over.
Depending on the type of pet you have and their personality and temperament, you might want to take them outside to a park to play, get them their favorite treat, or even just spend some time snuggling together when you’re done at the vet. This can be helpful for both you and your pet to help you both wind down after what may have been a stressful experience.
If you’re worried about an upcoming vet visit for your pet, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you both get ready for the big day.
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