How to help your pet overcome the fear of visiting the vet

16-05-2022

It is not unusual to find your pet, dog or cat, in a panic and afraid to visit the vet. One way to make it easier for yourself 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 trip to the vet is the worst thing of all, it’s no surprise that Fido or FeeFee are shaking on their paws.

A happy-go-lucky outlook is contagious. Not only do the animals feel this sunny disposition, but the vet will too! Of all the things that can spread quickly in a human and animal relationship, it’s a positive attitude.

However, this is only the beginning. There are other ways to calm your pet’s anxiety about going to the vet.

First of all, we will try to understand why your pet may be afraid of going to the vet.

Most common reasons why your pet may be afraid of going to the vet:

1. There is no positive interaction with the vet and your pet. In his pet’s mind, “they go somewhere, maybe give them injections, open their mouths against their will,” and so on. The vet should always interact with his pet in a way that keeps both of you comfortable.

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 certain breeds of dogs.

3. Your pet, for whatever reason, is not happy with this particular vet. Trust your pet’s instincts. Pets are good at picking up subtle vibrations that humans miss. If your pet doesn’t like someone, pay attention, there is something they are trying to tell you.

4. Something very traumatic happened previously during a visit to the vet. Shelter animals often have negative experiences with the vet.

How to help your pet better cope with their next visit to the vet:

car rides

For many pets, particularly cats, because wrinkles are something that ends disastrously, at least in their eyes. If the only time your pet rides in the car is when he goes to the vet to get a thermometer poked somewhere he’d rather the vet didn’t, the result is a disdain for traveling.

Solution: Take your pet for wrinkles from time to time. Dogs love riding in cars watching the world go by or taking them for a nice ride. Cats can enjoy a walk while you pamper them with treats. This will make your pet less anxious about future trips.

magic bearer

For many pets, a carrier is an archenemy. Why? Because going to the vet is usually the only time they are at one. It’s not uncommon to see Fluffy running for the hills when the carrier leaves.

Solution: Leave the baby carrier as part of your home decor. It may not match your art deco furniture, but put it in a place your pet sees every day, like the laundry room. When pets are familiar with their carriers, they become more relaxed when it’s time to board..

pleasant aromas

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 it’s the really yummy and yummy treats that they love.

bring them all

If you have multiple pets, bring them all each time you visit the vet.

Solution: Bring treats for the whole gang and give them lots of praise. They’ll see going to the vet as one big pet party!

the last straw

Some pets just can’t stand a visit from 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 putting some of the tactics mentioned above into action; however, there should be no difficulty in doing so.

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