Veterinary visits can be a source of anxiety for both pets and owners. From the moment the carrier comes out, many pets are on high alert and may try to do a disappearing act. However, with careful planning and positive reinforcement, you can transform these experiences into stress-free moments rather than wrestling matches. Follow our comprehensive guide to ensure your pet’s next visit to Palisades Veterinary Hospital is a walk in the park.

Before your pet’s veterinary visit

  • Practice handling your pet — Help your pet acclimate to the touches they’re likely to receive at the hospital. Handle their paws, ears, belly, and mouth while praising them or offering treats. Positive associations with touch will make the veterinary exam less fearful.
  • Familiarize your pet with the carrier and car — Negative associations are bound to happen if your pet sees the carrier or car only when they’re used for veterinary visits. Make the carrier a cozy space at home, and take short car rides, maybe to the dog park or rides around the block, that are positive experiences. This reduces pet stress during transportation and at the veterinary hospital.
  • Make the veterinary hospital fun — Regularly visit the veterinary hospital for brief, enjoyable encounters, which will help your pet associate the facility with positive experiences and reduce anxiety during appointments. Let the staff know that you’ll be bringing in your furry friend for a quick visit, and they’ll do their best to shower your pooch or kitty with positive attention.
  • Consider pheromones and supplements for your pet — For highly anxious pets, consider talking to your veterinarian about pheromone sprays, calming supplements, or prescription medications. Know that calming medication or supplements should be given to your pet while they are calm, because they may be less effective once the anxiety sets in. 
  • Calm your nerves, calm your pet — Pets pick up on your emotions, so they will more likely stay calm if you stay calm. Leave for your appointment in plenty of time, give yourself time to decompress before and after the appointment, and prepare ahead any questions and concerns to discuss with the veterinarian, even writing them down so you don’t forget in the heat of the moment.

During your pet’s veterinary visit

  • Arrive early — Allow your pet time to adjust to the veterinary hospital by arriving a few minutes early to ensure you’ll have time to walk your dog and let them explore or that your cat has time to become accustomed to the clinic environment. Always leave your cat safely in their carrier and do not let them roam freely in the lobby or other clinic areas, which will only upset them and other waiting pets.
  • Keep your pet hungry — Skip your pet’s breakfast the morning of your appointment. Your pet might stage a mini-riot if they don’t get their morning grub, but hungry pets, especially food-motivated pets, will be more receptive to positive reinforcement during their appointment. Bring your pet’s favorite treats to help motivate them to cooperate and to make the examination go more smoothly.
  • Bring along the comforts of home — Your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, or a piece of their most loved human’s clothing will provide comfort in the unfamiliar environment.
  • Communicate effectively — Share your pet’s medical history and be transparent about any concerns by informing us about as many details as possible of your pet’s anxiety or triggers, and how best to handle your pet, so we can provide tailored, stress-free experience. Communication is key to ensure a positive veterinary visit for you, your furry friend, and our veterinary team.

After your pet’s veterinary visit

Celebrate a successful visit by taking your pet for a walk or to the park. Reinforce their positive behavior with praise and treats. Reflect on the experience to make future visits even more successful.

Regular wellness care is crucial for your pet’s health, and preparing them for a stress-free veterinary visit ensures they will get the care they need to thrive. Contact our Palisades Veterinary Hospital team whenever you have questions or concerns about your pet, or to schedule their next stress-free wellness appointment.