For some pet owners, getting their furry companion to the vet clinic is a challenge. Whether it’s a carrier standoff or a sudden escape attempt from the car, many pet owners know the struggle. While you can’t explain the benefits of a vet visit directly to your pet, there are simple tips to make the experience easier for both of you. Follow these steps to reduce vet-induced stress to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Pets Pick Up on Your Emotions
If you’re taking your pet to the vet because of a health issue or for surgery, it’s natural for you to have some trepidation. Unfortunately, your pet can pick up on your emotions and can adopt your stress level. The best thing you can do to help your pet enjoy the vet is to try and enjoy it yourself! You can prevent your pet from mirroring any negative emotions by using a reassuring voice, remaining calm, and going about your day like it is business as usual.
The key to success is to provide consistency as well as positivity. If you go too far in trying to calm your pet down by acting like a completely different person, you might make them more uncomfortable. Remember to be your usual loving, caring self; your pet will appreciate it.
It’s essential to have a general understanding of your pet’s body language so you can gauge how they are feeling during your visit.
Start Training Your Pet for Vet Visits at a Young Age
Some animals respond so poorly to the crates and car rides necessary to get them to the vet because they haven’t been desensitized to those things. If your furry friend only associates their carrier or car with a visit to the vet, they’ll immediately be wary and anticipate a stressful experience.
If you expose them to those things at a young age, kittens, and puppies can adapt well to a car ride or a carrier. It’s essential to start with small doses that gradually build over time and to always provide positive reinforcement before, during, and after the experience. With car rides, try to routinely go on short drives with your pet so they can get comfortable with being in the car, and don’t assume the destination is the vet’s office.
To acclimate your pet with their crate, keep it out and open around the house. Let them control when they go in and out in the comfort of your home first, so getting them into the crate when it’s time to see the veterinarian will not feel out of the ordinary. Be sure to pack your pet’s favorite toys, some treats, and soft bedding.
If your pet has no issues with being in their carrier or traveling in your car, you’re well on your way to getting them to the vet!
You’ll also want to get your pet used to the interactions they’ll encounter at the vet, just like you would socialize them to be comfortable with other animals and places. You can do this by inspecting your pet’s ears, handling their toes, scratching their tummy, and holding your pet close to your body while you give them pets and affection. This will teach them to associate the vet’s inquisitive touch with something positive.
Schedule Your Vet Appointments Wisely
Make sure to consider your pet’s temperament when scheduling appointments. Early mornings, Saturdays, and late afternoon appointments are usually the most crowded times to visit the vet. If your pet is comforted by being around other animals or if you think their curiosity about meeting another animal will distract them from their stress, then you shouldn’t have a problem with going during peak hours.
On the other hand, if you think the stress of other animals or the overstimulation of a crowded waiting room would exacerbate your pet’s anxiety, do whatever you can to avoid the crowd. If you’re unsure which day or time suits you and your pet, simply ask the veterinary staff, who can advise you.
Don’t fret if you aren’t able to schedule your appointment ideally, which happens all the time when life gets in the way. Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics has an option for our more anxious furry friends to wait in the car until their appointment if it makes them feel less stressed. You can also ask to be put into an examination room until your appointment instead of sitting in a crowded waiting room.
Keep Your Pet Occupied
If your pet is focused on a toy or a treat, they won’t have time to be stressed or fearful. Try to keep your pet occupied at the vet by bringing their favorite treat or toy or by talking to them in a normal, soothing way. You could even try running through some tricks to keep your pet’s mind off the vet visit. Cats especially appreciate having a cloth or familiar blanket draped over their crate, so they aren’t as vulnerable in the waiting room.
A Friendly Vet Near You
The best way to ensure your pet has a stress-free appointment is to take them to a competent and friendly team of veterinarians. At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, our staff prioritizes getting to know your pet and will spend time getting familiar with them before proceeding with the appointment. Once your pet has a bond with their vet, it won’t feel like a scary stranger is poking or prodding them.
Additionally, we have mobile veterinarian clinics that allow you to skip the crowded waiting room altogether! Contact us for more information about the mobile clinic if you think your pet would have a more enjoyable appointment outside.
