The vet’s office is not often a pet’s favorite destination. Most humans don’t enjoy going to the doctor, but at least we have the advantage of understanding why we are going. When animals get too stressed about going to the vet, it can be hard to treat them properly. Reducing your pet’s fear of vet visits helps you ensure they get the best care possible. Here are 5 tips to decrease your pet’s anxiety when you visit the vet:
Introduce Them Slowly
Understandably, pets might feel scared about going to the vet. They’re packed up and driven to a place they rarely see with people they don’t know. And these people perform invasive and sometimes uncomfortable exams. Help your pet create positive associations with visiting the vet.
Take your pet to the vet when he or she doesn’t have an exam to help them adjust to the office without fear. Opportunities like Victory Visits at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital are designed to introduce your pet to the vet slowly and carefully. This familiarity can decrease anxiety when it’s time for a regular veterinary visit.
Get Rid of Some Energy
Exercise is a great way to release some anxious feelings. Before you leave for the vet, try to give your pet some extra exercise. If you can successfully tire them out, they will be less likely to be alert enough to be anxious at the vet. Take your dog on an extra long walk or have an extended play session with your cat to help them get rid of some of that nervous energy before it can turn into anxiety.
Bring Some Treats
Treats are a great distraction, even for anxious pets. Bring some treats with you to your next vet visit. Give them a few throughout the visit. You may even ask the vet techs and veterinarian to give your pet a few treats as well. This can help your pet create a positive association with the staff and the office.
Visit at Quiet Times
If your pet gets really overwhelmed by a lot of sounds and smells, it might benefit you to schedule a vet visit at one of the office’s quieter times. If your veterinary team can’t put you straight into an exam room, ask if you can wait outside with your pet. Minimizing outside distractions can help your pet feel calmer going into the visit.
Ask About Keeping Your Pet Calm During Vet Visits
Sometimes, a pet’s anxiety can supersede common tricks to calm it. If your pet is still suffering from severe anxiety at the vet, ask your doctor for suggestions to reduce their fear of vet visits. Specific pheromones or prescription medication can help keep the pet calm during the vet visit.
The team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital is here to make every visit as successful as possible for you and your pets. Please let us know if your pet is dealing with veterinary anxiety, and we will do what we can to keep the animal calm when you visit. To learn more, please call (248) 363-1508.