Does your cat run for cover when you pull out their carrier? Does your dog tremble in fear when you pull into the vet clinic’s parking lot? A veterinary visit may cause your four-legged friend to feel anxious. However, these appointments are necessary for your pet’s health and well-being. Our Shuler Veterinary Clinic team offers eight tips to ensure your pet’s veterinary visit is as smooth as possible, minimizing your and your furry pal’s stress. 

#1: Familiarize your pet with their carrier 

If you only bring out your pet’s carrier to take them to their vet appointment, your four-legged friend associates the carrier with something unpleasant. Crates and carriers should instill security and relaxation for your furry pal. At home, keep the crate or carrier open and place blankets, toys, and treats inside. Consider feeding your pet their meals inside the carrier so they associate it with something positive. Take fun trips to the park or other enjoyable places to instill positive associations with car rides.

#2: Practice handling your pet

Regularly handling and grooming your pet at home can help desensitize them to being touched and examined, making veterinary visits less intimidating. Spend time gently touching your pet’s paws, ears, and mouth, and rewarding them with treats and praise for their cooperation. Over time, they will be less resistant to physical exams. 

#3: Schedule a drop-in veterinary visit

For pets, their wellness exams can be scary experiences, such as getting their vaccines. However, you can help your pet make a positive association with the veterinary clinic. Contact our Shuler Veterinary Clinic team to schedule a drop-in visit for your furry friend. Make the experience positive by combining the clinic drop-by with a special trip to get a new toy or visit with a favorite friend or relative. While you’re here, offer your pet treats and allow them to sniff around so they become familiar with the clinic’s smells, sights, and sounds. 

#4: Use pheromone sprays to help your pet stay calm

Pheromone products, such as sprays, wipes, and diffusers, can help calm anxious pets by mimicking the natural pheromones that dogs and cats produce. Consider using these products in their crate or carrier, the waiting area, and the exam room to create a soothing atmosphere for your pet.

#5: Bring comfort items to your pet’s appointment

Bringing comfort items from home, such as a favorite blanket or toy, can give your pet a sense of security during their veterinary visit. Having something familiar to snuggle with can help reduce stress and help your pet relax.

#6: Stay calm to reassure your pet

Pets are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so staying calm and positive during your furry pal’s veterinary visits is essential. Speak to your pet soothingly, offer praise and reassurance, and remain calm if they feel anxious. 

#7: Speak to our veterinary team about your pet’s fears

We can use several techniques to minimize your furry pal’s stress during their visit. Alert our team before the appointment and describe your pet’s responses to unfamiliar places and experiences. When you arrive, we can swiftly take them to the exam room, for example, if your four-legged friend is reactive to other pets, noises, and smells in the waiting area. In addition, we routinely use canine and feline specific pheromones in our treatment room and provide pheromone treated blankets and bandanas on arrival. We also use lick pads containing high value treats to distract pets during vaccines and blood draws. Our team is committed to making your pet’s veterinary visit as stress-free as possible, and we utilize several techniques to keep your four-legged friend calm and happy.

#8: Reward your pet for their excellent behavior

Positive reinforcement is effective for training and acclimating your pet to new experiences. Rewarding your furry pal with treats, favorite activities, and snuggles can go a long way in helping them feel comfortable during their veterinary appointment. Use treats to reward your four-legged friend during the visit and for good behavior such as sitting quietly during exams and being brave during vaccinations.

#9: Consider pre-visit medication for your pet

Pre-visit medication is beneficial for many pets prone to stress associated with veterinary visits. These medications are typically administered orally before your pet leaves home to make transportation to the clinic and the veterinary visit easier for you and your four-legged friend.

Your pet’s veterinary visit doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you. By following these tips, you can help make veterinary visits stress-free and even enjoyable experiences. Remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive of your furry pal throughout the process, and don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or preferences with our veterinarian. To learn more tips and techniques for creating a stress-free vet visit, call our Shuler Veterinary Clinic team or book your pet’s appointment online.