Taking Fido To The Vet

Does your dog get nervous when he goes to the vet? If so, he’s in good company. We know, most of our canine patients would rather stay home and take another nap than visit us. (Fido may actually choose squirrel-chasing in the park over both of those, but that’s another topic.) Even if your pooch is nervous about his appointments, coming to see us is definitely in his best interest. Here, a Jarvis, ON vet offers some advice on taking your pooch to the doctor.

Burn Off Zoomies

Fido may always be a bit uneasy at the clinic. That’s understandable: clinics are a new environment, and have a lot of strange scents, including the smells of other nervous pets. We do everything we can to make appointments easy on our patients. However, you can help, too! Take your furry buddy for a long walk before you bring him in, or wear him out with a fun play session. This will burn off his excess energy. Dogs are always calmer after they’ve burned off those zoomies!

Follow The Schedule

Puppies will need to come in several times in that first year. Microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, exams, vaccinations and parasite control are all on the agenda! Once Fido is an adult, he may be fine with just annual checkups. Senior dogs, however, usually start to need closer monitoring. Older pups may also need additional care, such as treatment for arthritis or other common conditions. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Prepare For Emergencies

At home, keep an eye out for signs of sickness. These include things like vomiting, diarrhea, limping, lack of coordination, respiratory issues, fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and visible wounds or swelling. You’ll also need to watch for behavioral clues, such as reduced interest in play and/or uncharacteristic aggression or withdrawal. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss. We also recommend keeping a doggy first-aid kit on hand for emergencies, along with a good app or brochure.

Ask All The Questions

Fido’s age, breed, size, health, and history all factor into his care and health needs. Your canine pal’s care needs will also change over time. Don’t be shy about asking for tips or advice. That’s what we’re here for! 

Please contact us with questions or concerns about your pet’s care needs. As your Jarvis, ON animal clinic, we’re here to help!