I've owned large dogs for over fifteen years, and one thing I've learned is new owners of large breed dogs don't realise how much exercise and training they need to stay stimulated and healthy. I started this blog to share my personal experience of training large dog breeds, including great danes and mastiffs, and my blog posts detail tips I've gathered over the years from fellow owners and enthusiasts of large dog breeds. I also post about new dog training products I've tried and accept guest posts on any related topics. I hope you find the information on my blog interesting and useful.
Being unwell is a traumatic time for a pet. They cannot be reasoned with like humans can, and they are far more perceptive to body language and their owner's reaction to bad news than you might appreciate. In fact, many pets are able to sense that they are due a trip to the vet on the morning on the appointment, and you might even have trouble tracking them down as they attempt to hide out of view to avoid their appointment. If your pet is due at the animal hospital, it is likely that something even more serious may be wrong, and your pet's reaction is therefore likely to be much more intense.
However distressing the appointment is for you as an owner, there are simple steps you can take to try and calm your pet down before a hospital trip, and this is vitally important to help them relax and recover as part of a series of appointments. Here are three tips to help prepare your pet for the appointment and keep them calm.
Stick to any medical routines, and practice for the experience
If you have been given strict instructions by your normal vet, you should make sure you stick to it before a more serious hospital appointment. This can be used as an opportunity to prepare your pet for the hospital experience, whether that is adjusting them to the experience of eye drops, injections or being handled by somebody new. If you are expecting that your pet may be put in uncomfortable positions, for example for an X Ray, you can practice simple commands such as "sit" and "stay" to make sure you can easily control them if they get nervous.
Make the trip as comfy as possible
From the moment you bring out the transport cage, the game is up and your pet knows what is happening. Try to bring out the cage the night before so that they have time to adjust to it, rather than chasing them in five minutes before you need to head out the door. Fill the cage with their favourite treats and toys in order to encourage them in and remove any negative feelings they may be having. Once they are in the car, drive carefully to avoid throwing them around, and make sure that their carrying cage is in a secure position which will not slide around the car.
In the waiting room
Aside from bringing toys to play with, make sure you engage with your pet while you are in the waiting room. Talking to your pet, rather than reading a celebrity gossip magazine, reinforces the friendship and safety your pet feels when it is with you, especially if there are lots of other animals present who may be boisterous and intimidating. Do not leave your pet alone in the room, and be sure to arrive in plenty of time; otherwise, your pet may pick up on the sense of urgency and feel anxious.
Share2 April 2018
