By: Charlee Bear Staff
Welcoming home a new pet comes with many responsibilities, one of which is making sure our four-legged friend gets the necessary veterinary visits. While visits to the veterinarian are essential to maintaining a pet’s health and well-being, they can be stressful and sometimes difficult for both the pet and its owner. Teaching new pet owners different strategies to make these experiences more enjoyable will not only save time, but will also make the pet more comfortable and prepared for future visits. Here are some tips to share with your customers!
Ensuring a successful vet visit starts at your client’s home. By preparing your pet before going out, the puppy is more likely to be calm and comfortable once in the veterinary office. One way to do this is to ask your client to play with or walk their pet before leaving for their visit. This allows their dog to release energy and also gives them time to go to the bathroom. This way, once they arrive for their appointment, your client won’t have to worry as much about accidents or their pet being too energetic to listen to commands.
Loading a pet into the car can also be difficult for new pet owners. To make the process easier, customers can put their dog in a crate with a comfortable blanket or pet bed to make their dog feel more relaxed. Some dogs are comfortable traveling with a car seat belt/harness, which is also fine. Regardless, positive reinforcement is always important, so your client should reward their pet with a treat after loading them into the car. This helps their dog know they are behaving well, teaches them to make more positive associations when in the car, and can help them stay calm during the drive to their vet appointment. Charlee Bear’s Original Crunch is a perfect option because it will not leave any crumbs or stains. Plus, your customers won’t have to feel guilty about overindulging their pet since each treat contains less than three calories. However, some health tests may require your client’s pet to be fasted the day before their appointment, so it is always essential that they consult their veterinarian beforehand.
Arriving at the veterinarian is usually the most stressful part of the visit, as the pet is introduced to a variety of new smells and sensations, as well as the presence of other animals and their pet parents. Your client should allow their pet to gradually become familiar with the environment by sniffing and exploring its surroundings. But more importantly, your client must stay close to their pet at all times and reassure them of their safety. Holding the puppy, if possible, or petting him throughout his appointment are other ways your client can keep their dog calm and collected. It can’t hurt to bring a comfort item from home, like a favorite chew toy, so the puppy has something familiar to ground him while he waits to see the vet. Packing the dog’s favorite treats can also be beneficial, especially if he is easily motivated by food. Freeze-dried and infused with real fruits or vegetables, Charlee Bear’s Meat Bites are an excellent reward that will help your client keep their dog focused and well behaved from the moment they arrive at the veterinary office.
Your client should be mindful of their own actions and behavior, as this is another way to assure their dog that there is nothing to worry about. A pet owner’s own emotions can impact those of their dog, so if a client is stressed or worried during their vet visit, their dog will pick up on that. Clients should always speak and respond gently to their pet before, during and after a veterinarian visit to create a pleasant experience for the dog and themselves. Rushing the dog into the car, raising your voice at the dog, or pulling tightly on the leash are actions that will only cause more stress for the animal. Taking things slowly and simply with a relaxed attitude will surely lead to more success during your client’s next vet visit.
Just like a human’s visit to the doctor, vet visits can sometimes be stressful for our pets. Following the tips above can help improve the next veterinary visit for your client and their pet, ensuring a more pleasant experience and making future visits much easier. It may take time for clients to introduce these strategies to their pet, so encourage them to start the process now! Overall, your client’s preparation and patience are essential for a less distressing veterinary experience.