If a visit to the doctor causes your heart to race and blood pressure to skyrocket, you’re not alone. Pets often feel the same way about visiting their veterinarian. A trip to a veterinary hospital can be stressful for pets and people alike and can induce anxiety in even the most laidback creatures. However, routine wellness and urgent veterinary care are necessary, and you should not forgo ensuring your pet receives the care they need simply to avoid anxiety.

To ease your pet’s stress—and yours—our Family Pet Care team shares valuable tips on how to make veterinary visits a positive experience. Follow these 10 tips so you and your furry pal can look forward to their next veterinary visit.

#1: Model calm behavior for your pet

Pets are in tune with their families and can easily pick up on stress, anxiety, or worry. Model a calm demeanor for your four-legged friend to help them feel secure and confident, helping their veterinary appointment go smoothly. Rather than using high-pitched, fast-paced reassuring words, such as, “It’s OK, it’s OK, it’s OK,” murmur soothingly to your pet in a low, slow tone to calm them.

#2: Use positive reinforcement to reward your pet

Condition your pet to associate positive experiences with veterinary professionals by incorporating regular positive reinforcement with handling and restraint techniques. Offer treats, praise, and playtime after handling or grooming sessions at home so your pet learns to accept various veterinary exam handling methods that may put them in vulnerable body positions.

#3: Familiarize your pet with veterinary equipment

Pets are often anxious around unfamiliar sights and sounds, so help your furry pal acclimate to veterinary equipment through gradual introductions. Allow your pet to sniff and explore items such as stethoscopes, otoscopes, and thermometers before they are examined.

#4: Practice handling and grooming your pet at home

Regularly handle and groom your pet at home to help reduce their anxiety during veterinary exams. Brushing their fur, examining their ears, mouth, and paws, and gently restraining them for short periods can help build tolerance to similar procedures at our veterinary hospital.

#5: Schedule happy veterinary visits

Take your pet to Family Pet Care for short, positive visits where they receive treats and attention without undergoing any medical procedures. By creating a special bond with a staff member, your furry pal will have a familiar face to comfort and reassure them during their visits.

#6: Use calming products to ease your pet’s stress

Consider using calming products, such as pheromone sprays or compression wraps, to help relax your pet. Supplements with ingredients that ease stress and anxiety can also be beneficial, but some pets become so nervous during veterinary visits that they require pharmaceuticals. If your pet turns into a panting, drooling mess during their appointment, discuss anti-anxiety options with our team.

#7: Bring your pet’s comfort items

Bring along your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or comfort item during their veterinary visit. Familiar scents can provide security, while a favorite belonging can help distract and engage your furry pal during an exam or testing.

#8: Keep preventive care veterinary visits as brief as possible

Consider breaking up your pet’s preventive care visits to make each trip short and sweet. For example, during one brief visit our team can provide a comprehensive physical exam and vaccinations, while during the next, we perform early detection screening tests. For pets who are exceptionally fearful at the veterinary hospital, visits should be brief to avoid pushing them over their threshold, ending on a good note.

#9: Teach your cat to love the carrier

If your pet associates the carrier with negative experiences, they may feel extreme stress when you put them inside. Rather than only hauling out the carrier once per year for a veterinary visit, leave it out all the time and make it a normal part of your cat’s environment. Train your pet to feel comfortable in their carrier by making it a comfortable and inviting space, rewarding brave explorations, and gradually introducing short trips in the car. 

#10: Bring your pet hungry

A hungry pet is much more likely to focus on their favorite treats rather than a vaccination’s quick sting or nail clippers’ click. Bring your four-legged friend hungry and ready to devour a handful of their favorite snacks while our team quickly performs essential care.

Regular veterinary visits are essential for keeping your furry pal happy and healthy, but they can take an emotional toll on both you and your pet. Discuss ways to ease your pet’s veterinary visit stress with our Family Pet Care team.