It is not uncommon to find your dog or cat panicking and afraid to visit the vet. One way you can make it easier for you and the veterinary hospital staff is to relax. Although there are many other things a pet owner can do, a change in attitude is by far one of the first steps that will have a dramatic effect on the overall situation. This may seem surprising; however, our pets are incredibly in tune with our feelings and moods. If a pet owner acts like a visit to the vet is the worst, it’s no wonder Fido or FeeFee is shaking on their paws.
A happy and carefree attitude is contagious. Not only do animals feel this cheerful disposition, but the vet will too! Of all the things that can spread quickly in a human and animal relationship, it is a positive attitude.
However, this is just the beginning. There are other ways to ease your pet’s anxiety about going to the vet.
First, we will try to understand why your pet may be afraid to go to the vet.
Most common reasons why your pet may be afraid to go to the vet:
1. There is no positive interaction between the vet and your pet. In your pet’s mind, “they go somewhere, maybe get injected, have their mouths opened against their will,” and so on. The vet should always relate to your pet in a way that keeps you both at ease.
2. Your pet intimidates the vet. This is not unusual. The pet feels this and literally “becomes the boss.” This is especially true with dogs. There are some vets who are absolutely terrified of some dog breeds.
3. Your pet, for whatever reason, is unhappy with this particular vet. Trust your pet’s instincts. Pets are good at picking up subtle vibrations that humans completely miss. If your pet doesn’t like someone, pay attention, there is something they are trying to tell you.
4. Something very traumatic happened earlier during a visit to the vet. Shelter animals often have negative veterinary experiences.
How to help your pet better cope with his next vet visit:
Car rides
For many pets, especially cats, car trips are something that ends disastrously, at least in their eyes. If the only time your pet travels in the car is when you go to the vet to have a thermometer placed somewhere you would rather not have it, the result is disdain for travel.
Solution: Sometimes take your pet for a walk. Dogs love to ride in cars watching the world go by or take them for a nice walk. Cats can enjoy a walk while you spoil them with treats. This will make your pet less anxious about future trips.
Carrier magic
For many pets, a carrier is an arch enemy. Why? Because going to the vet is usually the only time they are in one. It is not uncommon to see Fluffy running for the hills when the carrier leaves.
Solution: Let the baby carrier like it as part of your home décor. It may not match your art deco furniture, however, put it in a place that your pet sees every day, such as the laundry room. When pets are familiar with their carriers, they become more relaxed when it’s time to get on board..
Pleasant scents
Synthetic pheromones mimic animal scents and create a calming effect on your pet.
Solution: Synthetic pheromones can be purchased for both dogs and cats. In many cases, they help calm an apprehensive pet.
Keep them hungry
Take treats, but make sure your pet has an appetite for them. Your pet will be fine if he skips a meal before visiting the vet.
Solution: Bring your pet’s favorite treat to your next vet visit. Make sure they are the really delicious and delicious treats that they love.
Bring them all
If you have multiple pets, bring them all each time you visit the vet.
Solution: Bring goodies for the whole gang and congratulate them in abundance. They will see going to the vet as a big pet party!
The last drop
Some pets simply cannot bear a visit to the vet and require a little more help than a loving owner can provide.
Solution: Ask your vet to prescribe a mild anti-anxiety medication to help calm your pet’s anxiety.
Clearly, you may need your vet’s help to work out the details before engaging in some of the tactics mentioned above; however, there should be no difficulty in doing so.