With the craziness of the summer and no set schedule the last thing on your mind is probably a vet visit.  Unstandable but you can do things over the summer that will make you, your pup, the vet techs and vet very happy. Desensitize your pet to a vet visit. Vets and Vet Techs have to put their hands all over your pet.  Your pet doesn’t really know them so they get very nervous and they could try to nip to get them to stop.  If you can get your pet used to the movement and feel of the exam your pet will relax more.   Sounds easy huh?  It can be depending on the pet’s personality.  If you have a happy go lucky pet then it should go a lot easier. However if you have a nervous pet it may take longer and more patience on your part.  

There is no set order to do any of the things I will mention.  All you are trying to do is get your pet used to being touched, poked and prodded.  One of the things you can do is just run your hands down the length of your pet’s body.  This services two purposes, first you can check for ticks along the way.  The next just to let them get used to it.  If they get tense or move away, stop.  Make note of the spot they moved on, it could be a sore spot you can let your vet know about. Try it again until they are comfortable with you running your hands down the body.  Treats also help. After you finish, give them a reward for being the goodest pet.

“Play with their face”. Gently rub their cheeks, rub their mouth, ears, touch around their eyes (do not touch their eyes).  Make it like a massage and give them a treat when down.  Eventually, you will want to try to open your pet’s mouth very gently.  Take a quick look and give a treat. If you ever have to give your pet a pill by putting it in the back of their throat you will thank yourself for this one.  Again if they pull away at any point, make a note and stop.  

Touch their paws, most pets do not want their paws touched but it is very helpful for vets and you if they can handle having their paws.  You could be on a walk and your dog starts limping. You can see if there is something stuck in their paw.  You may even get to the point you can clip their nails. As always they get a treat  for letting you touch their paws.  If they pull away, make note and try again later.

All these things can be done while you are sitting around.  This is not intense training this is simply petting and touching spots they may not be happy with.  It can also help you and your pet bond.  Think of it as another way to pet your pet.

This can be done for all pets, not just dogs.  In fact, vets and vet techs would be extremely happy to have a cat that was relaxed at a visit.

This is a very simple overview of helping your vet visits be less stressful.  If you would like more information check out Fear Free Happy Homes for more information.  They have a lot of great tips to make vet visits easier, help give your pet medicine or less stress nail trims.