Bichon Frise: Reducing Fears In Veterinarian’s Visits

If going to the veterinarian with your Bichon Frise strikes fear and dread in your heart don’t feel there’s nothing you can do. You and your Bichon Frise’s visits to the vet don’t have to be traumatic and unpleasant. There is hope. Listed below are some things that you can do to make the experience less painful.

Try a few of these hints:
If your Bichon Frise is acting scared and shaking it’s important to not coddle him because that can be easily mistaken for praise for being afraid. It may be hard to resist “mothering your baby” but if you act like it’s no big deal and act in control and confident with the visit you will reassure your Bichon that it’s okay and nothing to get anxious about.
Keep your Bichon occupied: command her/him to sit or some favorite tricks and reward appropriately. Introduce your pet to people in the waiting room, receptionists, assistants, technicians etc. they can give out treats you provide too.

If your dog enjoys grooming try brushing her to help put her at ease.

Have your Bichon Frise in a stay or down position while you’re reading or otherwise occupied. Occasionally praise him/her for being a good dog but keep your attention on something else. This will help to redirect your pet’ s attention from his or her own nervousness to something else and remind him that this is routine.

In the examining room don’t give your pet all of your attention, carry on a conversation with the vet. Reward fifi and give her a treat if her behavior is good. If her behavior is less than desirable hold her firmly while still chatting with the vet.
If your vet’s office is close by drop by with your Bichon Frise just to say hi or purchase something so that all your visits there aren’t associated with negative experiences.


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