Vet Visit With Labrador Retriever

No matter how healthy or clean your Labrador Retriever is, time will come when he will have to visit a vet. Your dog needs to be vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, rabies and other diseases. Though you want it or not, time will also come when your dog becomes ill and have to visit the vet for medical treatment. Vet visit is often dreadful to the dog, with all the different and unfamiliar smells, other animals and unfamiliar people.

It is important that your Labrador Retriever is well-bonded with the vet in order to maintain his healthy condition. Below are some tips on how to make your vet visits comfortable for your and your dog.

1. Friendly visits. Take the dog to the parking lot of the veterinary clinic. You may drive through the parking lot without stopping or you can park the car but remain inside. The next visit, take the dog out of the car, walk around the parking lot and play with him. Then slowly progress near the entrance of the clinic. When he is comfortable with the surroundings, take him inside the waiting room. Just walk inside, say hi and stay even for just five minutes. Give treats for every good behavior. This is an excellent way of getting your dog used to the vet clinic and that nothing bad happens to them.

2. Stick to your vet. Your friends or neighbors may have pets and can recommend a good vet. Once you have decided a vet you like, stay with that particular one. This will develop your dog's relationship with the vet. If he is comfortable with the vet, then the visit and checkup would be less stressful. In case of emergency, try to go to your regular vet as much as possible to prevent confusing your dog. If seeing your regular vet is not possible, then ask if you can stay with your pet while doing the examination.

3. Familiar with touch. It is important that your dog is used to having his teeth looked at, opening his mouth, looking and cleaning his ears, lifting his tail, opening his eyes and touching his feet and other parts of the body. Having your dog used with these things is making physical exams and other veterinary procedures easy and less stressful.

4. Bring treats. Unless your vet prohibits food for medical reasons, bring treats or toys along. Treats and toys will help make Fido more comfortable.

5. Visit regularly. Your dog needs regular checkup to make sure that they are in perfect shape.

Richard Cussons has written articles of various breeds including Labrador Retriever. Discover tips on Labrador dog training at labradorsavvy.com.