A trip to see the veterinarian can be stressful for cats and dogs. New experiences, including car rides, new smells, and unfamiliar places, are common stress triggers for many pets. However, with some preparation and a few strategies, you can make the visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team provides these tips to help your pet have a low-stress experience at our friendly clinic. 

Meet and greet: Introducing your pet to the clinic

Schedule a meet-and-greet with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team before your pet’s exam appointment. Make the trip enjoyable by swinging by your furry pal’s favorite park or picking up a new toy during your outing. Bringing your pet into our clinic in a friendly, upbeat way can give them a chance to experience the clinic before any exam. This helps your pet become familiar with our team and the new smells, sights, and sounds.

Safe haven: Getting your pet used to their carrier

Many pets associate their crate or carrier with a ride to the dreaded veterinary appointment, instilling a negative association with the carrier. However, making the carrier a haven for your furry friend creates a positive association, reducing their fears when placed inside. To help your pet feel safe inside their carrier, follow these tips:

  • Start well in advance — Introduce the carrier or crate to your pet well before the visit.
  • Make the carrier inviting — Place your pet’s carrier in a familiar area of your home with the door open, and put some treats or toys inside to make it inviting.
  • Help your pet feel safe in their carrier — Encourage your furry friend to view the carrier as their den or safe space, where they can enjoy the comforts of home.
  • Praise your pet when they are inside the carrier — Reward your furry pal with treats and praise when they are inside the carrier

Time to go: Preparing your pet for their veterinary exam

Now that your pet has experienced the veterinary clinic and is warming up to their carrier, prepare them for their veterinary exam. Follow these practical tips:

  • Practice car rides — If your pet isn’t used to car rides, take short trips around the block to help them get accustomed to the car’s motion and sounds.
  • Bring comfort items — Bring along your furry pal’s favorite blanket, toy, or item with your scent to provide comfort during the exam.
  • Avoid feeding beforehand — Don’t feed your pet a large meal before the exam, as this can cause nausea and discomfort during travel.

Easy does it: Staying calm helps your pet

Pets sense their owners’ emotions, which can amplify their fears. Try to remain calm and positive to help reassure your pet that they have nothing to fear. Speak to your furry friend in a soothing and reassuring tone, and avoid raising your voice or showing frustration.

Chill out: Calming aids for pets 

Many pets have anxiety and fear during new situations or when experiencing unfamiliar stimuli. Many calming aids are formulated to decrease stress in pets. Pheromone sprays, such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs, release calming pheromones that can help reduce anxiety. Another option is calming treats or supplements. Discuss supplement use with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service veterinarian before administering new supplements to your pet so that we can ensure their safety and suitability.

Talk it out: Communicate with our veterinarian.

If you are particularly concerned about your pet’s anxiety, contact our veterinarian and inform them about your pet’s vet visit fears or worries. Communicating allows our team to take extra care to help make your pet feel comfortable. Ask if a quieter exam room is available, especially if your pet is particularly anxious or reactive around other pets. We will gladly accommodate you and your furry friend. 

Rewards to the rescue: Providing reassurance to your pet

After the vet visit, give your pet plenty of love, verbal praise, and reassurance. Offer treats and cherished toys for their excellent behavior. By making a positive association with the veterinary visit, your pet will eventually enjoy these trips and the attention they receive during the exam each time they come in for a visit.

By following our tips, you can help ensure your pet has a low-stress veterinary visit. With patience and preparation, you can turn veterinary visits into a routine part of your four-legged friend’s life that they can easily handle. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team if your pet struggles with fear or anxiety so we can help decrease their stress and encourage a happy, productive veterinary exam.