MINNEAPOLIS - Kathryn Newman of Augusta Dog Training and Poppy the Golden Retriever Puppy is here to discuss preparing your puppy for their first vet visit.
The events of your dog's first year shape their behavior for the rest of their life. You, your dog AND your vet will benefit from developing a positive attitude about veterinary visits.
1. Find a vet that you are comfortable with and have open lines of communications. Your dog cannot speak so you need to be able to speak for them.
a. If you are a first-time pet owner or new to the area do your research and seek referrals from other pet owners.
2. Have a positive attitude when visiting the vet. Look forward to the visit with anticipation not trepidation
a. "Hey Poppy we GET to go see Dr. Lavalle!" instead of "Poor puppy, we have to see the vet".
b. Attitude is everything. Since you are the pack leader your puppy is going to create associations based upon YOUR behavior.
3. Socialize your pup in many situations.
a. Let's be honest, your puppy is going to get shots at the vet clinic that hurt a bit. If your puppy is well socialized in other situations they will be able to move beyond this momentary discomfort and still trust and like your vet.
4. Do "practice" exams at home before the visit so your pup is comfortable being handled and examined before the visit.
5. If your visit is early in the morning feed your puppy lightly before the visit to prevent car sickness. If you pup gets sick in the car she might associate it with going to the vet.
6. Bring treats and allow extra time to visit with the clinic staff. Everybody loves a puppy. and The greater amount of friendly people your puppy meets at the clinic, the more positive the association.
7. Visit the clinic just to say "hi" to the staff and greet people at in the front office/ waiting area. Some sensitive pups will benefit from a quick five-minute visit with treats and pets. You probably will not see your veterinarian, BUT your pup will get to visit with friendly staff members and continue to develop a positive aptitude.