Vet visits can be nerve-wracking for both pets and their owners. But you know your animal best, so by taking steps ahead of time to prepare, you can help lessen his anxiety about his visit to the veterinarian.
Keep detailed notes regarding any physical or behavioral changes your pet has recently displayed to bring to their appointment with the veterinarian, to allow them to focus on your concerns and answer your questions effectively.
Take Your Dog for a Walk
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and excitement from time to time. Exercising regularly and providing mental stimulation are great ways to keep them calm and contented. If you notice that she seems particularly distressed during walks, shorten them so she feels more at ease and less reactive.
Some dogs show subtle signs of anxiety, like pacing or shaking. This behavior could be the result of being alone for too long or encountering unfamiliar environments – all potential sources of stress for your canine friend. When this happens, try using synthetic versions of dog appeasing pheromones – synthetic equivalents to those released naturally when female dogs nurse their puppies.
To help your dog feel more at ease during walks, select a route that avoids her triggers and stick with it so she becomes familiar with the routine. Also be mindful not to walk on asphalt in hot weather as this can burn paw pads and lead to heatstroke.
Bring His Favorite Toys
Dogs may become anxious and react negatively upon entering a vet’s office, making them hard to work with and difficult to control. Cats may experience similar difficulties.
Bring their favorite toy or playing arrangement to the vet office as an aid and distraction, or to reward good behavior – stuffed Kong filled with peanut butter or chewy meat snacks is great. In fact, many vets keep these treats on hand for clients when their pet requires extra encouragement during procedures like taking temperatures or receiving injections.
One strategy you could employ before taking your dog to the vet is skipping breakfast altogether and only giving a small serving of their favorite food on the day of their appointment. This will keep them treat-motivated while providing more accurate bloodwork results should bloodwork be required during the visit.
Make the Waiting Room Comfortable
There are a few steps that can help make waiting room appointments less stressful for both pets and their owners. By adding some soothing natural colors to the decor and furnishings, reducing background music volume, and providing sufficient seating options, waiting rooms can create an environment conducive to calm waiting experiences for both.
If you have the space, consider creating a quiet zone where noise levels can be reduced even further, especially for older or ill pets who become anxious easily. Lending out ear muffs to clients may also help ease stress levels.
Small pets such as birds and cats should also be kept in carriers to reduce any chances of them being startled by other aggressive and potentially injured animals in the waiting room. Furthermore, bringing treats with you may help your pets remain calm during their visit and focus on what matters.
Ask Your Vet for Help
Visits to the vet are essential to keeping your pet healthy, but you can make their trip less traumatic by taking steps that reduce anxiety for both of you. Animals may become overwhelmed by all the sights, smells and sounds present at a vet office; even well-trained ones might become anxious enough to try escaping or become aggressive – so make sure your pet’s safety is ensured with leashes or carriers, adding familiar scents such as blankets or pillows so as to create a comforting homey environment in which to hide.
Ask the receptionist to arrange your appointment during a time when the vet office is typically quieter; this will reduce stress for your pet by eliminating his exposure to other people and animals in the waiting area.
Be sure to mention any behavior or symptoms that concern you during the exam, as your veterinarian is there to listen and help provide solutions tailored specifically for your pet’s individual health needs.https://www.youtube.com/embed/xbhYIHSIyNE