 |
Does your dog experience anxiety or fear at the veterinarian’s office? Can we empower them to feel more at ease? Yes!
We can learn to recognize stress signals such as lip licks, dilated pupils, yawning, an attempt to hide, panting, pacing and vocalizations that signify a need for gentle guidance and reassurance. Learning how to read our dog’s body language is key to helping our dogs be successful.
Having control during dental visits is a powerful tool for many people. It makes a necessary but unpleasant experience more tolerable. It would be even more stressful if we could not ask the dentist to stop and had to endure the procedure without any control. This scenario helps us visualize what our dogs are experiencing during medical visits.
A more targeted preparation for dogs may be the solution. The goal is to accustom the dog to the situations and kinds of handling and care they will experience, thereby better preparing them for the hands-on care at your veterinary practice by associating these situations with pleasurable situations. The veterinary clinic, personnel, other animals and new smells can be overwhelming.
To foster a lifelong positive relationship with veterinarians for your dog, consider scheduling enjoyable quick visits between regular check-ups. These victory or fun visits allow your dog to associate the clinic with happiness and relaxation rather than fear or pain. Let your dog walk in the clinic during non-peak hours, get a treat and walk out.
Before attempting victory visits, it is important to have the support of your veterinary clinic. Most clinics are enthusiastic about clients who want to help their dogs feel more at ease at the vet. However, obtaining permission for these visits is still essential.
Victory visits demonstrate to the dog that the vet can be a positive and enjoyable experience, leading to a lasting impression of trust and comfort. Focusing on fun and rewarding interactions can help our dog develop a confident and calm demeanor when visiting the vet clinic.
I trust Nottely Oaks Animal Hospital to care for my dogs. They are Fear-Free certified, encourage victory visits and prioritize your dog’s mental health. They perform exams on the ground, not on a table, to help the dog feel more comfortable and in control. They also examine the dog at the dog’s pace. They watch for stress signals and adjust their handling accordingly.
Talk to your veterinarian about victory visits and other ways to create a positive experience for your dog. Teaching our dogs that their vet is a safe place can be one of the best gifts we can teach them.
By being proactive with victory visits, your anxious or fearful dog can be transformed into a dog that loves visiting their vet.
Sue Peet is a Certified Force-Free Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified, Trainer Dog Bite Prevention Educator and Certified Family Dog Mediator. She is active helping dogs in shelters, and was Voted Best of Georgia 2024 in dog training. She owns Inspire Your Dog Training LLC, which serves Blue Ridge, Ga., and surrounding areas. Visit iydtraining.com.