Cats and dogs are notorious for doing what they can to avoid the vet. From running away to fighting like mad not to be put in a carrier, stories of pets desperate to get away from any hint of the vet abound. And then there are those cats and dogs that seem to do fine at the vet — what magic have their owners worked on these pets? Well, it's not magic. The owners took several steps to get their pets used to the idea that being at the vet is not something to really fear, although whether the pets ever truly stop feeling nervous is not really known. Some calming tactics include calming sprays and scents, but your behavior and the pet's associations are really what will make the pet behave a lot better when you're on the way to the vet.

Get the Pet Used to Being in the Car for More Than the Vet

If the only times the pet is in the car are when you take the pet to the vet, the pet will realize that any car ride is a trip to get poked, prodded, injected, and manhandled (vets are gentler than this, but the pet might not think so). You've got to let the pet associate the car with more than just those trips. In fact, the car should be a sign that something neat could be happening, too. Take the pet — yes, cats, too; you can get carriers and harnesses — to the park, on a hike, to the beach, or even just to see a friend via the car. Get the pet used to the car as transportation only.

Understand the Pet's Anxiety Is Normal

Your pet's nervousness around the vet is normal. Think back to when you were a small child; you weren't happy with going to the doctor's office, either. As annoying as it might seem to see your huge dog whimpering and cowering at the mention of the word "vet," if you understand why the pet is doing that, it can make you feel calmer yourself instead of feeling highly annoyed. If you're calm, then the pet is likely to be a little calmer.

Schedule a General, Non-exam Visit If the Vets Have Time

For the past few years, vets have been incredibly busy. But if yours has a little time, see if you can arrange for an appointment where you bring the pet in just to meet people there and to sniff around the office (you will have to pay for the appointment as you would any vet appointment). That familiarizes the pet with the place and with the people there. While the pet may still not like actual vet visits, the place will be a little more familiar, which does a lot to make pets calmer. 

Reach out to a practice such as Animal Emergency Clinic to find out more.