Taking the stress out of vet visit

[Black piggies]

I need to take the piggies to the vet again, one has a new lump and they need nails clipped. I find vet visits stressful beyond belief. Until I found this vet, vets always cut the pigs nails to bleeding point, one time bleeding wouldn't stop for ages. I worry they'll have something terminal. The pigs always seem about to go flying off the vet's table and I'm terrified they'll hurt themselves. It's so stressful getting them into their carrier. They're terrified at being handled by the vets as I do a lot of patting but not picking up. Watching my young son going into theatre for surgery I can honestly say didn't bring as much inner panic! Which is bonkers. How can I make it more manageable?

 

[DMS260820]

My advice. Find a better vet, this shouldnt happen. Or is it the old vet who cut naild to bleeding point?

 

[Black piggies]

My advice. Find a better vet, this shouldnt happen. Or is it the old vet who cut naild to bleeding point?

Yes I agree! It was old vet who did that. New vet knows guinea pigs. Only been to her once. Maybe after a few visits I'll relax a bit!

 

[DMS260820]

Yes I agree! It was old vet who did that. New vet knows guinea pigs. Only been to her once. Maybe after a few visits I'll relax a bit!

Ok i get you now. It was me duhh lol. Dont worry, they know guinea pigs theyl.be fine. I used to feel sick at my old vets, they were rough with my pigs and dropped one of my gerbils. Ul be fine

 

[Black piggies]

Ok i get you now. It was me duhh lol. Dont worry, they know guinea pigs theyl.be fine. I used to feel sick at my old vets, they were rough with my pigs and dropped one of my gerbils. Ul be fine

They sounded terrible. Kinda reassuring then not just me very upset by that kind of thing and hopefully new vet will help. Thanks.

 

[DMS260820]

They sounded terrible. Kinda reassuring then not just me very upset by that kind of thing and hopefully new vet will help. Thanks.

Its common that guinea pig owners have had bad vet experiences when new to owning them. Finding vets for pigs and small other pets isnt very easy.

 

[Swissgreys]

To take the stress out of catching them, for a few days beforehand at about the time you will need to catch them for their appointment, pop their carriers into their cage and place a really tempting treat inside. Leave the carrier door open.

Let the piggies walk in on their own, eat the treat and then come out again.

On vet day they will be so used to walking into their carrier for a treat that they won't be difficult to catch at all.
If the trip starts calmly you are more likely to be calm too.

 

[Wiebke]

I need to take the piggies to the vet again, one has a new lump and they need nails clipped. I find vet visits stressful beyond belief. Until I found this vet, vets always cut the pigs nails to bleeding point, one time bleeding wouldn't stop for ages. I worry they'll have something terminal. The pigs always seem about to go flying off the vet's table and I'm terrified they'll hurt themselves. It's so stressful getting them into their carrier. They're terrified at being handled by the vets as I do a lot of patting but not picking up. Watching my young son going into theatre for surgery I can honestly say didn't bring as much inner panic! Which is bonkers. How can I make it more manageable?

Hi!

I am sorry for your bad experiences.

You may find the tips and information in these guides here helpful:
Tips For Vet Visits
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

This guide here can help you to communicate with your piggies in ways that make instant and total sense to them. Giving constant reassurance and working around their prey animal instincts can make handling and the ordeal a lot easier. Be lavish with your praise and encouragement as well as with your commiseration. Bathe them in our pride while they are holding still etc.
I have also got a special sing song for my piggies to signal that the vet visit is over and that we are going hom.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Black piggies]

Hi!

I am sorry for your bad experiences.

You may find the tips and information in these guides here helpful:
Tips For Vet Visits

This guide here can help you to communicate with your piggies in ways that make instant and total sense to them. Giving constant reassurance and working around their prey animal instincts can make handling and the ordeal a lot easier. Be lavish with your praise and encouragement as well as with your commiseration. Bathe them in our pride while they are holding still etc.
I have also got a special sing song for my piggies to signal that the vet visit is over and that we are going hom.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Thank you. Love the idea of a song to tell them we're going home. They know a few sounds and words, so that should work well.

 

[Wiebke]

PS: We have got a recommended vets locator on the top bar. Recommended Guinea Pig Vets