We know the look you’re dreading.
It’s the one your dog gives you when you pull into the parking lot of the vet’s office. Instead of the trip to the park they expected, you’ve betrayed all their hopes of happiness.
Or when your cat sees the carrier come out. That look of panic and instant dash to hide under the bed, behind the boxes in your closet, or anywhere else they hope you can’t reach them.
It doesn’t have to be this way! As a fear-free certified clinic, we want to make veterinary visits less frightening and less stressful for everyone involved. Here’s what you can do at home to help your pet overcome their fear.
How to Help Your Pet Stop Being Scared of Vet Visits
Step 1: Practice Makes Perfect
Pull Out Carriers Regularly or Make Them Fixtures
If you only pull out the carrier when your pet needs to go to the vet, they’ll learn to avoid it. There are two ways to help your pet overcome their fear of the carrier. One common way is to pull the carrier out every so often and allow your pet to get inside on their own, or to leave treats inside the carrier for them to find.
The way we feel works best is to make the carrier a permanent part of your home. Keep it in a place your pet frequents and put a blanket or comfort item inside to help them learn to love (or at least tolerate) time inside their carrier.
Take More Car Trips with Your Pet
Taking your pet for a ride in the car can help them stop associating travel with a visit to the vet. This will make it easier, eventually, to get your pet into the car when they have their next checkup. Driving past your veterinarian’s office once in a while can also help reduce your pet’s anxiety when you arrive.
Train Your Pet to Get Used to Human Touch
If your pet is used to you touching their tail, paws, ears, and mouth, when the vet does the same, it won’t seem so strange. We aren’t suggesting you annoy your pet, but casually touching them while giving them pets or snuggles can help them learn to tolerate exams. It can also make it easier for you if you need to check your pet for an injury.
Step 2: Start Getting Ready Well Before Your Visit
Get Your Pet Tired Out
A vigorous walk or play session before an exam can make it go a little easier. Pets who are tired out would usually rather rest than fight or run away. Physical activity is also a great way to bring stress levels down.
Break Out the Good Treats and Toys
This is why you have them! Once your pet starts to associate the “premium” treats with going to the vet, they might feel a bit more relaxed about the whole situation. They may even be more willing to go through an examination if they keep getting their favorite treats. If your pet is not food-motivated, try stashing their favorite toy away for a day or two, and pulling it out when you arrive at the vet.
Talk With Your Vet Beforehand
Is there a quieter time at the office? Does my pet need medication? Can we wait in the car instead of the lobby?
It’s always a good idea to let your vet know in advance if your pet tends to have anxiety about checkups. Sometimes a quick conversation with the staff before the appointment can help you manage your pet’s stress levels.
3: Keep Yourself Calm
If you’re feeling anxious, so is your pet! Our pets can sense our emotions, and when we feel worried or stressed, they will too. We know it can be hard, especially if you are going to the office for a medical emergency, or are worried about your pet’s health. Try to find a relaxation technique (like calming music or deep breathing) that you can use when the idea of going to the vet makes you tense up.
4: Follow Up with Something Good
We don’t know about you, but we like to reward ourselves after we have to do something we don’t really like. Pets like rewards after uncomfortable experiences, too. For dogs, this could be a pup cup from your local coffee shop, or maybe a romp at their favorite dog park. For cats, a good reward could be a new toy to play with or an extra helping of wet food.
Veterinary Care That Won’t Make Pets Shake in Fright
We understand that visiting the vet might not be your or your pet’s favorite activity. But at East Valley Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to offering fear-free care for all pets. As a fear-free clinic, everyone on our staff has extensive training that helps us provide even the most nervous pets with the best care possible.
If you are looking for a fear-free veterinarian in Gilbert, contact us today to make an appointment. Photo by dh foto on Unsplash.