Be sure to tell our staff about your dog’s general behaviour. Whether they’re fearful, shy, or aggressive, we’ll tailor our approach accordingly. We’ll book an appointment with an appropriate length and time depending on the consultation.
If it’s the first time we’ve seen your pet or they tend to be uncooperative, we’ll add some buffer time so your pet can settle in, and we can give you personalized advice.
Just because your pet is uncooperative in the clinic doesn’t make them a bad patient; it’s just that they’re stressed out and afraid. Don’t worry—we won’t judge. On the contrary, we’ll help you find ways to mitigate their negative emotions.
No matter how they react to coming into the clinic, we love them all!
If you have a car harness and want to use it when you bring your dog to the clinic, make sure it’s the right size and that you can attach it to the safety buckle in the back seat or the trunk of an SUV.
Get your dog used to the harness at home by gradually increasing the amount of time they wear it. And always give them a treat before putting the harness on—that way they’ll associate it with positive things like playtime and mealtime!
You can also use a carrier when you bring your pet to the clinic. Get a properly sized travel cage or sturdy travel bag. Your pet should have enough room to sit and lie down comfortably.
Get your pet used to the carrier at home. Putting tasty treats in and around the carrier might help their motivation! Place the cage in a familiar environment and line it with your pet’s favourite bedding. For more details and pointers, read our page on Introducing your dog to the crate.
Get your pet used to riding in the car so they see it as something positive. Start with very short outings and gradually work up to longer trips. It’s never too late—even an older pet can learn to love the car!
On every trip, give your dog a special surprise like a treat or a chew strip. For more pointers and precautions, read the blog post (in French) on training your furry friend to enjoy car travel: Tout pour une balade en voiture réussie avec votre poilu (in French).
Here are a few things you can do at home to help your dog associate going to the vet with something positive:
If your pet is staying at the clinic for a time, you may want to pack the shirt you wore the day before. It will smell like you, which will be reassuring to them. At Globalvet, we’re all about the details!
If you’re using a carrier, use two hands to carry it to the car, supporting the bottom so your pet is stable and balanced.
Don’t carry the cage by the handle or strap using only one hand. Your pet might feel like they’re on a roller coaster!
If you’re using a carrier to transport your pet, wedge the cage on the floor of the car between the passenger’s seat and back seat. It’s a quiet spot and the cage won’t be able to move around as much.
If your pet prefers to be closer to you, put the cage on the back seat and buckle it in.
If you have an SUV and your dog is comfortable with it, you can attach them to a cargo hook so they can ride in the trunk.
Most importantly, don’t drive too fast or make any sudden stops!
If your dog is sensitive, reacts to what it sees out the window, or gets anxious riding in the car, place a blindfold over their eyes (ask your veterinarian for more information) or drape a light cover over their cage.
Make sure your pet associates the ride to the clinic with something positive. Give them the occasional treat and/or a safe chew toy for the ride.
Playing soft music may also help. Research has shown that classical music has a calming effect on dogs. Why not listen to a little Beethoven classic on the way to the clinic? It’ll make you both more relaxed!
Your dog may be feeling stressed out if they:
If you’ve followed all the tips above and your pet is still anxious, ask your vet about soothing products the clinic carries. They may be just what the doctor ordered!
Learn more about anxiety in dogs.
Use a short leash so you can keep your pet close at all times. If you have a retractable leash, lock it so it doesn’t extend more than 6 feet.
If your pet tends to pull on the leash, use a halter or harness inside the clinic.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times in the waiting room, but let them sniff the ground and furniture if they want.
If your dog doesn’t want to sit or lie down, don’t keep prodding them to do it. Even if they’re usually very docile, your dog may be so excited in the clinic that they don’t even hear you. Save your breath for later!
Your dog may be outgoing, but not all animals enjoy being in close contact with strangers, so be sure to keep them close at all times and don’t let them approach other cats or dogs who might be sensitive to stranger danger.
If your dog is the type that needs extra space, have them wear a yellow scarf—a universal code that an animal doesn’t enjoy direct contact with other pets or humans. For more information, read our post (in French) Un foulard pour faire respecter les limites de votre animal (How a scarf can help people respect your dog’s boundaries).
If it’s your pet’s first visit to the clinic or they’ve had a bad experience in the past, a soothing product can help alleviate anxiety.
Natural products and calming pheromones are sold over-the-counter. They’re safe for your pet and there’s no risk of undesirable side effects.
Stop by the store a few days before your appointment and we can help you pick the right product. A word of advice: Make sure you know how much your pet weighs when you come in!
One way to make your furry companion’s trips to the vet more pleasant is to drop by the clinic for reward visits!
Drop in anytime to pick up a special treat and so our staff can shower them with affection.
We’re always happy to see you, and for your pet, these quick visits are pure reward! It’s a great way to teach them to associate the vet clinic with something positive.
