Most puppies are full of energy and love to play. This is great, but it can also be a bit of a challenge when it comes time for their vaccinations. Puppies need to be calm and relaxed before getting their shots, and there’s only one way to make sure that happens: tire them out!
In this blog post, we will discuss how to wear out your puppy before their vaccinations using games and exercises.
Why is it important to tire your puppy before vaccinations?
Vaccinations or even vets, in general, are often a source of anxiety for puppies. They may have had bad experiences in the past or just be generally nervous about meeting new people and going to new places. This can make it difficult for them to stay calm when getting their vaccinations.
By tiring out your puppy before their appointment, you will help them to relax and feel more comfortable. This will make the experience much better for both of you!
Is it really necessary?
This isn’t really a simple yes or no answer. If your puppy is full of energy and you know they’ll be bouncing off the walls at the vet, then tiring them out beforehand is definitely a good idea. However, if your puppy is relatively calm and relaxed, they may do just fine without any extra exercise.
It really depends on your puppy and how they react to new situations. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and tire them out before their appointment!
How do I tire out my puppy before vaccinations?
Now we know why it’s important to tire out your puppy before their vaccinations, let’s discuss how actually to do it.
Smelling Exercises
Did you know that sniffing is one of the best ways to tire out your dog? Dogs have over 100 million smell receptors in their noses, which is way more than humans! This means they can smell things we would never even think of.
You can use this to your advantage by doing some smelling exercises with your puppy. Hide treats around the house or in the yard and let them sniff them out. This will tire them out of their brain as they try to figure out where the treats are hidden.
You can also try using different types of toys with your puppy. This could be anything from a Kong toy filled with peanut butter to a snuffle mat. The key is to make sure that the toy is interesting and will keep your puppy’s attention.
Try playing fetch or tug-of-war with your puppy
Fetch is a classic game that most puppies love. All you need is a toy and some space to play. Throw the toy and let your puppy chase after it. Once they’ve got the toy, encourage them to bring it back to you so you can throw it again.
Tug-of-war is another great game that can be played with almost any type of toy. Just be careful. Puppies have very weak jaws and teeth, so you don’t want to tug too hard!
Play hide and seek
This great game will use up a lot of your puppy’s energy. You can play hide and seek inside or outside, whichever you prefer.
To play, simply have your puppy sit or stay while you hide. Once you’re hidden, call their name and encourage them to come find you. This game is fun for your puppy and will also help them learn their name and how to follow commands.
Do some training
Training doesn’t have to be boring! You can make it into a game by using treats as rewards.
Try doing some basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. As your puppy gets better at following the commands, you can make the exercises more difficult. For example, you could have them sit while you walk away from them or stay while you open the door.
Training requires a lot of your puppy’s focus and attention, so it’s a great way to tire them out.
Can I take my puppy for walks before vaccinations?
Although walks are a great way to tire out your puppy, it’s important to wait until after their vaccinations before taking them for walks outside. This is because young puppies are very susceptible to diseases and infections.
If you want to take your puppy for walks before their vaccinations, you can do so inside your home or in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to keep them away from any other animals or people.
Wrapping Things Up
So there you have it, four exercises that are sure to tire out your puppy before their vaccinations. A tired dog is a calm dog, and a calm dog is much easier to vaccinate!
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re ever unsure how your puppy will react to their vaccinations, talk to your veterinarian beforehand. They will be able to give you tailored advice based on your puppy’s individual needs.
