Taking your cat or dog to the veterinary clinic can be a stressful experience for pets and their owners alike. Your furry friend doesn’t understand the purpose of this strange place with unfamiliar smells, noises, and handling by strangers in scrubs and white lab coats. As a result, many pets associate vet visits with fear and anxiety which leads to uncooperative behavior during exams and treatments. However, with some preparation and planning, you can help make vet visits less intimidating for your beloved companion animal. This article will provide tips for preparing your pet beforehand to set them up for success.

Scheduling Considerations

Start setting your pet up for a fear-free vet visit even before the appointment is booked. If your pet is in need of special care for things like extreme fear or aggressive behaviour, inform your veterinary clinic so they can help accommodate your pet for a low-stress visit. Whenever possible, schedule appointments early in the morning or in the late afternoon when traffic in the waiting room is lower. Feel free to request anything that may make your pet feel less overwhelmed. If your pet is anxious around other animals, ask if staff can escort you directly back to an exam room upon arrival. Schedule a FREE “Happy Visits” with your pet to familiarize them with the veterinary clinic and staff. Get your pet to go onto the scale, say hello to staff members and possibly even check out an exam room – all while getting treats! This will allow your pet to associate the clinic with positivity rather than fear, making their veterinary visits less stressful.

Get Pets Used to Car Travel

Many pets associate the car ride to the clinic with the stress of the visit itself. Make efforts to get your dog or cat comfortable with car travel generally, not just for vet trips. Take them on short drives to fun destinations like the park or pet store a few times a week so they don’t only ride in the car when going to the vet. Use blankets and favorite toys from home in their crate or carrier to create a familiar environment. Talk to them in a happy, soothing voice throughout the drive.

Perform Practice Handling Exams at Home

Simulating vet exam procedures at home helps acclimate your pet to the types of handling required at the clinic. Gently touch their paws, ears, mouth, belly, tail and hindquarters while praising them. Mimic listening to their heart with a stethoscope. Perform mini eye, ear, and oral exams using tools. Reward them with treats and praise for cooperating. This reduces the shock of new experiences at the actual vet visit

Follow Proper Fasting Guidelines

Your vet will provide instructions on when to withhold food and water before certain appointments or laboratory tests or those requiring sedation or anesthesia. Follow these recommendations closely to prevent complications like vomiting or aspiration. Never restrict food and water unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.

Bring Comfort Items from Home

Fill your pet’s carrier or crate with familiar items like an old blanket or bed from home. Their own toys, especially those with your scent on them, can provide a sense of security. You can also bring their favorite treats to help distract them in the waiting room or exam room. Just clear any items with clinic staff first.

Use Calming Aids and Medications

Natural calming aids like pheromone sprays and wipes can help take the edge off during the appointment. Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are synthetic pheromones that induce relaxation. Prescription oral anxiety medications may be prescribed by your vet for extremely fearful pets. Follow dosage instructions carefully. If your pet will need sedation for a procedure, ensure proper fasting beforehand.

Arrive Early, But Not Too Early

Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This provides a buffer so you don’t feel rushed. But avoid arriving 30+ minutes early, as the longer wait can be stressful for already anxious pets. Use the extra time to allow your pet to relieve themselves outside before going in. Politely request the chance to wait in your vehicle until the exam room is ready if the waiting area is crowded.

Provide Updated Medical Records

Be sure to bring your pet’s full medical history and list of medications, supplements, and current doses. This assists the veterinarian in providing appropriate care. Note any health or behavior changes you’ve observed since the last visit no matter how minor they may seem. Bring proof of current vaccinations as well. Having all this information readily available helps the appointment run smoothly.

Stay Calm Yourself

You know your pet best. Politely advise clinic staff on best practices to keep your pet comfortable, like minimal restraint or touching. However, don’t interfere with necessary handling. If your pet begins acting anxious, let the veterinary team handle the situation to avoid anyone getting hurt. Your own anxiety is contagious for your pet, so breathe deeply and stay as calm as possible. It sets the tone. 

In Conclusion

Preparing your dog, cat or other pet for a successful veterinary visit requires planning, patience and compassion. Allow plenty of time for travel, arrive early, and bring comfort items from home. Use calming aids if needed and follow fasting instructions closely. Practice handling at home to get your pet comfortable with being examined. Stay calm and let staff safely handle your pet. While the clinic can seem intimidating to pets at first, your efforts to reduce stress will go a long way in providing them with the best possible healthcare experience and improved well-being.

Preparing Your Pet for a Stress-Free Vet Visit With Animal Clinic of East Durham!

Make your pet’s veterinary visits a breeze with helpful tips from Animal Clinic of East Durham, the trusted veterinary clinic in Bowmanville. We understand the stress and anxiety that can come with vet visits, both for pets and their owners. With proper preparation, you can help ease your furry friend’s fears and ensure a successful and comfortable experience.

At Animal Clinic of East Durham, we provide comprehensive veterinary care to keep your pet healthy. From wellness exams and vaccinations to specialized services like orthopedic surgery and dermatology, our skilled team is dedicated to your pet’s well-being. Trust us to provide compassionate care and tailored treatment plans. Contact us for an appointment today.

Choose Animal Clinic of East Durham, your trusted Durham Region veterinary clinic, for compassionate and professional care. We prioritize your pet’s comfort and well-being at every visit!