Does your dog or cat get anxious when going to the doctor?
Unlikely as it may seem, there are certain tips and tricks to utilize to make your pet love coming to the vet. Where else do you get endless treats and attention? If your dog or cat shakes uncontrollably, paces and refuses to take treats from your vet, it is possible to make those visits enjoyable. Here are a few strategies you can use to make the whole experience more enjoyable for you and your pet:
1. If it is just a routine check and your pet is generally pretty well, remember the power of food rewards. In order to increase that motivation for food, you could even skip the big breakfast, so your dog is a little on the hungry side for the visit. There is usually 
a stock of treats that a veterinarian will keep ready for these occasions, but if your pet has a personal favorite treat, feel free to bring that along.
2. If your dog starts shaking with anticipation/anxiousness as soon as you pull out of the driveway, consider doing a few runs to the vet where nothing happens except treats in the car park or waiting room. Believe it or not, it can work wonders to change the nervous frame of mind. Just let us know your pet needs some ‘treat therapy’ and pop in anytime!
3. If your dog/cat has a fear of other dogs, cats, or noise, consider making your appointment at a quiet time. When you book in, ask when the quieter times are and schedule an appointment when the waiting room won’t be overloaded and you can walk right in. You can also call ahead to ensure the coast is clear and get your worried pet into a spare consultation room while you wait.
4. If your pet suffers from severe separation anxiety which occurs to be more than just about vet visits, consider asking your vet about medications/treatments to reduce anxiety. We are passionate about developing strategies to help high strung animals, to better their quality of life as well as make checking their health as easy and comfortable as possible.
