Have you ever heard the Mark Twain quote about golf? It goes something like this - Golf is a good walk spoiled. A ride in the car to a veterinary appointment can be like that to your dog -- a good ride spoiled. The vet visit does not have to be a miserable experience for the two of you if you follow a few basic steps to make the visit go smoother and faster. These tips will help to lower the stress for you, your dog and,
incidentally, your veterinarian, too.

TIPS FOR THE DOG OWNER

1) Collect any paperwork that may be helpful -- If this is a first-time visit to a new veterinarian, bring your dog's full health record. If this is a repeat visit, make sure your vet is aware of any prescriptions your dog may have in addition to any over-the-counter medications she may have taken.

2) Make a list -- Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your dog's health and address them to your vet after the initial examination.

3) Be prepared -- Educate yourself about the vet procedures for a basic visit so that you can be prepared. If your dog has shown a tendency to bite under stress, make your veterinarian aware of that fact.

4) Be in touch with your dog's health -- Keep up with grooming and check your dog's coat, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth, and paws weekly. This will ensure that your are aware of any problems before they become stressful emergency situations.

TIPS FOR YOUR DOG

1) Walk your dog before the appointment -- This will allow her to eliminate before the appointment and make her just a bit more comfortable. It would be wise to collect a stool sample at this time just in case the vet should need one.

2) Arrive to the appointment early -- Allow your dog a nice walk around the building to accustom her to the area and the unusual smells.

3) Bring dog treats -- After you have entered the building, allow your dog to explore a bit and get comfortable. At the first signs of nervousness, ask your dog to perform a few basic commands and reward her with praise and a treat. Do not attempt to "comfort" her. This tends only to validate her fears.

4) Play keep-away -- Keep your dog away from the other patient dogs. A dog under stress can bite unexpectedly, which would definitely raise the level of stress in the room. Furthermore, the exposure to sick dogs can be unhealthy for your dog.

5) Stay calm -- Dogs are amazingly perceptive to our emotions. Your nervousness and fear will telegraph right down that leash and into your dog's psyche.

If your dog is overly fearful at the vet clinic, try dropping in for a chat once in a while so that your dog can become desensitized to the surroundings. A series of positive visits can go a long way toward helping your dog feel more confident.

Here are five questions to ask your veterinarian before a surgery
(from DogFancy, March 2002):

1) Does the surgery require readily available versus special equipment?
2) Does the surgery warrant a specialist?
3) What is the expected outcome?
4) What follow-up care is required?
5) How often has the veterinarian performed this surgery?

Following these tips for your next vet visit will help to make both you and your dog feel safer and more secure.

Julie Winkleman
@Alpha Canine Academy, LLC June, 2001