Some of us know the stress that going to the doctor’s, dentist or any appointment can bring on. Now imagine going to a new place, with new people who regularly poke, prod and do very strange things to you and happen to speak a language you don’t understand, this is what your pet feels. We all want to help limit stress at the clinic and ensure your pets appointment is as stress free for them and you as possible. Here are some tried tips and tricks!
1. Bring them in hungry!
- If they are fans of treats if you skip breakfast/ give less at their meal prior to coming in they are more likely to take our treats, or treats that you bring in. This can help us win them over and use as distractions during exams or blood collections.
2. Bring in their favorite toy/ treats
- Some pets it can take a bit of winning over for us to gain their trust. If we have something familiar to them like their favorite toy or their favorite treats or even their kibble from home can help convince them, we are not so bad.
3. Consider pre-visit medications
- If your pet is reactive or very anxious in clinic consider medications like gabapentin or trazodone which can help minimize stress and allow them to process the appointment slower to avoid getting too stressed. These can also be used for car ride anxiety or for groomer appointments!
- This is especially helpful prior to surgery or sedation as these medications often allow us to use less injectables (which means hopefully fewer side effects) and have smoother anesthetic and recoveries.
4. Fun visits!
- Bringing your pet for fun treat visits can help make this space a positive environment! You do not need to book an appointment and can bring them by anytime to get snuggles and treats and walk around the space so they can feel more comfortable!
5. Touch desensitization
- At home, on walks, anytime try and get your pet comfortable looking in their ears, eyes, paws, mouth, everywhere! This can help them feel more comfortable when we are examining them know that this kind of touch is okay and safe.