We understand that some dogs do not like coming to the vets, and particularly if they are in pain or unwell it can be a stressful time for them. To try and help your dog have a good experience in the vets we have the following tips that may be useful:

• If your dog is anxious in the waiting room, or doesn’t like other dogs, they may be more comfortable waiting outside or in the car until the vet is available for their appointment. If you feel your dog would be happier outside, please let us know when you arrive and we can come out to you.
• If your dog does not need to be starved for a procedure, tasty high value treats can be used to reward your dog for good behaviour
• Ensure your dogs collar or harness is well fitting, and use a short lead in the practice to prevent your dog approaching another animal in the waiting room
• Some dogs benefit from calming supplements such as nutracalm to help them through the veterinary visit. If your dog is already receiving medication, please check with the veterinary team whether this is suitable for your pet.
• Pheromone collars or sprays mimic the pheromone produced by a mother dog feeding her puppies and works to calm the dog. These can be useful both in the veterinary practice and during the car journey if your dog is afraid of the car.
• If your dog is unhappy travelling in the car, or experiences motion sickness, try and build positive associations with the car, such as rewarding your pet for getting in or out of the car without driving anywhere, ensuring that you take your dog to places they enjoy, not just the vets, and consider supplements or pheromones as mentioned above.
• Your dog may be more comfortable in the vets if they have been allowed to go to the toilet first. If your pet is coming in for a blood or urine test, we may ask you not to let your dog go to the toilet before the appointment to ensure that we can get a sample, so please ask if you are unsure.
• We also offer socialisation appointments with our nurses that can help your dog become more comfortable in the practice and throughout the consultation process. If this is something you feel your dog would benefit from, please speak to a member of the team.