How to ensure your pet has a stress free veterinary visit

The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells at Sylvan Veterinary Hospital can cause some pets to become very anxious. Unfortunately, they don’t understand that poking them with needles, checking their temperature, touching their ears and paws, or shining a light in their eyes is beneficial to their health, and they can become highly stressed.

You can reverse this fear and help your pet develop positive associations with veterinary care by doing some or all of the following:

Paws, nails, and ears are common areas of the body that pets dislike having touched, but you can work on any sensitive body area by lightly touching it while offering your pet a reward. Rewards can consist of treats, toys or positive praise. Gradually lengthen the time you hold a body part until your pet no longer resists having it handled. Go slow – Listen to your pet and only increase the intensity when your pet is comfortable. Desensitizing your pet to this type of handling makes for a more pleasant visit for everyone, but most importantly your pet.  

 If a loud, crowded waiting room makes your nervous pet’s anxiety worse,  consider waiting in your car. We will call you when we have a room available. 

If your pet gets in the carrier or car only when they go to the veterinarian and have had previous stressful visits, they will soon learn that the car corresponds to a scary event. When your pet sees the carrier or you ask them to get into the car, their anxiety kicks in long before they arrive at our office.

Teach your cat to love their carrier by keeping it out. and creating an inviting, warm space with blankets and toys, and frequently place treats or their favorite foods inside.   For dogs with car anxiety, take quick trips around the block or to nearby places they enjoy (such as Poocheychef!), offering treats during the ride. As your dog becomes more comfortable with car rides, gradually increase your trip length.

 Pets are incredibly tuned into their owners’ emotions. If you are worried or anxious you might put off an anxious energy that your pet will pick up on. If you remain calm and behave normally, your pet will remain calm. 

 Sometimes a pet’s stress response is too extreme to reverse without assistance. Anti-anxiety medications can be given before veterinary visits to decrease their reactivity and help them learn to make new associations. Not only does this make it safer for your pet but also you and the staff.  

Please see the below document if your pet has been prescribed medications to ease their anxiety during a visit.