Pet wellness exams are an essential part of caring for your dog, but they can also stress them out. It's common for pets to be nervous about visiting a veterinary clinic, especially if they have more general issues with anxiety or if they don't travel much. To keep your pet calm and make your visit go more smoothly, prepare for a trip to the veterinarian by calming down your dog.

How to Calm Your Dog Before a Pet Wellness Exam

1. Reduce Stress in Yourself

If you're tense, your dog will pick up on your mood. Schedule your trip to the veterinarian for a calm day instead of trying to fit it into a tight schedule. Plan extra time so you can get there early and won't have to rush. Play with your dog before the trip to put you both in a happy mood, and listen to soothing music while in the car.

2. Familiarize Them With the Office

Whenever you have a few minutes in your schedule, practice loading up your dog and take him down to the veterinarian's office. Let him walk around and get familiar with the area on days when they don’t have an appointment. When you do, give them extra petting, praise, and treats. Doing so will help them associate the building and the car trip with something positive.

3. Consider Soothing Products & Medications

There are pheromone sprays on the market designed to encourage your dog to relax. You may consider using one in your car before heading to the vet. Also, if your dog is anxious about the veterinarian or nervous in general, talk to your provider about medications that can help calm them.

If you need to schedule with a veterinarian in Columbia, MO, choose Pet Center Ltd. Serving Boone County for over 30 years, they have a full-service clinic and offer routine wellness exams, dental care, pain management, senior care, and treatment for parasites, among other services. For a complete list, visit their website, or call (573) 445-3000 to schedule an appointment.