Visiting The Vet—Examination and Handling Training

Visiting the vet can be a stressful experience for both pets and their families, but with the right preparation, you can make it much more manageable. When your pet is comfortable and familiar with handling and examination procedures, it leads to a more relaxed and cooperative dog or cat during vet visits. This not only minimises stress for your pet but also facilitates a more efficient and thorough examination process, allowing our vets to do their job more effectively. Ultimately, a well-prepared pet means a less stressful experience for everyone involved and ensures that your pet receives the best possible care during their visit.

Getting Your Pet Used to Handling

Starting early with regular handling is crucial; the sooner your pet becomes accustomed to being touched and examined, the more comfortable they will be during vet visits. 

Puppies and Kittens

For puppies and kittens, gentle handling should be part of their daily routine from the moment they come home. This early introduction helps them understand that being handled is a normal part of life.

Desensitisation

Desensitisation techniques are also highly effective for both dogs and cats. Gradually expose your pet to the types of touches and manipulations they might experience at the vet. For example, you can start by gently touching their paws, ears and mouth for short periods, rewarding them with treats and praise. Slowly increase the duration and intensity of these handling sessions to build their tolerance and comfort level.

Daily Routines

Incorporating handling into your daily routine can further ease your pet into being comfortable with touch. Make it a habit to check your pet’s ears, paws and teeth regularly. Use these moments to gently handle your pet, combining it with positive reinforcement such as treats and affection. By making handling a normal part of your pet’s everyday life, you’ll help them become more relaxed and cooperative during vet visits.

Creating Positive Associations with the Vet

One effective method is to use treats and positive reinforcement during handling exercises. When you handle your pet, especially in ways that mimic what might happen at the vet (such as checking ears, lifting paws or gently restraining them), reward them with their favourite treats and lots of praise. This helps your pet associate these potentially stressful activities with positive outcomes, making them more likely to remain calm and cooperative.

Another excellent strategy is to visit the vet for non-medical reasons. Take your pet to the vet clinic for simple activities like weigh-ins or meet-and-greet sessions with the staff. These visits can help your pet become familiar with the environment, smells and sounds of the clinic without the added stress of a medical examination. Over time, your pet will begin to see the vet clinic as a place where positive things happen, not just a place where they get poked and prodded. By gradually building these positive experiences, you'll help your pet feel more comfortable and less anxious about future vet visits.

Training Tips for Dogs

Start by teaching your dog to stand still and be comfortable with being touched. This can be done through positive reinforcement and consistent practice. 

• First, choose a quiet, distraction-free environment and use high-value treats to keep your dog engaged. Begin by gently touching your dog in areas that will be examined by the vet, such as their paws, ears and mouth. As you touch each area, reward your dog with a treat and praise to create a positive association. Gradually increase the duration of these handling sessions, always reinforcing with treats and praise.

• To teach your dog to stand still, use a command like “stand” or “stay” while gently holding them in place. Start with short periods and slowly increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Practice this regularly, combining it with the handling exercises. Be patient and consistent, and always end each session on a positive note to keep your dog motivated and willing to cooperate.

Training Tips for Cats

Training your cat for vet visits involves familiarising them with the car and carrier, as well as practicing gentle restraint and examination techniques at home. 

The Cat Carrier

Start by making the carrier a comfortable and familiar space for your cat. Leave it out in a common area of your home with the door open, and place soft bedding, toys and treats inside to encourage exploration and positive associations. Gradually, your cat will become more comfortable entering and spending time in the carrier on their own.

The Car

Next, introduce your cat to the car. Begin with short, calm sessions where you place the carrier in the car without turning on the engine. Gradually progress to short drives around the block, rewarding your cat with treats and praise before and after each trip. This helps your cat associate car rides with positive experiences, reducing their anxiety during travel to the vet.

Gentle Restraint and Examination

Practicing gentle restraint and examination techniques at home is also crucial. Gently handle your cat’s paws, ears and mouth, mimicking the types of examinations they might experience at the vet. Use treats and calm, soothing voices to reassure your cat during these sessions. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of the handling to build their tolerance and comfort level.

Preparing for the Vet Visit

Following feeding and exercise tips, as well as arriving early, can significantly contribute to a smoother visit.

Feeding and Exercise

Firstly, consider your pet’s feeding and exercise schedule before the appointment. For dogs, a good walk or play session before the visit can help burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety. However, avoid overly strenuous exercise that might leave them tired or irritable. For both cats and dogs, it’s best to feed them a light meal a few hours before the appointment, rather than right before, to prevent stomach upset. Make sure your pet has had time to go to the toilet before you leave home.

Arriving Early

Arriving early to the vet clinic allows your pet to acclimate to the new environment. Give yourself and your pet about 10-15 minutes before the appointment time to settle in. This helps them become familiar with the new smells, sounds and sights, making them more comfortable when it’s time for the examination. 

During the Vet Visit

Stay Calm

During the vet visit, maintaining a calm and positive demeanour is essential, as pets can easily pick up on their owners’ emotions. If you stay relaxed and cheerful, your pet is more likely to feel safe and secure. Speak to your pet in a soothing voice and offer gentle reassurance to help them stay calm throughout the examination.

Effective Communication

Effective communication with the vet is also crucial. Be prepared to share your pet’s medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries or allergies. Discuss any recent changes in behaviour, appetite or activity levels that might be relevant to the visit. Providing this information helps our vets to make accurate assessments and tailor their approach to your pet’s needs.

Calming Aids

If your pet is particularly anxious, consider using calming aids to help them relax. Pheromone sprays, for example Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs, can create a soothing environment for both cats and dogs. Anxiety wraps or jackets apply gentle pressure that can have a calming effect.

Remember, with the right preparation, visiting the vet can be a positive experience for both you and your pet. By investing time and effort into these training techniques, you can ensure that your cat or dog remains calm and cooperative, allowing our vets to provide the best possible care. Don’t be discouraged if progress is slow—consistency and patience are key. With your support, your pet can learn to handle vet visits with ease, making the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.