Pets Information

The Dreaded Vet Visit: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Dog


Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and Barkley will be whimpering all the way. It's days like this when you wish your dog understood English, so you could tell him, "Hey, even though scary people in white lab coats are sticking needles in you and shaving you in weird places, it's going to be okay. I'm here for you, buddy."

But since you can't offer your dog peace of mind with comforting words on the day of his Hated Trip to the Vet's Office, you can at least offer him some familiar comforts. Here are five ways to bring back the love in those fearful doggy eyes and keep that stubby tail wagging.

1. Take your fella out for an extra long walk. If a scheduled vet visit means you can't promise him a nice afternoon, at least give him an enjoyable morning of being out and about in the great outdoors. Fill his doggy mind with happy memories of blue skies, open roads, cool breezes and chipmunk chasing. He'll soon forget all about those frightening yowls he heard from the cat carrier at the vet's office!

2. Bring one of his favorite toys along. The vet's won't seem nearly as scary if your dog has something familiar to occupy him and put him at ease. Bring along a squeaky hotdog, Kong toy or other favorite toy of his, that he can play with in the car and as you sit together in the waiting room. Just don't forget to bring the toy back home with you again! You wouldn't want some schnauzer at the vet's office getting his paws on it!

3. If he's going for an overnight stay, don't forget his blankie. It's so heartbreaking to see your dog sick, confused and frightened in one of those cages at the vet's office. You know it's only temporary, but poor Jake doesn't know that! If you'll be leaving him overnight, comfort him with something familiar that smells like home... his doggie blanket, or a tee-shirt of yours that's been worn already. This way, he'll have thoughts of home and the scent of you, to help him feel safe and secure as he drifts off to sleep.

4. Don't forget the doggy treats! Chances are, your dog is probably not used to being around a bunch of unfamiliar dogs... and that visit to the vet's office is one big pet party that's sure to get him riled up and barking his head off. Bring along a little bag of doggy snacks, and slip him one every time he obeys your commands. With any luck, he'll be the best behaved dog of the bunch!

5. Lavish him with love and attention. When you return from your excursion, give him just a half hour more of your full attention. Play tug of war, wrestle on the family room rug, or take a dip together in the pool. When he's all tuckered out, feed him his dinner and tell him what a good and sweet boy he his. Scratch his belly and behind his ears, give him some big kisses and hugs, and tell him how much you love him. Pretty soon, he'll forget all about the vet's office! And so will you... that is, until you get the bill. ;)

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.


MORE RESOURCES:

Malaysia Star

Pets as teachers
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 15 minutes ago
But the lecturers at Sunway University College’s School of Health and Natural Sciences do — from the pets that accompany them to work. ...


Human food bank gets $9000 of dog food for pets
Houston Chronicle, United States - 11 hours ago
2008 AP FORT WORTH, Texas — A business owner celebrated opening day of her Texas dog food store by helping donate $9000 worth of items for a pet food bank. ...


Picture-perfect presidential pets
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 4 hours ago
There have been First Pets as long as there have been presidents in the White House, and I have no doubt the Clintons and the Bushes are genuine pet lovers. ...


Ottawa Citizen

Pets on a bus harmful to health
Ottawa Citizen,  Canada - 15 hours ago
People with allergies will suffer if pets can go on buses, writes Rita Martinez. I have a severe allergy to dogs -- I can't be in the same room as a dog or ...


Pet subjects
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 1 hour ago
Do they make good pets? Do cats and tortoises mix? Is it true that cats like to flip them over? PL, Chichester Tortoises can make excellent pets but it is ...


'Pets Need Suncream Too'
Sky News, UK - 16 hours ago
We are used to warnings about protecting our children from the sun, but now animal lovers are being told to protect their pets too. Animal charity The Blue ...


Heat Warning For Pets
KSBI 52, OK - 3 hours ago
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare workers are warning pet owners to give their animals plenty of water and access to constant shade. ...
Keep animals cool during hot weather OKC Business
all 3 news articles


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Moving Family and Pets into a New Home
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 10 hours ago
Recently, Mark and I moved from the city to the countryside. We love our new-to-us home, the hillside covered with mature trees, which our backyard ...


Ailing pets being left at shelter
Daily Mail - Charleston, WV - 5 hours ago
Not only are donations down, but officials at the no-kill shelter in Cabell County say they think pets are suffering as more families struggle financially. ...


Pets a highlight for Fairfield's 1st Fridays Art Walk Aug. 1
Ottumwa Courier, IA - 9 hours ago
The Bark in the Park festivities includes a pet parade, pet costume competition, pet photos, pet blessings, pet communicator –psychic, and a visit from the ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006