by Cynthia Wall

Created on: October 31, 2009

Acceptable behavior at the vet's office refers both to animals and their human owners. Humans are the ones in charge of training, confining, and restraining their animals. Without consideration toward other humans and animals in the waiting room and consideration for the veterinarian, an office visit can become a nightmare for all concerned. Before you ever get to the vet's office, there are a number of things you can do to guarantee, a safe, stress-free visit.

For dogs: Starting as a puppy, accustom your pet to be handled all over including his mouth and feet. Trim his nails from an early age. Teach him to be comfortable with you brushing his teeth. A dog who is used to having his teeth brushed and examined can sometimes have minor scaling done in the office without anesthesia a dollar saving and safety bonus. Teach your dog basic obedience including the stand for examination, an obedience exercise that requires a dog to stand quietly while another person examines him. Beyond sit and down, teach your dog to lie on his side as that is an easy position for examination on a table or the floor.

Taking your dog through a Canine Good Citizen course will cover not only the basics of obedience but also the socialization skills that allow a dog to be a therapy visiting dog in nursing homes. A dog that has been trained this way is easy to work with. Also socialize your dog through puppy kindergarten with other dogs so that he is not aggressive around other animals. Teach him to leave it in regards to cats so that he won't be straining to get at a cat in the waiting room.

For Cats: Socialize your kitten from a young age also so that it is used to being handled by humans, including guests in your home. Your cat should tolerate having her nails trimmed and her mouth examined. You can also brush a cat's teeth if you start the habit young enough. Rabbits can also be socialized to tolerate handling and examination.

For Humans: Use your head and keep your animal and others safe. Here are some suggestions:

1. Give your dog a potty break before taking it into the office. Most animal hospitals have a row of shrubs or trees nearby or a grassy plot. Just as you would on a walk, pick up any feces in a plastic bag and dispose of it.

2. Confine or restrain. Cats should be in carriers; dogs should be on leash. Even if your dog loves everyone, don't allow him to go greeting other people or animals. The other animals may be sick; the people may not want your dog's affection. Do not allow children to come and pet your animals. Even the friendliest of animals may bite or scratch when under stress. If your animal is sick, tell the veterinary staff before you bring it in. It's possible they may want you to use a separate door.

3. Allow veterinary staff to restrain your animal. They know how to handle frightened animals. You can be the most help by standing aside and speaking in a soothing voice to your pet. Ask if it is okay to keep on petting your animal while it is being examined. If the vet suggests a muzzle for your dog, don't argue. Better safe than sorry.

4. Most pets are eager to leave the office so be sure to keep yours restrained while exiting. If you will be a long time at the counter paying your bill or waiting for medications, consider putting your pet in your car first.

Nobody likes to go to the doctor, but you can go a long way toward making your visit with your animal a safe and comfortable one. Your veterinarian will appreciate your well-trained animal, and your animal will benefit from having a stress-free visit. Some vets even hand out dog and cat treats with luck, your animal may begin to consider your veterinarian a friend.

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