You want your dog to lead the happiest, healthiest life they can. An annual trip to the vet hospital for wellness testing will ensure your furry friend stays in great shape. Some dogs get a bit nervous about veterinary appointments, but there are a few ways you can keep yours calm. Here are the top methods for making vet visits a pleasant experience.

Improving Your Dog’s Trips to the Vet Hospital

1. Take Them in for Fun

Give your dog a more positive impression of the vet hospital by regularly taking them for casual drop-ins. Call the clinic ahead of time to let them know you’re coming, then stop by to greet and chat with staff. Have the veterinarians give your pooch some treats and lots of head rubs, and soon the place will start to feel like a second home.

2. Bring Comfort Items

Many dogs are soothed simply by smelling treasured items from home. Familiar scents can bring comfort to pets, no matter where they are. As long as it’s not too big or disruptive, bring your pup’s favorite toy, blanket, or article of clothing. Keep it nearby whenever possible.

3. Help Them Adjust to Handling

If the physical exam seems to be your dog’s least favorite part of the appointment, they may just be apprehensive about the poking and prodding. Help them get accustomed to being handled with some light training. Touch your pup’s nose, teeth, ears, tail, and belly to help them see there’s nothing to fear. To make sure your dog accepts others handling them as well, have friends and family assist with your training.

4. Go for Joy Rides

Do you have trouble getting your dog into the car in the first place? Expand their auto experiences by diversifying your outings. When you make frequent trips to dog parks and pet stores, it’s much easier to associate cars with fun. Get your dog to love car rides, and they’ll be much more content when they arrive at the vet hospital.

5. Shower Them With Treats

Even if you’re not one to frequently dole out treats, be sure to bring plenty for your checkup. Reward your dog for good behavior throughout the appointment, and add gentle praise and pats as well. Getting lots of tasty treats and praise allows dogs to associate these visits with positive outcomes.

Annual veterinary exams are easy with Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital. For residents of the Southgate, KY, community, this vet hospital provides top-notch pet care in a calming environment. With state-of-the-art, evidence-based medical services, their treatments are as pain- and fear-free as possible. Their animal-loving staff members do their best to make sure all pets feel safe and comfortable. If your pup is a new patient, visit their website for more information. Or, call (859) 781-1800 to schedule an appointment.