Visiting the veterinarian can be stressful for pets and their owners, because the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can make even the most well-behaved pets anxious. However, careful planning and preparation can help ensure your furry friend has a stress-free veterinary visit. Our Tender Touch Animal Hospital shares strategies that will help ensure a smooth-as-possible veterinary experience for you and your pet. 

#1: Practice handling your pet 

Many pets get anxious during veterinary visits, because they are not used to being handled by strangers. To prepare your pet, spend time at home practicing gentle handling and touching exercises, which should involve touching your pet’s ears, paws, and face, and gently opening their mouth to check their teeth. This will help them become more comfortable with handling while they are examined. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration, always using treats and praise for positive reinforcement.

#2: Familiarize your pet with their carrier

The carrier is the safest and most comfortable way to transport cats and small dogs to their veterinarian. However, many pets form negative associations with their crate, which only gets used as transport to the veterinary hospital. Help your pet create a positive association by placing the carrier in a familiar, comfortable, home environment. Leave the door open, put some treats and a soft blanket inside, and encourage your pet to enter the carrier on their own—never force them inside. Start with short, positive sessions in the crate and gradually increase the amount of time. You can also associate the carrier with positive activities, such as feeding or playtime. Over time, your pet will become more comfortable in the carrier, which they will see as a safe place, and travel and veterinary visits will be much less stressful. 

#3: Practice traveling with your pet 

Practice makes perfect, and getting your pet accustomed to traveling in the car can decrease their stress levels on their appointment day. Take your pet on short car rides, gradually increasing the length of each trip. Ensure you give your pet treats while they are in the car, so they develop a positive association. Also, leave yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment, so you arrive calm and collected. If your dog is prone to car sickness, ask your veterinarian about medication to help prevent an upset stomach. 

#4: Learn your pet’s stress signs

Recognizing your pet’s stress signs will help you prepare them ahead of time for a veterinary visit or other potentially stressful situations. The signs can vary, but often include:

  • Hiding, or avoidance behavior
  • Excessive panting, or drooling
  • Shaking
  • Barking, growling, howling, meowing, or hissing
  • Biting or scratching when approached or touched 
  • Excessive shedding during an exam or other stressful situation
  • Pacing or hyperactivity
  • Changes in eye and ear positions 
  • Changes in body posture (e.g., tail tucking, cowering)
  • Inappropriate urination or defecation

#5: Schedule your pet’s appointment strategically

Strategic scheduling of your pet’s appointment can help ensure you are not stressed when you take your pet to the veterinarian, which will help your pet stay calm, because they pick up on your anxiety. Try to schedule your highly anxious pet’s appointment during less busy times, such as in the morning, which can expose your pet to fewer people and animals, and they will be less overwhelmed. Also, prepare before the visit any paperwork you need and questions you want to ask the veterinarian, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed during the appointment. 

#6: Use treats to distract your pet

Tasty treats can be a powerful distraction for a nervous pet. Don’t feed your pet for several hours before their veterinary visit, and take a generous supply of your pet’s favorite treats to reward their good behavior and distract them for diagnostic procedures. In addition, ensure you take your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to their veterinary appointment. 

We understand that veterinary visits can be stressful for pets and people, and we want to make your experience with us as comfortable as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Tender Touch Animal Hospital—we welcome questions ahead of your appointment so you feel prepared, and you and your pet are less stressed.