When you take your puppy into the veterinarian for the first time, there is a good possibility that they are going to be scared or, at the very least, unsure of their surroundings. This can cause them to behave irrationally, and can sometimes make the experience a difficult one for both you and your puppy. Thankfully, there are certain things that you can do to try to help make your visit to the vet a smooth and successful one. This article is going to discuss 3 tips for making your puppy comfortable at the veterinarian. 

Visit Beforehand

If you take the time to visit the veterinary office before your puppy's appointment, this can go a long way in helping them to feel more comfortable. You can call the veterinary office ahead of time, and simply ask when it would be a good time for you to come in with your dog to tour the location. During this tour you can not only take your dog to the waiting room and front desk, but you can also show them the back of the veterinary office where patients are seen and kept. Rather than walking into a new area, your dog is going to be visiting a place that they are somewhat familiar with. They will recognize the people and the smells, and will likely be more calm for the vet and the rest of the staff. 

Bring Rewards

If your puppy is like most puppies, they are going to respond well to rewards. Rewards are often used in training to help a dog listen to the commands that are being given to them. This is much the same when you take your puppy to the vet. If you let them know that you have a reward for them, such as a toy or a treat, they are going to be much more likely to listen to you and be on their best behavior while at the vet. You can even periodically give them a treat or a toy while at the vet to encourage them to behave properly. 

Bring Their Crate

A lot of puppies are going to feel best if they are in an area that is comfortable to them. Because of this, you will want to consider bringing your puppy's crate to the veterinary office. They can stay in their crate when they aren't being seen by the vet, and this will give them a sense of security and protection that they wouldn't otherwise have. 

Check with a veterinarian like Oakton Animal Hospital for more advice.