Vet shares common mistake all dog owners make and easy way to fix it

It's important to get them used to touch
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Most dogs dread their annual check-ups, but one vet believes this anxiety can be avoided with the right home training. They took to Reddit to share a common mistake pet owners make when welcoming a new dog into their home, which can set the tone for future vet visits.

The vet advised: "The finest thing you can do for your new pet, particularly a puppy or kitten, is to handle it frequently when it is young."

They emphasised the importance of getting pets used to having their feet handled, nails trimmed, mouths opened, and ears touched. This is especially beneficial for breeds prone to ear infections.

The vet also stressed the importance of training your dog to be comfortable with restraint, describing it as a "crucial" step in their training. They added: "I constantly advise my clients to train their animals to be restrained. Because it hasn't learned to be okay with restraint, that wriggly puppy that is cute when it nips when you hold it grows up to be a massive dog that can't be properly examined."

One person commented on their experience: "I used to work in groomers and the amount of lovely dogs I'd work with that were sweet as anything until you tried to touch their ears or pick up a paw. I don't understand how you can own and look after a dog without touching these areas."

Another added their personal struggle: "So my German Shepherd will be completely still. He will let me do literally any examination no problem. If he goes to the vet he's a nightmare and squirms. I don't know how to train him to let other people examine him because he's great for me."