Repeat the sequence until your dog approaches your hand whenever you present it. Once it starts approaching your hand consistently, say the cue “Touch!” whenever it moves to sniff your hand. When your dog responds to the command reliably, stand further away from it so it has to walk several steps to get to your hand. Dogs reflexively back away from approaching hands. The “touch” cue can help your dog form a positive association with being touched. Try having the vet say the cue and touch your dog’s nose before they start the exam.
It might resist at first, but try to have patience. Offer praise and a treat as soon as it behaves calmly. If it seems stressed out, take a break and try again in 20 or 30 minutes. Don’t scold or punish your dog if it resists being touched. Your goal is to teach it that it can earn a reward if it tolerates being handled. Punishing it could encourage it to form a negative association with being examined.
If you have a small or medium dog, the vet or vet tech will most likely pick it up and place it on an examination table. Being picked up and placed on a high exam table might be unsettling, so practice for it ahead of time. If you have a large adult dog, the vet will likely examine it on the floor, so you don’t need to worry about picking it up or putting it on a table.
Start table training with a low, sturdy coffee table or ottoman. Be sure to hold your dog to prevent falls, and be on guard in case it tries to jump.
A scale moves slightly and might stress your dog out when the vet weighs it. Don’t force your dog to stay on the scale or scold it if it resists. Have patience, encourage it with praise and treats, and try to get it to stay on the scale for gradually longer amounts of time. If you have a large dog, use a towel or mat to teach it a “place” cue. You might not be able to replicate the feeling of a tipping scale, so reassure it with high-value treats and plenty of praise when it’s weighed at the vet’s office.
Ask about making a social visit when you schedule the appointment or at some point before the appointment. Find out when they’re usually slow, and try to stop by outside of peak hours. The vet’s office will be familiar with social visits. They might even recommend stopping by before the actual appointment so your dog forms a positive association with the office. You can also fill out any new patient paperwork at the social visit.
If you’re not sure if you have to fast your dog, call the office before the appointment. Provide fresh water at all times, even when fasting your dog.
If you collect the sample the night before the appointment, the vet will likely recommend that you refrigerate it. Clear the bottom shelf of your fridge so you can keep the double-bagged sample as far away from food as possible. Clean the shelf with a mild bleach solution after removing the sample from the fridge. Call the vet’s office before the appointment if you’re not sure whether they need a stool sample. If you’re not comfortable collecting samples, ask them if you can coordinate your dog’s potty walks with the appointment so a vet tech can collect samples.
For a male dog, wait for it to lift its leg, then place the container under its urine stream. For a female dog, wait for it to squat, then quietly slide the container under its rear end. Do your best not to get urine on your hands and, if desired, wear latex or vinyl gloves. Wash up thoroughly after collecting the sample. Call the vet’s office and ask if you need to collect a urine sample. If possible, collect a fresh sample within 1 hour of the appointment. Otherwise, refrigerate the sample for up to 12 hours.
If you’re taking a puppy to the vet for the first time, you’ll probably only have the vaccination record from the breeder or shelter. Puppies generally get a vet exam within a week of birth and receive their first vaccinations within 6 to 8 weeks. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
A brisk walk can also help it burn off energy, which might help it stay calm at the vet’s office. Remember to check with the vet about fasting and any other instructions. If you can’t feed your dog breakfast, do other activities, such as walking and playing, as you normally would. [12] X Research source
If your dog knows basic commands, try having it practice sitting or lying down in the waiting room. Practicing commands can help distract and calm your dog.
Practicing commands and playing games with your dog could be good distractions for both of you. Routine check-ups can be stressful, but taking your dog to the vet for a health issue is frightening and overwhelming. As tough as it is, do your best to remain calm. Remind yourself that keeping your emotions in check will help comfort your pet.
For example, try to schedule the appointment when the office isn’t busy. Instead of sitting in the waiting room, you might be able to wait for the vet and vet tech in a vacant exam room. If a vacant room isn’t available, ask if you and your dog can wait in your car or walk around the block. Have the office call or text you when an exam room is available. [15] X Research source
