Many animals are already nervous before they even know they are going to the vet. Walking into the treatment room is then a huge problem. Dogs refuse to go in, want to run away, start whining or yelping. Cats are visibly stressed in their carriers. And they are usually very skeptical of veterinarians. Excitement is inevitable on all sides. But there is another way.
The foundation is laid when your pet is still a puppy: the experiences your pet has at the vet's office now will shape its future behavior. It is particularly important to make visits to the vet's office a positive experience for young dogs and cats. Some practices offer appointments specifically for puppies just to get to know each other. Nothing happens during these appointments. The puppy gets a few pats, maybe a treat, and there is a little fun program. If, on the other hand, a "painful" treatment takes place during the first visit, this is not conducive to future visits to the practice.
It is also important that you, as the pet owner, remain as relaxed as possible. Many people are nervous themselves and transfer their emotions to their pets. Animals are sensitive and will notice if you are stressed on the way to the vet. Try to make the visit to the vet's office literally palatable for your pet with lots of positive reinforcement and a treat. Let the receptionists and veterinarians be the good guys. A visit to the vet should be like paradise for your pet.
See if you can support your vet's practice. For example, hold your pet yourself during uncomfortable positions or treatments. Some animals find it helpful when their caregiver does this rather than a stranger.
For older animals that have only had bad experiences at the vet's office, consider a calming medication. It's best to ask your vet about this.
If your pet has a problem with a crowded waiting room, wait calmly outside the door. With petsXL Comfort Check-in and digital patient call-up, you can register from outside and relax. You will then be called directly to your appointment via push notification.
Keeping calm and relaxed is essential.
In rural areas in particular, it is often possible to have a vet come to your home. A home visit has many advantages. Your pet stays in its familiar surroundings and you, as the owner, are less stressed. When the doorbell rings, there is a treat to welcome your pet – and vaccinations and worming treatments are administered in an almost playful manner. Home visits are also a good solution for old, weak animals. The animal does not have to be transported back and forth unnecessarily, and stress and excitement are kept to a minimum. Of course, you need to clarify in advance the extent of the vet's traveling practice. Some examinations require equipment that is not always available on board.
But whether at the vet's office or at your home, your pet should like their veterinarian. And the saying goes, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." So be generous with treats when it comes to vet visits.
The Maine Coon is an impressive cat breed: large, muscular, and with a friendly, people-oriented nature. Its powerful build and thick coat make it a real showstopper and an ideal companion for people who have plenty of space and even more affection to offer.
FORL stands for feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions and is a very painful dental disease in cats. Almost every second cat is affected from the age of five. Even for veterinarians, FORL can only be detected with the naked eye in its final stages. X-rays of the teeth provide clarity.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by domestic ticks. It occurs mainly in dogs, but also in horses, cats, sheep, goats, cattle, and humans. The infection causes acute fever, sometimes high. If left undiagnosed and untreated, recurrent episodes of the disease occur, with lameness and neurological disorders.
Dirofilaria are long threadworms whose larvae are transmitted by various species of mosquitoes. Depending on the species, they colonize either the skin or the large blood vessels of the lungs, and in severe cases, the heart. This is why they are known as heartworms. Dirofilaria and the mosquitoes that transmit them are mainly found in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, and North America. The disease is brought to Germany by travelers and through the importation of dogs from abroad. Due to the climate-related spread of mosquitoes to the north, it is becoming increasingly important.
This feverish infectious disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs and is not always easy to diagnose. It causes fever, joint and muscle pain, and lameness. In Germany, the pathogen is primarily transmitted by the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), with an average of one in three ticks infected.
Summer, sun, sunshine – for many, it's the best time of year. However, even in our latitudes, temperatures are increasingly reaching tropical levels. And with them come annoying insects. The following tips will make life easier for your horse in summer.
Your dog not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your dog achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Your cat not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your cat achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
The Ragdoll impresses with its relaxed, friendly nature and striking appearance. Its bright blue eyes, silky coat, and size are just some of the characteristics that make it one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. In addition to its distinctive appearance, this gentle and people-oriented cat also has a unique personality.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With its friendly nature and even temperament, it is suitable for many families. Its active nature, history as a hunting dog, and independence make it an exciting dog breed with special needs.
Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in horses, donkeys, and zebras is also known as horse morse, red fever, or pink eye. The main carriers are infected stallions, which continuously excrete the virus in their semen. Due to the typical inflammation of the blood vessels, it was given the name equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease is notifiable.
The poodle is one of the oldest and best-known dog breeds in Europe. It was originally used as a retriever for waterfowl hunting. Today, the poodle is primarily popular as a family-friendly and eager-to-learn companion. It is bred in various sizes and impresses with its intelligence, energy, and special elegance. Thanks to their unique appearance, poodles are also regular winners at competitions around the world.
