By Dr. Sonnya Crawford
Grays Harbor Veterinary Services
It’s always easier to prevent a problem then to cure one. Dogs need regular veterinary care, so it is best to begin training them at an early age to accept being examined, poked and prodded.
Frequent fun visits to the veterinary clinic from an early age can pay huge dividends later on. Begin bringing your young puppy to the veterinary clinic at least once a week just to say hi, get pets and treats from the staff, and climb on and off the scale and examination table. For every one of these “tricks” your puppy does, give him a yummy treat.
At home, put your puppy on the kitchen table with a cuddly towel under his feet. Perform some of the procedures that you imagine your veterinarian might do, each time giving him a treat after each “trick.” Look in his ears. Give him a treat. Massage his lips. Give him a treat. Play with each toe. Give him a treat. Extend his leg as though he is getting a blood draw. Put something cold and metallic (like a spoon) on his chest, imitating a stethoscope. Give him a treat. Look between his back legs. Extend his neck as though he is going to get blood drawn from his jugular vein. Give him a treat. Take his temperature with a rectal thermometer. If you aren’t sure how to do this, ask your veterinarian to show you how. Give them both a treat.
As your dog gets bigger, these “tricks” can be done on the ground rather than on a table, but do not become complacent. It will be important to continue practicing all these tricks and procedures you have taught him as a puppy. Ask your veterinary staff if they will allow you to borrow an exam room to practice your dog’s kitchen table routine. Many clinics have surgeries scheduled during the morning hours, leaving the exam rooms empty and available. This is a good time to practice with lots of treats so that your dog is comfortable doing these tricks in a room that might be otherwise scary and intimidating.
Your veterinarian will appreciate and recognize the extra work that you put into making your dog a more comfortable, relaxed patient. It is much safer and easier to work with a calm, well-behaved dog than one that is terrified and struggling. This training will give your dog the tools to emotionally handle the visits, hospitalizations and surgeries because he will be able to anticipate and accept the handling, poking and prodding of his veterinarian without fear.
If you find that your dog is unable to accept veterinary visits without fear or aggression — such as panting, drooling, attempting to hide, staring, freezing, whining, growling or attempting to bite, lunge or snap — consider hiring a professional to help you with some desensitization and training techniques. Your veterinary staff can help you find a reputable trainer or Certified Animal Behaviorist.
Sonnya Crawford, DVM, is a veterinarian at Grays Harbor Veterinary Services in Montesano. Her pets include two cats, numerous parrots, a giant bunny and saltwater fish. Her special interests are in avian medicine, veterinary dermatology and dentistry. Reach her at drsonnya@gmail.com.
