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.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
Pet |