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How to Make Your Castle Rock Vet Visit Less Stressful

March 16th, 2015 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

A couple snuggle with their dog, totally relaxed and stress free.

We know you share our desire to make your cat or dog feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Check out our veterinarians’ simple tips on how to make your Castle Rock vet visit less stressful.

You should be able to use many of these tips to make your in-home pet care a little easier too.

These tips tend to work best if you can start with a puppy or kitten.

But if your grown dog or cat is open to them, great!

  • Play with your pet’s paws. Get your puppy or kitten used to having his or her paws touched and handled. As your little one grows, this can make it easier to trim his or her nails.
  • Look in your pet’s mouth daily. Open your pet’s mouth. Practice putting your finger in there with a little dab of pet toothpaste. Work your way up to a pet toothbrush. When your cat or dog needs dental care in the coming years, he or she will be much more used to having his or her teeth brushed.
  • Touch and play with your pet’s ears. Rub your pet’s ears gently on the outside and inside. If your pet ever gets an ear infection (a common ailment), it won’t be as objectionable for our veterinarians to check your pet’s ears. In addition, it can make it easier for you to clean your little one’s ears at home or use ear drops.
  • Gently rub around your pet’s eyes daily. Pet over your cat’s or dog’s eyes or gently rub around your pet’s eyes. This can make treating future eye infections less stressful for your pet.
  • Hold your pet with mild restraint. Get your cat or dog used to being held tightly, so it’s not a big issue when a veterinarian or another caregiver is holding your pet to trim nails, check your pet’s health, etc. (It’s similar to teaching a puppy to be on a leash.)

The key with all of these tips is to start early, so your pet grows accustomed to a probing — yet friendly — touch.

If your pet reacts poorly, do something else.

Try again when your pet is tired, and/or use treats to make it a positive experience.

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Tips from a Castle Rock veterinarian: 8 tips to keep your dog safe & happy in Castle Rock

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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.

This article is intended to provide general guidance on how to make a vet visit less stressful. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)

© 2015, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved

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