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Vet Care Shows You Care

If you care for your pet, and we know you do, then it is important to also allow a veterinarian to care for them. Your vet is the one who can provide vaccines, check your pet for ongoing conditions like arthritis and parasitic infections, and recommend medications to treat fleas and ticks. Most vet are very familiar with treated dogs and cats, and many will also treat rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other household pets. If you'd like to learn more about veterinary care, then plan on spending some time on this website. It's a good resource for any curious pet owner.

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Vet Care Shows You Care

How To Calm Fearful Pets For Vaccination Appointments

by Elijah Romero

Pets need vaccinations starting from a young age. Puppies and kittens are given a full range of vaccinations to protect them from diseases that could be harmful or even fatal. As pets grow older, they'll need to receive booster shots to maintain their immunity. Unfortunately, some pets are afraid of the veterinarian's office, and injections can exacerbate this fear. Here are four tips that will help you keep your pet calm during their pet vaccination appointments:

1. Groom your pet.

Grooming your pet before their vet appointment can make the vaccination process more comfortable. Your veterinarian will need to move your pet's fur aside to access their skin, and tangled, matted fur can pull at your pet's skin painfully. Give your pet a bath and brush them thoroughly before taking them to the vet. Clean pets are less likely to get infections at their injection site.

2. Hold your pet.

Pets have a special bond with their owners. They often feel comforted when they're in the presence of familiar people. You can use the bond you have with your pet to comfort them at the vet's office. Hold your pet while you wait for your appointment. Reducing the amount of contact your pet has with other animals in the waiting room can decrease their stress levels. You probably won't be allowed to hold your pet during the actual vaccination procedure for liability reasons, but you can still cuddle your animal before and after.

3. Bring treats to the vet's office.

Many pets are highly food-motivated. You can use this to your advantage in situations that are stressful for pets. If your dog or cat typically gets anxious while receiving their shots, bring some of their favorite treats to the vet's office. Feed your pet small treats while the vet administers the necessary vaccines. Your pet might be so distracted by the extra snacks that they don't even notice the shots until the procedure is finished.

4. Stay calm.

Pets are very empathetic and intuitive. They notice their owner's emotional state and often mirror it. If you're tense, fearful, and agitated when you take your pet to the vet, they will be more agitated as well. Remember that vaccines don't hurt animals. The sensation is just a small pinprick, so there's nothing to feel worried or guilty about. Maintain a cheerful, positive demeanor, and your pet will benefit from your attitude as well.

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