Stress-Free Veterinary Visit Tips You Need

Sitting in a packed veterinary clinic waiting room is stressful. I get hives just thinking about it. As a dog trainer, pet parent and past vet tech, I’ve witnessed dog fights happen within seconds.

Some pet owners would get bitten and scratched by their own stressed dogs. Some dogs would shake, bark, drool or hide due to stress. Stress causes fear, and packed waiting rooms certainly can cause a dog to fear the vet’s office.

Give these tips for stress-free veterinary visits a try. You’ll be surprised how well they work! I know because this is exactly how I manage veterinary waiting rooms with my personal dogs and clients’ dogs.

Always Leash Your Dog

Dogs must be leashed at all times, especially when walking into and waiting in a veterinary clinic’s waiting room. Keep retractable leashes at home because they’re too unpredictable. If you don’t have a dog leash, ask the receptionist if you can borrow one before bringing your dog inside the clinic. Even if you plan to hold your small dog in the waiting room, make sure your dog is leashed.

Keep Your Distance

Dogs are stressed at the vet’s office, so it’s best to maintain at least 3 feet away from other dogs and cats. When walking into the waiting room, look for a quiet corner. If the waiting room is packed, ask the receptionist to place a chair in a quiet corner for you and your dog. Trust me, I’ve sat in the employee break room before. 🙂 While waiting, shorten your dog’s leash to prevent him from wandering around and visiting other dogs or people.

Don’t Allow Petting

Veterinary visits are already stressful, so it’s best not to allow strangers to pet your stressed dog. If a child or person walks over and asks to pet your dog, politely explain that your dog is nervous and he needs to relax before meeting the vet. Even the sweetest dog can become so stressed that he growls or snaps at a stranger. Be your dog’s advocate during stressful situations. It’s our job to keep our dogs safe.

Play Games

This is a big one! Bring plenty of super yummy treats and play a dog game while waiting. Play several sessions of “touch” by redirecting your dog’s face away from the waiting room commotion. If you’re sitting in a corner, hold your hand against a wall and say “touch.” If you’re flanked on both sides by pets, hold your hand against your chest and say “touch.”

Fun games for dogs followed by yummy food rewards will successfully redirect your dog’s attention to something fun instead of stressing over waiting room distractions.

If All Else Fails, Sit in Your Car

Some veterinary clinic waiting rooms resemble rock concerts, which is very unfortunate. If your dog’s uncomfortable around other dogs, people or children, then it’s best to wait in your car with your dog.

Bring a friend along for the ride and ask her to sit with your dog while you check in at the front desk. Explain to the receptionist that your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs, and that you’ll be waiting in your car until an exam room is open.

Ask the receptionist to walk outside and let you know when they’re ready for you and your dog. Also, ask if you can use a separate entrance, so you can completely avoid the packed waiting room. Most veterinary clinics will readily comply with your request.

Good luck!