Taking the Fear Out of Veterinary Visits
The nervous anticipation builds as you pull up in the parking lot. Your heart starts to pound and the anxiety begins to make your palms sweat. Does that sound a little like how you feel when you go to the doctor’s?
Change the sweaty palms to sweaty paws and that is how many pet patients feel as they go to and enter a veterinary office.
It’s not a new phenomenon to be nervous for a veterinary visit, but for many pets, each visit adds more anxiety – you have to go in the car, they take your temperature and there might be vaccinations. And, if ever they were really scared from poor handling or a painful procedure, the stress is higher.
However, the answer is not to avoid taking your pet or pets in for needed preventive care examinations or when they are ill. What helps more is to talk with your veterinarian and find out what strategies – including the possibility of supplements or medications – that can make those visits less stressful for both you and your pet.
Why worry about our fearful pets?
One, regular care – whether for a well pet examination, an ear infection or an emergency – is necessary. To borrow a phrase from Dr. Marty Becker, it should not be “necesScary.”
Two, we have learned so much in recent years about the negative physiologic effects of stress and anxiety on our patients – along with having options and products to help make it better. It’s on our shoulders as veterinarians to improve things through action and education.
Where to Start
1. Be upfront with the veterinary staff that your pet has had previous bad visits and/or anxiety issues – they can make recommendations tailored to your pet. And, a focus on making the pet’s experience at the veterinarian good can be a criteria for practice selection.
2. Go hungry – fast your pet or give a reduced breakfast depending on the time of your appointment. Why? Because if your pet will accept treats and food at the veterinary office, they will be more relaxed. Please make sure to note any food allergies or issues.
3. Be calm – avoid speaking in a high-pitched voice – that “baby” voice can actually trigger stress, especially when traveling in the car.
4. Use pheromones – treat a favorite toy or blanket with calming pheromones such as Adaptil© for dogs and Feliway© for cats.
5. For cats, make sure the carrier is part of their environment as a bed or hidey hole and not just dragged out for vet visits. Have a favorite blanket with Feliway© to cover the carrier and make sure that the carrier is not flopping around on the car seat or off kilter.
6. Play classical music or even specially created pet music in the car.
7. For dogs, while you’re waiting in lobby or exam room, put them through their obedience training and tricks. They can’t maintain much anxiety if their focus is taken away.
8. For cats, allow acclimation time in the exam room – open the carrier and allow them to exit and wander the room.
Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet.com
A Few Veterinary Resources for Making Vet Visits Easier:
1. Help your pet love the vet – www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/help-your-pet-learn-to-love-the-vet
2. Cat calming for clients – www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/dont-dread-the-vet-cat-calming-strategies-to-make-visits-easier-on-everyone
3. For enrichment and stress reducing ideas for cats and dogs through the Ohio State University Veterinary College’s Indoor Pet Initiative – indoorpet.osu.edu/pet-owners