Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Pets: How We Make Vet Visits Easier
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we understand that visiting the vet can be stressful for many dogs and cats. Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) can make veterinary visits difficult for both pets and their owners, leading to increased heart rate, trembling, vocalization, hiding, or even aggression. Our goal is to create a calm and positive experience for every pet that walks through our doors.
Recognizing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Pets
Pets communicate their discomfort in different ways, and it’s important to recognize the signs of FAS:
Dogs
- Panting, drooling, or excessive yawning
- Trembling or cowering
- Avoiding eye contact or turning away
- Growling, barking, or snapping
- Pacing or attempting to escape
Cats
- Hiding or freezing in place
- Flattened ears or dilated pupils
- Hissing, growling, or swatting
- Excessive grooming or shedding
- Refusing to leave the carrier
Our Approach to Reducing Stress
We take multiple steps to minimize FAS in our patients:
- Low-Stress Handling: Our team is trained in gentle handling techniques to make exams as comfortable as possible.
- Pheromone Therapy: We use species-specific calming pheromones in our exam rooms to create a soothing environment.
- Separate Dog and Cat Areas: We aim to reduce stress by keeping canine and feline patients in separate spaces when possible.
- Treat-Based Positive Reinforcement: We use food rewards to create a positive association with the vet visit.
The Role of Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals
For pets with moderate to severe anxiety, pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) can make a significant difference. These medications help relax your pet before their appointment, making the experience safer and more comfortable for everyone.
How to Get Pre-Visit Medications for Your Pet
If your pet experiences stress at the vet, we encourage you to discuss pre-visit medications with our team. We will work with you to determine the best option based on your pet’s medical history and level of anxiety.
Helping Your Pet Have a Positive Vet Experience
In addition to medications, there are several ways you can help prepare your pet for a stress-free visit:
- Acclimate to the Carrier (for cats): Keep the carrier out at home and reward your cat for going inside voluntarily.
- Practice Car Rides: Take short, positive trips to help your pet associate car travel with good experiences.
- Bring Favorite Treats or Toys: Familiar scents and rewards can help comfort your pet.
- Stay Calm: Pets pick up on our emotions, so remaining relaxed can help them feel more secure.
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to making vet visits as stress-free as possible. If you think your pet could benefit from pre-visit medications or other anxiety-reducing strategies, give us a call – we’re happy to help!