Regular trips to the veterinarian are essential for your pet’s well-being. Unfortunately, many furry companions get anxious before and during visits. Having a strange man or woman poke and prod them is reason enough for apprehension. Luckily, by adopting a few helpful strategies, you can make your next pet care excursion more pleasant for everyone.

3 Tips to Keep Your Pet Composed on Your Next Veterinarian Visit

1. Make Car Trips Fun

Your pet’s anxiety about the vet may start when you take them to the car. Being locked in a kennel and loaded into a vehicle may cause some pets to act out. Don’t let their only cart trip be for their annual checkup. Transport your companion on occasional trips to the park to disassociate car rides from stressful situations.

2. Introduce Your Pet Beforehand

Make sure your furry companion is comfortable with the veterinarian by scheduling a meet-and-greet before their first appointment. Most animal hospitals accommodate requests for introductions to the staff and allow new animals to acclimate to fresh smells and sights. Engaging the staff beforehand will give Fido a sense of familiarity ahead of a regular appointment.

3. Calm Yourself

Your pets will be hard-pressed to calm down if their owner is uneasy. If you’re feeling overly anxious about how your dog or cat will act during an appointment, you could be unknowingly influencing their behavior. Tense movements and excessive coddling won’t do you or your pet any good. Instead, practice deep breathing exercises to help you manage your stress levels.

Set your pet up for the best care possible at the Animal Medical Center in Foley, AL. These expert veterinarians have provided services, including animal acupuncture, pet supplies, and laser therapy, to pet owners on Alabama’s Gulf Coast for over 20 years. Visit their website for information on pet boarding, or call them at (251) 955-5900 to schedule an appointment.