Healthcare is necessary for dogs and cats, but veterinary clinic visits can be stressful for pets and humans. There are several ways to make visits better for everyone. Here are our best tips that can help you save time and reduce stress while ensuring your pets get the care they deserve.
Secure pets. Keep dogs on non-retractable leashes and keep them close. Put cats in carriers and cover with a towel or blanket if it provides extra comfort. Don’t walk away from pets while waiting.
Bring records. Veterinarian clinics and hospitals don’t have access to others’ records. For first visits, or if you’ve been to more than one clinic, bring medical records. Have clinics email records directly to you. Then email the records to your new clinic.
Let us know if your dog is a bite risk or if you have a spicy kitty. Pets often act differently in the clinic than at home. If they have a history of aggressive reactions to stressful situations, it helps us to be informed.
Get pets used to being handled. Gently touch paws, ears, legs, and bellies. Lift their lips for a second to look at their teeth. Do this for short periods with frequent breaks and reward with treats. Begin as young as possible.
Be calm. Animals sense humans’ stress, and it can add to their discomfort. Breathe easy, speak calmly, and reassure your pet that all is well.
Experiment with ways to calm or distract. Try pheromone sprays in cat carriers, anxiety wraps and shirts on dogs, and treats for the food-driven pets.
Wait outside. If you have a severely anxious or reactive pet, let the veterinary team know and ask if it’s okay to wait in your car instead of inside the waiting area.
Create positive associations. Get pets (particularly dogs) used to car rides that don’t result in visits to the clinic with a visit to a dog park or a new neighborhood for a walk. Work to get cats to love their carrier. Ask your veterinary team about bringing your dog in for fun visits for a quick treat—always call ahead.
Know your pet’s medications and food. It’s important to know what medications and dosages your pets take and how often. This includes any supplements, including joint-health chews, CBD products, probiotics, etc. Everything matters. It may help to write a list or even bring them with you. Also, be prepared to recall the brand and type of food(s), the amount of food, and how often you feed your pet.
Ask for information. Ask as many questions about your pet’s care, recommendations, medications, etc., as you need to feel comfortably informed. Ask for brochures or online resources you can use to obtain more information about any topic you’re concerned or curious about. If you have more questions later, contact your veterinary team and ask.
Comply with agreed-upon treatment and recommendations. You and your veterinarian are a team. Following the care plan set during visits is critical. This includes completing medication courses, feeding recommended diets, performing appropriate aftercare, etc. If you have concerns about administering medication, affording treatment, or any part of your pet’s health care plan, discuss this with your veterinarian, who can help find a solution.
Arrive on time or early. Arriving late for your appointment can leave veterinarians without enough time to examine patients or force on-time clients to wait longer. It may result in you and your pet having to wait longer to be squeezed in. It may mean having your appointment rescheduled, creating an extra visit for your already stressed pet. If it’s your first visit to a clinic, arrive a few minutes early to fill out any necessary forms.
Turn off cellphones. Limit distractions and give your veterinarian and your pet your full attention.
Notice the candle. Many clinics will have a candle and a sign or another discreet way to inform clients someone is saying goodbye to their pet. This is a difficult time for pet owners and it’s always appreciated when people recognize this and speak softly and respectfully while in the waiting area.
The veterinary clinic can be a stressful place for pets, even when they’re healthy. This stress can spread and compound with added elements. Be as prepared as possible in ways that can reduce the amount of stress placed on you and your pet and make visits more pleasant.