Many pets become overly stressed or fearful at the veterinarian’s office and, unfortunately, pet owners have come to view this response as normal. But, veterinary professionals know that a pet’s emotional state is equally as important as their physical state. Measuring accurate vital signs is difficult when pets are stressed and chronic anxiety and fear can worsen medical problems. 

Our Bartow Animal Hospital team knows that preparation and attention to detail make low-stress visits possible, and we make every effort to reduce stress during your pet’s visit. You can help by taking steps at home, in transit, and during the visit. Here are our top tips for creating low-stress veterinary visits.

#1: Acclimate your pet to their carrier or the car

A low-stress veterinary visit starts at home and during transport. Many dogs enjoy car rides, but you should ensure each ride is a positive experience. Try going for a short drive, offering treats in transit, and then returning home. If your dog suffers from car sickness, our team can prescribe medications.

For cats, acclimation to their carrier is crucial. Leave the carrier, with comfy bedding and treats inside, in your home. Once your cat voluntarily spends time in their carrier, ask—not force—them to go inside, offering a treat or other reward (i.e., brushing, petting), close the door for a few seconds, and then let them out. Gradually increase the time your cat spends in the carrier with the door closed, always ensuring that they are calm and content.

#2: Ask your veterinarian for pre-visit pharmaceuticals

Pre-visit pharmaceuticals are anti-anxiety or sometimes sedative medications that help to reduce stress before pets enter the building. Pets—and people—are wired in their brains to form strong connections between negative experiences and an immediate fearful response, and pets with negative past veterinary experiences will be overcome with fear and stress when they enter the clinic. Medications can help lower this reaction, and you can build a positive association for your pet who enters the facility feeling calm.

#3: Skip your pet’s breakfast and bring their favorite treats

Treats are critical for pets to form positive associations with veterinary visits. Bring your dog hungry and offer them treats liberally—you cannot treat a pet too much during a veterinary visit! Sick pets with stomach issues or who need fasting blood tests are the exceptions. This method may be less effective for some cats, who will need different rewards.

#4: Use calming products before and during the visit

Calming products can work together with pharmaceuticals to help your pet feel calm and relaxed. They are also helpful for initial veterinary visits when pharmaceuticals have not been provided. Anti-anxiety chews, pheromone collars and sprays (e.g., Feliway, Adaptil), and anxiety wraps (e.g., ThunderShirts) help some pets.

#5: Bring your pet to the veterinary clinic for happy visits

Pets who have only negative experiences at the veterinary clinic will struggle to form positive associations. Since your pet typically visits the veterinarian when they are sick or need an unpleasant service, you must dilute those experiences with “happy visits,” which have only one purpose—for your pet to receive tasty treats and love from our team, and then go home. Ask how and when we can incorporate these visits into your pet’s care plan.

#6: Remain calm during your pet’s visit

Pets are tuned in to our emotions and can read our moods—this is how they adapted so well to living with people. When they feel anxious or stressed in a situation, they will turn to you for validation. If you are clearly worried about your pet’s visit or embarrassed by their behavior, they will sense your trepidation and their fear or anxiety will worsen. Speak with our team ahead of time if you anticipate problems with your visit, so we can create an action plan that will help your pet, such as splitting up services or trying pre-visit medications, and reduce your anxiety.

Pets are intelligent and emotional, and they often feel nervous at the veterinary clinic. Since we cannot convince our furry friends that veterinary care is for their own good, we must take steps to reduce their anxiety and help them feel comfortable in the clinic. Contact the Bartow Animal Clinic team to schedule your pet’s next appointment—we will do everything possible to ensure their visit is low-stress, and may discuss anxiety medications or recommend other methods for reducing stress and anxiety during future veterinary visits.