Eliminate Vet-Visit Anxiety in Dogs & Cats: Proven, Gentle Techniques

How To Remove The Fear Of Visiting The Vet:

Have you ever had a fear of visiting your doctor? Well, if you can remember the way you felt just before that dreaded visit then you will have an idea of how your pet feels when he has to go to the vet.  Pets are smart and they can sense when their owners are planning to take them to the vet.

When animals fear the vet, they will become irritable, worried and stressed.  They will exhibit this behavior by not eating, not be sleeping, listlessness or maybe just wanting to be left alone.  Maybe the animal may have had bad experiences when they visited the vet before.  Now, all they remember is how they were probed, poked and prodded. (You may like to buy our product  Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray For Dogs and Cats)

There are things you can do to make your pet’s visit to the vet a memorable experience:

1. Why not take your pet to the vet on a social visit.  Don’t wait for when he’s sick to visit.  Show him the vet is a friend that he can trust.  Let the vet pet him and give him a nice treat.  This should be started with animals when they are very young.  Animals need to be able to trust their doctors and this action will help to minimize the fear of going to the vet.
2. If you have a cat, keep his carrier where he can see it.  Usually, pet owners will keep their carriers out of sight until the night before the vet visit.  Try doing the opposite.  If you keep it in sight, they will not associate their carriers with going to the vet.
3. Book your appointment for early in the morning.  Spend as much time as you can reassuring your pet that all is well.  Do not leave their side.  Give them lots of hugs and kisses making sure they know that you will always be there.
4. On the day of the appointment do not act hurried.  This will definitely stress out your pet.  Once he feels you are stressed he will also feel stressed.  Get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and looking forward to the day.
5. On the way there, play calming music that will put you both at ease.
6. In the car, safely restrain your pet.  This will help the animal feel more secure and reduce anxiety.
7. If you have a dog, spray Adaptil. This is a pheromone (a chemical substance) to calm him down. Spray it in his crate, on his seat or harness.
8. If you have a cat, spray Feliway.  This is a calming substance.  Spray it on his carrier, seat, etc.
9. After the visit give your pet a nice treat that he will love and enjoy.  Give him lots of praises and kisses.  Show him and tell him how proud you are of him.

You may also like to know about Ear Infections In Dogs And Cats!

Every pet parent will handle vet visits differently.  It is, however best for your pet to get to know the person that will help them in times of distress.  Make sure to treat the vet as a friend.  Your pet will take his cues from you.  Never teach him to fear the vet, instead, embrace going to the vet as a fun experience for both you and him.