With the dog to the vet - 10 tips for a hassle-free visit to the vet

Do you have to take your dog to the vet soon and need a few tips? Then you've come to the right place! Visits to the vet are a tiresome topic. These days are often stressful not only for the dogs, but also for their owners. Of course, it is also essential to take your dog to the vet regularly for a check-up.

To make sure that the next time you go to the vet it goes smoothly, I've put together 10 tips for a relaxed visit below. Let's go!

Tip 1: Choosing the right veterinarian

What sounds so obvious and simple at first often turns out to be more difficult than expected in reality: choosing the right vet. As is generally the case in the health sector, trust is the be-all and end-all when it comes to a vet. Both humans and animals must feel that they are in good hands at the veterinary practice. Professional competence is of course also an important criterion. After all, you want to get the best possible treatment for your dog.

Ideally recommend dog owners in your circle of friends and acquaintances the veterinarian you trust, otherwise you will also need Online reviews a good point of reference.

Tip 2: Getting used to vets

A visit to the vet is often very stressful for dogs. This can also be due to the fact that they find themselves in an unfamiliar situation. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to get them used to going to the vet from puppyhood. Routine check-ups and vaccination appointments are standard, especially at a young age. So get your dog used to visiting the doctor as a puppy.

This not only allows him to get used to the vet in principle, but also better deal with the situation in practice. Most vets are also quite open to voluntary visits.

Tip 3: The right date

Depending on the reason for the visit, going to the vet without an appointment can often be stressful for the dog.

Are you taking the dog to the vet because it's injured or you're worried about its health? Make an appointmentso that the team in the practice can already prepare as well as possible for the upcoming treatment or operation, and so that the process can run as smoothly as possible and the waiting time can be reduced as much as possible.

The same applies if your dog is particularly anxious or aggressive. The better the preparation on site, the more relaxed the visit to the doctor will be for dog and owner.

Tip 4: The routine

Whether puppy or adult dog: it's best to get your four-legged friend used to as quickly as possible the visit to the vet. Especially if there is no emergency. Regular check-ups (at least once a year) are a must anyway, so why not get your dog used to unproblematic visits to the doctor?

If your dog doesn't only associate injections, operations and the treatment of serious illnesses and injuries with a visit to the doctor, the next appointment won't create a tense situation for the animal from the outset.

Tip 5: The relaxed transport

Regardless of whether your dog is taken to the vet in a transport box or simply in the car, the transportation itself can be a major stress factor.

That's why it's important to have a car seat for the dog. comfortable place to create. In addition to blankets, you can also take your favorite toy or a few treats with you. Incidentally, this is not only ideal for the journey! You can also reward your brave dog in this way after the vet visit.

Tip: Transportation can be extremely stressful, and not just for dogs. The transportation of animals in the Factory farming are one of the Reasons why I live vegan.

Tip 6: The distraction

Dog owners know what their pets like and how to distract them in some situations. For example, a small toy can make the time in the waiting room much calmer for everyone present. Other animals also often offer less distraction and potential for stress.

Besides toys are also treatsIt is recommended that the dog is kept busy to relieve the tension of the situation and also to calm down the animal and do something good for the four-legged friend.

Tip 7: The good vibes

If you want to have a problem-free visit to the vet with your dog, it is important that you also exude calm. As the caregiver for your four-legged friend, tension, nervousness and stress on your part will cause the same feelings in your dog.

Shine because of it Calm and confidence then your dog will be in a different mood for the visit to the doctor. This applies to the time before you go to the doctor, for the journey itself and of course for the entire time at the surgery.

Of course, this depends on the animal's state of health and cannot be said across the board, but it is probably always the better way than causing even more unrest yourself.

Tip 8: The important info

Since a variety of factors, environmental influences and other information are decisive for the doctor's diagnosis in the case of every illness and most injuries, you should already be aware of the following get some info readybefore you attend your appointment. This not only reduces the time you spend at the doctor's, but also means you don't have to go home again to get additional information. So it's best to ask yourself:

• How long has my dog been sick or injured and for how long?
• What are the symptoms and how did they develop?
• Was there any previous treatment? Was there a previous illness?
• How strong is the dog's immune system currently?
• Is the animal on medication or has it recently been given any?
• Are you aware of any allergies or intolerances?
• What other changes could be observed in behavior?

Most of the answers to these questions can certainly be answered spontaneously at the vet. A short Brainstorming before visiting the doctor, however, is always recommended.

Tip 9: The reward

As with children, you should reward your dog at the end of the appointment in order to positive connection with the visit to the vet manufacture.

Of course, you know best what your four-legged friend is most happy about. In addition to the occasional treat after the appointment, depending on how the dog is feeling, you could, for example, go and play in a nice meadow, give the dog a new toy or simply cook something tasty.

Tip 10: The alternative to a visit to the doctor

The most relaxed visit to the vet is probably the one that takes place from home. Of course, a local vet must always be consulted for acute problems, but many dog owners are often unsure, whether the trip to the vet is necessary or not.

That's no problem either! For this we offerOnline veterinarians like DrSam their service on. Dog owners can use their smartphone to connect with trained vets and get an initial opinion and tips via cell phone, WhatsApp or video call. Not only do you know what is wrong with your dog (or not), but in some cases you can save yourself a trip to the vet completely. This is also stress-free for both dog and owner.

Habit is the key to relaxed visits to the vet with your dog

Like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. And even if a visit to the vet is often associated with fear, stress and nervousness, there are still some adjusting screws that can be turned.

Get your four-legged friend used to visits to the vet or your trusted veterinarian. Reward him for his brave behavior and take the best possible care of his well-being before, during and after the appointment.

With the tips above, the next visit to the vet shouldn't be a stress test for your nerves! Do you have any questions, further tips or suggestions for the article about taking your dog to the vet? Then simply write me a comment.

Good luck and stay animal-friendly,

PS.: In the animal welfare blog you will receive many more tips! For example, learn what you do everything you can for animals in your everyday life simply by following your heart.