The most laid-back dog or cat can suddenly become a bundle of nerves when they sense that you’re about to take them to the veterinarian. We know a lot about stressed pets, as we’ve received our share of calls from clients rescheduling visits because their cat is under the bed or their dog is hiding behind the coats in the closet. Calming your anxious cat or dog is important not only to ensure a pleasant experience but also to avoid the potential for their stress altering vital readings and test results, which could obscure underlying problems and complicate diagnosis and treatment. 

Our Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital team recommends several strategies to help you minimize your pet’s stress, so they look forward to their next wellness exam. You can start doing a couple as part of your regular routine. 

De-stressing your pet at home

Teach your pet to accept gentle handling during quiet times at home. At least once a week, run your hands over their body, paying special attention to sensitive spots like their paws, ears, and mouth. This will help them take their next medical examination in stride.

Pets should enjoy spending time in their carriers and look forward to car trips as positive events. When you bring home a new carrier or crate, allow your cat or dog plenty of time to familiarize themselves with it before you transport them anywhere. Leave the container open so that your pet can enter and explore. Throw in a few treats for encouragement. When your pet seems ready, take them on weekly car trips with no purpose other than enjoying the ride. Take a few treats and toys along to add to the fun.

Calming strategies we can develop together

If your pet is unusually shy or fearful, we’d be happy to work with you to devise a de-stressing strategy well in advance of your next appointment. Let our veterinary team know what types of touching, handling, and other interactions your pet likes, as well as those that seem to cause them stress or fear. If your pet’s stress is extreme, we can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication before veterinary visits. Also, we can provide products such as calming supplements, compression garments, eye shades, pheromones, or music that may also help your pet relax.

You’re welcome to stop by once in a while to say “Hello” and let your dog or cat enjoy treats and cuddles from our friendly team. These happy experiences will help your pet replace negative associations with positive ones and look forward to the next visit.

Talk with us before you make an appointment. Find out what days and hours are less busy than usual at the vet hospital, and schedule visits for those times. You won’t need to wait long, and your dog or cat will avoid stressful encounters with other animals. If you can’t avoid arriving at a busy time, ask if you can take your nervous pet directly to an exam room.

5 ways to ensure positive vibes on the day of your visit

  • Skip your pet’s breakfast — Don’t feed your pet on the morning of their vet visit so they will arrive at the clinic hungry. Once there, feed them a small meal right before they see the veterinarian. Focusing on the food should serve as a pleasant distraction and help them relax. 
  • Take comforting items — If your pet has a favorite blanket or toy nearby to soothe them, visiting the veterinarian will seem less stressful.
  • Stay calm, cool, and collected — Dogs and cats pick up on our stress. Keep your cool as the vet visit approaches, so you don’t add to your pet’s anxiety. If necessary, use calming aids like pheromone sprays or collars, calming supplements, or prescribed medications to help your pet relax.
  • Keep the visit positive — During the visit, stay with your pet if you can, praising them and offering a treat or a toy to play with, if the veterinarian says it’s OK. This is one more way to help your dog or cat start seeing vet visits as good times.
  • Follow the visit with fun — When you return home after your successful vet visit, reward your pet with more praise, and join them in a favorite activity, such as playtime with the interactive toy your cat loves or a romp in the dog park with your pup.

We want your cat or dog to enjoy visiting us as much as we enjoy spending time with them. Contact our Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital team to schedule your pet’s next wellness screening or for more stress-reducing suggestions.