- Visit the surgery in advance with your dog to familiarise them – make it a short, happy visit (maybe just for a weight check) with lots of treats and praise – then your dog will be happier to return.
- Tell our friendly reception team if your pet is nervous when booking your appointment – we will try and schedule your appointment at a quieter time.
- Reflect on your own emotional state – dogs are very good on picking up on our moods so if you are worried your pet will be too. Try to resist the urge to calm your pet – just talk to them normally as you would at home and maybe bring some treats for distraction and reward.
- Bring your dog into the waiting room on a lead so you can control them – your dog may be friendly but could be in close proximity to others who are less friendly and a waiting room rumpus isn’t the best start to any visit.
- Be aware of the Yellow Dog Project – if you see a dog wearing a yellow ribbon, bandana or similar then this is likely to be a dog who requires some additional space. For more information see: www.yellowdoguk.co.uk
- Consider dog appeasing pheromone therapy as a collar or spray.
- Get your dog used to being handled – at home get your dog used to having his paws and mouth examined.
- Think about the questions you have for the vet or nurse before your appointment – write them down if necessary as it is easy to forget.
- Get your dog used to being around other dogs – find a good dog training class, consider agility training or going on a group walk. See https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/group-walking-with-your-dog
- Exercise your dog before your appointment.
