You’ve likely been part of this routine at veterinary hospitals before. You head to your pet’s vet appointment, only to have to drag your dog by the leash or have your cat run away as soon as you pull out a pet carrier and when you finally catch your pet, she scratches you as you cram her into the carrier.
With COVID curbside appointments, you discover modified appointments mean you won’t be present for a large portion of your pet’s care. This adds to your stress, worrying about what will happen when your companion realizes you aren’t there to comfort her.
Your mind may race wondering about your pet’s reactions to other barking dogs or yowling cats.
When the visit is over, you feel bad and start contemplating how you can prevent the stress the next time your pet needs a check-up or veterinary care.
Stress affects pets — and people — negatively, and prevents veterinary staff from providing gold-standard care. Many offices have implemented low-stress handling techniques and cater to your pet’s needs, so we can achieve more with gentle handling.
To ensure your best friend has a calm, relaxed veterinary visit, follow these 10 steps.
• Drop by the hospital for happy visits.
If your pet goes to a clinic only for sick visits, vaccinations, blood work, nail trims, anal gland expressions, or other unpleasant activities, it likely will have a less-than-stellar opinion of what happens inside. Instead of visiting only for wellness and sick visits, drop by for happy visits packed with treats, love, and attention from the staff. With time and a positive association, your pet will be tugging at the leash to greet the staff, rather than trying to run back to the car. Speak with the vet staff about steps you can use to get your pet desensitized to vet visits, during COVID protocols.
• Acclimate your cat to the carrier.
Your cat likely equates the carrier with that dreaded annual car ride, so rather than dragging the carrier out of the closet for a yearly veterinary visit, leave it out all the time. Make the carrier a welcoming space with a cozy bed and catnip mouse, regularly tossing in treats. Your cat will wander in to sniff out the snacks, curl up for a nap, and eventually learn the carrier is a safe, comfortable place.
• Accustom your pet to handling at home.
This step is essential for low-stress veterinary visits. Many pets resist nail trims, ears cleaning, or ear exams, all of which are necessary. Accustom your four-legged friend to exams by pairing potentially unpleasant activities with high-value treats.
• Bring your pet hungry.
High-value treats go a long way toward putting a nervous pet at ease. Bring your dog or cat to its appointment hungry, and bring favorite treats. Some of my clients bring hollow bones, toys or kong toys filled with almond or peanut butter, which we allow them to lick during the exam and nail trims.
• Use calming pheromones and supplements.
Take the edge off your pet’s anxiety with supplements or species-specific calming pheromones. Wipe down your cat’s carrier with Feliway, spritz some on their bedding, and coax your pet inside 15 minutes after pheromone application. For your dog, you can use an Adaptil calming collar, or spray the pheromone on a bandana around the neck. Ask our team for recommendations before purchasing one of the many products available, since some ingredients can interfere with your pet’s medications.
• Ask about pre-visit pharmaceuticals for your anxious pet.
For nervous, fearful pets that become a quivering mass of nerves in veterinary hospitals, pre-visit pharmaceuticals that you give at home before an appointment provide excellent relief. Natural supplements or medications will help calm and relax the most nervous of pets, without over-sedation.
• Monitor your own stress.
Your best friend is incredibly in tune with your emotions, and will easily pick up on your stress. Stay calm, cool, and collected during your pet’s appointment, and you will likely see it mirror your behavior. Avoid scheduling an appointment when you are overscheduled. Rushing will make your pet more nervous. Remain calm with staff and your pet will see it is safe.
• Schedule your pet’s appointment for a slow part of the day.
Some pets do not like being with strange cats and dogs, and do best during non-peak times in the veterinary hospital. When scheduling your nervous pet’s appointments, ask for an appointment at the first part of the day or right after a lunch break.
• Minimize interaction with other pets while waiting.
Help your four-legged friend remain calm by avoiding interactions with other pets, keeping your dog focused on you, and covering your cat’s carrier with a blanket.
• Choose a veterinary team that…
Read More: Steps to help pet have stress-free veterinary visit