Pets require yearly vaccinations and checkups to ensure they are healthy and in good shape. This means a trip to the veterinarian, which can be scary for animals of all ages. Thankfully, owners can help their beloved furry and not-so-furry friends to relax with a few tips. Below, TLC Pet Care Centers in Cincinnati, OH, shares three helpful ways to keep your pet calm at the vet, so your next appointment is a breeze.

3 Tips to Keep Your Pet Calm at the Veterinarian

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

When teaching your pet something new, you likely use positive reinforcement. When your pup learned to sit, for example, you may have given them treats for making progress. Or when your cat was learning to come when called, you probably showed affection by petting them, so they knew that they were doing a good job. Follow this routine at the vet’s office as well. Bring your animal’s favorite treats so you can distract them from their exam and reassure them that they don’t need to be afraid. Soon they’ll associate the vet with treats and not hesitate to trot through the doors at their next appointment.

2. Come Armed With a Few Commands

Commands like sit, stay, and lie down are helpful in everyday situations such as walks, but they’re also crucial in keeping control in new environments. Practice these commands at home so you can use them at the vet. You’ll both feel better during immunizations and exams when you can easily get your animal’s attention and have them be still. The veterinarian and staff members also appreciate these good behaviors, as they’ll make the appointment faster and easier for everyone involved. Your pet will feel calmer when they can follow your wishes and get through their appointment quickly with little stress.

3. Frequent the Vet

Similarly to people, animals grow more comfortable with a place when they’ve been several times. Your pet’s fear of the vet will likely diminish if they attend regular appointments for vaccines and other preventative treatments. 

This tips should help with most pets who have anxiety about going to the veterinarian's office. However, if your animal’s stress level is still through the roof, discuss the matter with your vet. There may be underlying issues causing this intense reaction that can be addressed to improve the animal’s life at the vet and at home. To make an appointment, call the TLC Pet Care Centers East location at (513) 683-2300 or West location at (513) 825-4011. Visit the website to learn about their low-cost spay and neuter clinics, progressive diagnostics, microchipping, and vaccine clinics.