I have a just adopted a four year old maltese/cross. She has never been socialised, gone for a walk etc. She is very nervous and timid. She desperately needs to be taken to the vet for teeth problems but I am not able to pick her up or entice her into a carrier. She spends most of her day under the bed. Help.
Thanks for writing in and congrats on the adoption! Do keep up the great work
How long has it been since you adopted her? If she is still pretty nervous it might be best to give her more time before taking her through a traumatic veterinary experience which might end up making you the 'bad guy'. You don't want her losing your trust. You should also speak to your veterinarian about using a sedative treatment on her prior to the trip to the vet. As for a general treatment for her nervousness, please do look into using a DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) diffuser or collar on her (http://www.dapdiffuser.com/faq.html).
I hope this helps, please do write back if you have any other queries. Good luck
