5 Tips for Making Your Pet Comfortable at the Vet

The veterinary clinic can sometimes seem like a scary place for your pet, especially if he or she has never experienced it before. It can also be stressful to make the trip for an appointment. But don't worry! There are ways to help your pet get accustomed to visiting the vet so that both of you can leave feeling satisfied.

Tip #1: Take your pet to the clinic multiple times before doing any exams or shots. Let him/her walk around and smell everything. It's important for your pet to get to know the staff on a non-invasive basis. Allow them to pet and dote over your loved one. Treats are a great way for him/her to associate the clinic with something good and positive. The staff will always have treats and are more than happy to give one (or two) to your pet. Then when you return for an actual visit, your pet will feel at home!

Tip #2: Prepare your cat for the car ride and vet visit. It's a known fact. Cats do not like cars, let alone the vet. But, there are ways to help them get comfortable with the idea. One thing that is important is get them used to the carrier. Leave it out somewhere in your house with treats inside and allow them to sniff and walk in and out several times. They will still likely hate the car, but at least they are familiar with and are safe in their crate. Again, try going to the vet a few times to get them familiar with a new surrounding.

Tip #3: If you stay calm, they'll stay calm (for the most part). Sometimes our clients can be just as anxious as their pets. It can be stressful to watch your baby being handled and given shots. However, it does not help him/her to see you just as fearful. To him/her, you are his/her protector and parent. If he/she sees you upset, this intensifies what he/she is already feeling. Try your best to be calm and do exactly what the vet tech and veterinarian tell you to do. They are trained professionals and do this on a daily basis.

Tip #4: Bring treats...lots and lots of treats. Who says you can't bribe your pet? Rewarding your pet for good behavior at the vet is encouraged. Also, allowing the vet and vet techs to give treats to your pet shows him/her that they can be trusted (at least a little).

Tip #5: Play with or take your pet on a walk before appointment. This will cut down on nervousness and get some of his/her energy out. It will also help prevent accidents at the vet.

Follow these simple tips and you have a greater chance of having a successful vet visit!

What Your Pet Shouldn't Eat

You may be able to put whatever food you want into your mouth, but that doesn't mean it can go in your pet's mouth. There are some foods out there that are dangerous to animals and could be fatal. An example is chocolate that is ingested by a dog. If untreated, the dog has the risk of dying. Then there are high fat foods such as bread and hot dogs, which if fed, can cause birds serious health problems. 

For this blog, we've picked a few animals to highlight and are providing you with information about the foods they shouldn't eat. It can be a reference if you are unsure about what your pet can or can't have.

If you would like more detailed information about nutrition, contact our clinic for an appointment.

Birds

No flour based foods (breads, tortillas, cookies, crackers, etc.)

No fried foods (skip the French fries)

No animal meats or by-products (dairy products)

No foods sweetened with natural or artificial sweeteners

No peanuts (they carry fungus that can be deadly)

No raw beans or any type of spinach

Guinea Pigs

NEVER feed these foods:

Iceberg lettuce

Rhubarb

Spinach

Dairy

Caffeine

Spicy foods

Mushrooms

Cookies/Bread

Pickled Vegetables

Garlic

Avocado

Nuts/Seeds

Chocolate

Popcorn

Tomatillo

Coconut

Dogs

Alcohol

Corn cobs

Avocado

Chocolate

Coffee

Caffeine

Citrus

Coconut/Coconut Oil

Grapes and raisins

Nuts

Milk/Dairy

Onions

Garlic

Chives

Raw meat, eggs, bones

Salty foods

Yeast dough

Xylitol (common in gum, peanut butter, toothpaste, sugarless foods)

Cats

Onion

Garlic

Chives

Raw meat, eggs, bones

Chocolate

Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, sodas)

Alcohol

Raw dough

Milk/Dairy products

Grapes/Raisins

Dog food

Avocado

Xylitol