Visiting the veterinary clinic can be strange and intimidating to pets, with all the unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. You may often grapple with calming your cat or dog before their wellness exam. Most pet owners dread getting their cat in the carrier or trembling dog to the car to go to the veterinary hospital. Getting a vaccine or having a procedure is not on your pet’s top ten list of fun things to do. You and your pet may feel anxiety regarding veterinary visits, but fear not! Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team members understand. Cats and dogs often associate these visits with something scary, which is why we want to alleviate these fears. To ensure your pet receives the preventive care, and veterinary diagnoses and treatments they need, follow our seven tips to learn how to ease your furry pal’s veterinary visit fears. 

Vet visit stress buster #1: Routine exams breed familiarity 

By ensuring your young pet receives all their essential vaccinations during their first year, you repeatedly expose them to the veterinary environment, which can reduce the stress vet visits may cause. By experiencing several vet visits, your pet becomes familiar with the environment and staff. Taking your pet to the clinic for short, positive visits when they are healthy also creates positive associations with the experience, providing them an opportunity to view the vet hospital as a place where they get attention, affection, and plenty of treats. 

Vet visit stress buster #2: Handle your pet often  

Most pets are reluctant to be handled, which is why a veterinary exam can be intimidating. Thorough exams require extensive handling and palpation. Touch your pet frequently by smoothing their fur, handling their ears and paws, and lifting their lips to expose their teeth. These practices help mimic what your pet experiences at the veterinary clinic and can help ease their fears. 

Vet visit stress buster #3: Associate the carrier with a reward  

Crates and carriers signal to your pet that they are on their way to a bad experience. Reverse this reaction by training your fur pal to see their carrier or crate as a protective, positive place to be. Leave the carrier out at home and outfit it with soft bedding and toys, encouraging your pet to explore and relax inside In addition, give your furry pal treats when they are within their crate. By following these tips, your pet’s carrier becomes their safe space and they associate the crate with something good.

Vet visit stress buster #4: Offer positive reinforcement 

Reward your pet for cooperating during vet visits by giving them their favorite treat and verbal praise. You may also want to bring a well-loved toy or blanket, something that reminds them of their safe space at home, which can help ease their nerves.

Vet visit stress buster #5: Use anti-anxiety products  

Consider using pheromone sprays or diffusers to calm your anxious pet before and en route to their appointment. Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are popular pheromone products that promote relaxation by simply spraying the mist in your pet’s crate or carrier. Pheromone sprays mimic natural calming signals and can reduce your pet’s stress during veterinary visits.

Vet visit stress buster #6: Remain calm and use a soft, reassuring tone 

Your pet is intuitive and senses your anxiety and other emotions, which can amplify their own, sometimes to their detriment. Use a calm, reassuring tone of voice when speaking to your pet and relax your demeanor and body to let them know everything is fine. Act as if they have nothing to worry about and this will help your four-legged friend remain calm.

Vet visit stress buster #7: Exercise your pet before the visit  

Your pet will be more relaxed after they have had their daily walk, run, or playtime with you. Physical activity helps minimize hyperactivity on the way to your appointment and lessens your pet’s chances of accidental elimination in the crate or at the office. 

Most pets experience some fear about going to the veterinary clinic. However, these fears can be reduced by following the simple anxiety-reducing tips discussed here. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team is equipped to compassionately treat anxious cats and dogs. Contact our team to schedule your pet’s wellness exam or to learn additional tips for helping ease your four-legged friend’s vet visit stress.