Hi

I have made an appointment for my greyhound for monday morning.  But I have changed vets as I was not happy with old vets.  The used to give me a tablet to give to her an hour before appointment, but new vets can not give me one as this is the first time they have seen her?  She gets herself really upset?  Someone recommended Bachs rescue remady before I take her, but I am not sure?  Has anyone tried this, if so how much would I need to give a greyhound?  If not what else can I do to help her stay calm.  I hate seeing her so upset.  I just wish they could understand its for the best. 

Thanks
Sheli

Hi Sheli,

Rescue Remedy is usually effective enough as a short term relaxant.  I prefer to use the drops on the nose leather rather than in the mouth.  However if you can get hold of the spray version it is safer and more convenient because the one with the pipette is made of glass ;)   If using the spray, I'd give her three sprays orally a couple of hours before going and the same again around 15-20 minutes before you leave.  If using the drops then one or two drops every half hour for around 2 hours should be sufficient.

There are other homeopathic treatments & herbal alternatives but with herbal meds it's best to check with your vet that what you are using will not adversely react with prescribed medication.

If your girl is only going for an introductory appointment or something which is not likely to result in medication, you could try starting her off today/tomorrow on Serene-UM (available from Pets At Home) - this comes in tablet form to be popped down the throat or in a liquid version which can be added to her food.  Using it  around 3 days before and on the day of a potentially stressful situation definitely takes the edge off them :)  Quantities needed are clearly printed on the box / bottle.

As a footnote, personally I would prefer to work on gently and over time relaxing your dog to the vet situation rather than depending on meds (especially prescription ones) to do the work.  Can you try and set up some regular occasions when she can visit, just sit in the reception area for a few minutes, and leave?  Then work up to her being petted by the nurse / receptionist / vet before leaving and, hopefully progress to her paying a short visit to a consulting room - similarly petted or treated (if she will accept titbits) then leaving on a high :)

In the long run it pays dividends to get our dogs to at least accept vet visits - some will thoroughly enjoy their time there and others, even if not having had a painful or invasive treatment, just never "like" being there but can be brought around to cope without stressing out completely :)

Good luck, HTH,
Teri

 

You might also find using a T Touch Body Wrap or close fitting T shirt will help also using T T Touch massage before & during the visit will relax your dog

If it's just a vet visit and no treatment, take whatever treats she values most and get the staff to give her the treats and make a bit of a fuss of her.  I've always done this with my dogs and the vets have started to do the same now as it's been very effective, the last thing my dogs always remember about the vets is the treats :) :)

Thanks for the tips everyone. 

Its just to get her teeth checked, well what she has left of them.  I have a feeling she will have to go back and get more pulled. 

You have given me loads to go on there, I cant get to my local Pets at Home before her appointment as the nearest one is 30 miles away, so I think I will try the bachs, and the massage and the treats.  My new vet is lovely, (I use her for my horses too).

Very interesting stuff,  it has also given me a few tips for my staffy who hates fireworks, so hopefully he will have a less stressfull bonfire night this year. 

Thanks again
Sheli

Hi

Years ago I had a dally who was scared of the vet, so I changed vets and started on a plan to curb his fear. Once a week I parked outside the practice and the vet would pop out and give my dog a cuddle and a quick feel over in the back of the car. It did not take long for my dog to fall in love with the new vet and could not wait to run into the surgery :D