The Dreaded Vet Visit: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Dog
Dina Giolitto
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 hungry
prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com
for more information.
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