We all know that a trip to the vet is not our pets’ favourite outing, and for some pets and their humans, it can be a very stressful event. There are, however, measures that we can take to limit the amount of stress that our pets experience when going to the vet.
1. Training and discipline
Formal socialisation and obedience training is essential for every puppy. This will teach your puppy to be confident and decrease handling stress at the vet. Positive reinforcement is an important training tool. Take some small treats with you to give to your dog when he is calm and well behaved. Distract him with a water squirt bottle that won’t be frightening for him. If he has then settled down a treat can be given to encourage calm behaviour. Adult dogs, and in particular those who suffer from severe anxiety, may benefit from a consultation with a behavioural specialist.
2. Distraction
Take your dog for a little walk around the parking area when arriving at your vet (if it is safe to do so). This will help very excited animals to offload some of their energy before your appointment. Exploring the area can help your dog to first become calm before entering the veterinary practice. This will also allow him to relieve himself.
If you have a particularly boisterous or anxious pet, you may want to report to the reception that you have arrived and then wait with your pet in the parking area or in your vehicle (weather permitting) until it is time for your appointment. This is also polite when you have a dog that barks a lot as it may frighten the other patients. Furthermore, there may also be people in reception that are very distraught or stressed and require some calm and quiet.
3. Correct equipment
Oftentimes, we find that owners struggle to control their pets at the veterinary clinic as they do not have the appropriate equipment. Always have your dog on a lead as soon as you exit your vehicle. Very long as well as retractable leads are not ideal for bringing your pet to the vet as they do not offer firm control. Although your pet may be friendly and well-socialised, you never know if the other patients in the waiting area are, or if they do not have a contagious illness. It is, therefore, safer to keep your dog near to you on a shorter lead and not allow him to roam around the waiting area. This is also good etiquette as other patients in the waiting area may be frightened by other animals.
Cats should always be kept in a secure cat carrier to ensure that they do not escape and run away. Putting a blanket over the top of the carrier may help your cat feel safer.
4. Distance from other patients
In particular, with anxious dogs and with cats, it is beneficial to seat yourself away from other patients, if at all possible. Keeping your pet close to you so that he can smell and hear you may also help to decrease his stress levels.
If you have to take children with you to your vet visit, they need to understand that they should never approach anyone else’s pets. There is no way to know if that animal is friendly or that they are not extremely frightened in that situation. If the child is too young to understand this, be sure to keep a close eye on them so that they do not wander off to a strange dog or cat. This is vital not only for the comfort of the animals, but also for their safety.
5. Calming aids
Various calming aids are available from your veterinarian. There are natural and herbal products that come in wipes, sprays, collars and oral medications to help lessen the anxiety of a vet visit. A thunder shirt is another helpful tool to try to make your pet less anxious. One can also bring a favourite toy or a shirt that you have worn (and thus has your scent on) to provide comfort. If your pet is particularly anxious or aggressive, you can discuss with your veterinarian the use of prescription sedatives.
We hope that these tips will help to make your pet’s next outing to the vet a less stressful one.
By: Dr Kathryn Knipe for Birnam Veterinary Clinic
