Does your dog get nervous at the vet? If so, he’s not alone. Most of our canine patients would probably prefer a trip to a park or drive-thru over coming into the clinic. Although we do everything possible to make appointments easy for our furry pals, we understand that the strange smells and environment can make pups nervous. There are a few things you can do to help your beloved pet’s appointments go smoothly. A Bellaire, TX vet offers some advice on taking Fido to the vet in this article.

Walk/Play Beforehand

Dogs are always calmer after they’ve burned off their excess energy. Make sure Fido gets some activity in before his appointment. A vigorous walk may do the trick. A fun play session may also help. Toss a ball or Frisbee for your fuzzy friend, or take him to a park. 

Ask All The Questions

Your vet can be a wonderful source of advice and insight as to your pup’s specific care needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You may want to ask if your furry best friend is at risk of any specific health conditions, perhaps due to his breed. You can also get some professional tips on Fido’s diet or exercise needs. Do you sometimes think of questions after you get home? Use an app or notepad to jot things down.  

Don’t Wait And See

Your canine friend can’t tell if something is wrong, so it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs. If you notice something off, contact your vet immediately. Fido could already be quite ill before you notice anything is wrong!

Find Out What To Bring/Note

When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you should bring. For some exams, for instance, your vet may require a stool sample. Or, they may want to know what kind of food or treats Fido is eating. 

Use Calming Products

At the end of the day, some dogs are simply calmer than others. If Fido gets extremely nervous, ask your vet about pet-calming products. 

Make It Fun

After Fido’s appointment, indulge him a bit. Take your canine buddy to a park, pet store, or drive through, and get that tail going again. Remember, healthy pets are happy pets! 

Do you need to make an appointment for your pooch? Contact us, your Bellaire, TX pet clinic, today!