What are some ways to reduce pet stress when visiting the veterinary clinic? By Tuscawilla Animal Hospital in Winter Springs Florida!

It is your friends in Winter Springs Florida at the Tuscawilla Animal Hospital! We wanted to discuss animal stress with you. First off, thanks for checking in with us to read about this topic. We hope you find it useful and helpful to the overall wellness of your pet!

Regular veterinary exams are important for all pets to live long, healthy & happy lives! Our veterinarians recommend all pets, even indoor cats and pets that appear healthy, have an annual exam each year (twice a year for senior pets) to help us help you identify problems before they become serious.

What are some ways to reduce pet stress when visiting the veterinary clinic? By Tuscawilla Animal Hospital in Winter Springs Florida!

We realize coming to the veterinarian can be stressful for your pets (and you).

Here are tips to help make your next visit easier for you and your pet:

• Kennel/Crate – Introduce your pet to a crate or kennel before it comes time to travel to the vet.
  • Bring the carrier out ahead of time to become accustomed to it.
  • Leave the door open so they can explore as they, please.
  • Reward if your pet enters the crate.

• Go on fun rides and reward with treats during and after.
  • Once your pet accepts the crate, the crate can be used to transport your pet to and from our vet clinic.
  • Consider placing stress-reducing products in or around the carrier (ask us for our recommendations).

• Hiding places – Pets might feel comfortable when they can hide.
  • Provide a blanket in the crate to hide under or to cover and give your pet a sense of protection.
  • Consider placing stress-reducing products on the blankets.

• Car rides – Place your pet’s crate on the floor of the front seat (if you have a small-sized pet) to provide a visual barrier as well as calming white noise from the engine running.
  • Safety belts specially adapted for dogs are also available.
  • Some pet owners use coverings for their backseats, sometimes called backseat hammocks or pet hammocks.
  • Place the crate in the trunk for bigger pets and keep the place well ventilated
  • If your pet gets car sick, ask us about strategies to alleviate the symptoms.

• Practice sessions. Call ahead to our vet clinic to find out when there is a quiet time to visit.
  • During the visit, your pet can calmly walk around the building and exam room.
  • Use treats and positive praise with your pet as you tour around.
  • If your pet is extremely stressed by going to the vet, let the staff know so they can take extra care and help to avoid worsening the stress.

• Distractions. Bring your pet’s favorite treats/toys to give them something positive to focus on during the visit.

• Come hungry – Pets will be more receptive to treats given at our vet clinic if hungry.

Call us for questions or additional tips to make your next vet visit stress-free!

How to get your pet more comfortable when going to the vet?

One of the main reasons your pet may stress about the vet is that they aren’t used to being handled in the ways a vet will. Some pets become agitated when they are pushed and poked, especially when it’s their tail or paws.

So, making sure your pet is comfortable is the first step to easing their anxiety. Before you head to the vet, put in some time when your pet is relaxed at home to get them used to be touched in places they may not be used to.

This will make them feel more at ease when your vet does need to do a physical examination. It’s never too late to start, but ideally, start this when they are young, and they will grow up being comfortable with having their ears/toes examined, etc.

What can a pet owner do to make their pet less stressed at the veterinary clinic?

Did you know that pets are intuitive? It is true, your pet is very intuitive and tuned into your emotions. If you are getting upset, you can bet that they will too. They can definitely pick up on their owner’s emotional cues.

So if you’re nervous and frazzled while heading to the vet, it will only add to your pet’s tension. Before (and during) your visit, make a point to talk to your pet in a calm, soothing voice.

Remember to be prepared with your pet’s medical history and leave with plenty of time so you’re not feeling rushed. Other important information your vet may find useful in understanding your pet’s health includes the names of any medications, supplements and/or parasite preventative treatments you’re using at home, as well as their usual diet and exercise regime.

Thanks for reading this blog article on – What are some ways to reduce pet stress when visiting the veterinary clinic?, this blog article was prepared by the Tuscawilla Animal Hospital.

The Tuscawilla Animal Hospital wrote this article to help you better understand ‘What are some ways to reduce pet stress when visiting the veterinary clinic?’. If you might still have questions, feel free to call us and ask our caring staff members who are caring for your pet.

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