Few things have the potential to strike fear into the hearts of pets like a visit to the vet clinic. It’s necessary to make sure your pet is in their best health, and a visit to the veterinarian doesn’t have to be as stressful if you take a few steps to make the experience calmer and anxiety-free.
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. Your pet picks up on your emotion and can mirror your stress level. Try to remain calm, speak to your pet in a reassuring voice, and act like the visit is just a normal part of your day. Often, by trying to calm your pet by speaking to them in a way you normally don’t can provoke anxiety in and of itself. Be reassuring, but not over the top with your tone and concern. It will only heighten your pet’s fears.
Start Training Your Pet for Vet Visits at a Young Age
Kittens and puppies can adapt well to a car ride if you start them young, and if a car ride doesn’t always mean a stressful time is ahead. Start out with small trips around the neighborhood, followed by lots of love upon your return. With cats, it’s especially important to get them used to being handled as well as going for a ride in the car. You can do this by inspecting its ears, handling its toes, scratching its tummy, and holding your cat close to your body while you give them pets and affection. He or she will associate the vet’s inquisitive touching with something positive.
Acclimate Your Pet to Its Crate
If your cat or dog associates the crate with the stress, it can be hard to get them into it. Instead, leave the crate open and entice your pet into it with treats and toys. 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.
Schedule Your Appointments Wisely
Early mornings, Saturdays, and late afternoon appointments are usually the most crowded times to visit the vet. When you book your appointment, ask which days and times are usually the least busy so you can avoid the crowd. If you can’t schedule accordingly, you can always wait in your car until it’s your pet’s turn to see the vet (which is what clinics like Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics are doing now anyway due to COVID), or ask to be put into an examination room to wait on your appointment.
Keep Your Pet Occupied
Nothing can be scarier for pets than focusing on other animals that are equally fearful or inquisitive. To turn their attention away from other pets and people, occupy your pet with treats, toys, or by getting them to focus on you by talking to them in a normal, soothing way. It’s also comforting to have a blanket inside their carrier where they can snuggle up and partially hide from the waiting room scene. For cats, it’s very comforting to have a cloth you can drape over the crate so they won’t feel so vulnerable in the waiting room.
Friendly Vets
The veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic take extra steps to make your pet’s visit as stress-free as possible. They take a few minutes to get to know your pet and let them become familiar with them before they poke or prod. Likewise, Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic also has mobile veterinarian clinics you can visit that accommodates your pet outdoors, allowing you to avoid a crowded waiting room altogether.
