{"id":1422,"date":"2023-06-06T19:32:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T02:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/?p=1422"},"modified":"2023-06-06T19:32:09","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T02:32:09","slug":"preparing-your-pet-for-their-first-veterinary-visit-tips-for-a-positive-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/preparing-your-pet-for-their-first-veterinary-visit-tips-for-a-positive-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Your Pet for Their First Veterinary Visit: Tips for a Positive Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Puppy<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Is there anything more exciting than bringing home a new puppy or kitten? We think not. Whether you\u2019ve adopted a pet from a shelter or brought a new friend home from a breeder<\/a>, your sweet pet may feel skittish and anxious. This is especially true when it comes to her first vet visit, whether it’s a completely new vet or her first time going to the vet altogether. Preparation is the key to helping the visit go smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Our team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital<\/a> would like to share three tips for making that first visit sail pawesomely along. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Tips for Your Pet\u2019s First Vet Visit <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Familiarize Your Pet With the Carrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unless you live within walking distance of your vet\u2014lucky you!\u2014you\u2019ll need to help your furry friend get used to riding in a carrier inside your car. Cozy the crate or pet carrier up with a special blanket, favorite toy<\/a>, and tasty treat. Set it somewhere in your house with the door open and let your pet explore it for a day or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work up to closing the carrier door and encouraging your fur-baby to spend 10-15 minutes inside. Once she\u2019s comfortable with that, load her into the car and drive her around the neighborhood. By the time it\u2019s vet visit day, you two will be so <\/em>ready for that car trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Practice Handling Your Pet Like a Vet Would<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your pup or kitty goes to the vet, there\u2019s going to be some poking and prodding involved. If a pet has never experienced this type of handling, he can get anxious, angry, or scared<\/a> during the visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So dig up those rusty make-believe skills from your childhood and pretend you\u2019re a veterinarian. Practice feeling his tummy and tail. Massage his paws. Gently lift his lips to see his teeth\u2014and brush them while you\u2019re at it<\/a>. Look inside his ears. Give him a few tasty treats to reward his hard work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice handling him like a vet every day or two, and he\u2019ll be more than ready for that first visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bring All the Necessary Documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We veterinarians love<\/em> when you come bearing documents about your kitty or puppy. The more information we have about your pet\u2019s past, the easier it is to set her up for a bright future. Here\u2019s what we want you to bring: <\/p>\n\n\n\n