Are your pets fearful during veterinary visits?

We explain why some dogs and cats are fearful when they go to the vet and tips to make your pet feel more comfortable during their visits.

Many dogs and cats enjoy going to the vet as puppies but then as they get older they start to feel fear. Families often change veterinary clinics because they are worried that their pet had a bad experience because the pet starts shaking or being aggressive when they arrive at the clinic. 

Most pets who are afraid of the vet are afraid because of what they perceive as a negative experience in an unfamiliar place. When we think about the daily routine of pets, they have positive experiences when they go to the park, go for a walk, visit the doggy daycare, but the only place that is not always positive is visiting the veterinary hospital. Although the veterinarian is gentle, caring and affectionate with your pet, he might still perceive the interactions as a negative experience. 

Tips to help your fearful pet at the vet:

• Make sure he's comfortable on the trip to the vet. If your puppy gets motion sickness in the car, talk to your doctor so they can prescribe medications.

•  If your dog is anxious, ask that you prefer to wait inside an exam room or outside of the clinic and not in the waiting room. This way you avoid loud noises and interactions with other pets.

• Distract your pet during the exam. You can use cookies, peanut butter, cream cheese, and other yummy treats to calm him down.

• If your dog is aggressive during visits, train him at home to use a muzzle and put it on before entering the clinic.

• Teach your pet that he can have positive experiences at the clinic by taking him regularly only to say hello to the nurses, receptionists, and doctors while giving him cookies.

Some pets are so anxious and fearful that they recommend sedating them at home before the visit. Talk to your vet about safe options for your pet. I recommend using medications that are proven to work rather than using natural options for situations asstressful as vet visits.

TO KEEP IN MIND

Remember that your dog may start to be afraid of his vet even though he has always been treated with love, that he is afraid does not mean that he has been mistreated, there are things you can do from puppyhood so that they begin to associate the clinicwith positive things. Use muzzles, medications and training to make your visits more pleasant,.