No sooner has your little puppy moved in with you than a first visit to the vet is due. Your dog will be very excited. You can make this first encounter as pleasant as possible with a few helpful tips.
Everything is new, exciting, and scary, so preparing well for your pup’s first vet visit is essential. After all, practice makes perfect, creates routine, and takes the fright out of the situation. Rewards work wonders too.
First Vet Visit: Why Your Dog Is Nervous
When you take your pup to the vet for the first time, your little friend is bound to be very nervous. This is mainly due to the strange smells and unfamiliar noises in practice and on the way there. Your dog is in the car, meeting new people and a whole new place. You could also be the reason why your puppy is unwell. Especially in unfamiliar situations, the four-legged friends orient themselves even more than usual to their owners. The little puppy will also get nervous if the master or mistress is tense. So always stay calm and give the dog a sense of security.
It is also essential that you avoid long waiting times in the practice. All your preliminary work could be wasted there if your darling has to wait between nervous animals. So don’t leave too early. If you still have a few minutes before your appointment, you can spend them in front of the door and let your dog sniff everything in peace.
Tips and tricks for preparation
To make your dog as relaxed as possible when he first visits the vet, get him used to be touched in specific areas such as his paws, mouth, eyes, and ears. A little tip: stroke these areas repeatedly in a playful way when you’re cuddling up a lot. The furry nose accepts the unfamiliar touch very quickly. Even if you open your four-legged friend’s mouth very carefully from time to time, the situation is no longer strange to him, and it is easier for him to be examined by the veterinarian.
So that you don’t forget anything important, you should gather all the necessary documents in peace beforehand. Don’t spread a rush just because you’re late; your animal friend will notice that immediately. Have your vaccination card and other medical documents ready in good time, and note all the essential symptoms or questions so that your first visit to the vet will be completely relaxed.
distraction and reward
As with training, treats and rewards can make a big difference on your first vet visit. Praise your dog when he is brave and pet him. The doctor will certainly not mind if you reward the little patient with treats. The dog associates the doctor’s appointment with many positive impressions and will not be so excited next time.
