How to Help Your Pet Overcome Their Fear of Visiting the Vet

It is not unusual to find your pet, dog or cat in a panic and afraid to visit the vet. One way to make things easier on yourself and the veterinary hospital staff is to relax. Although there are many other things a pet owner can do, changing their attitude is by far one of the first steps that will have a dramatic effect on the overall situation. This may seem surprising; however, our pets are incredibly attuned to our feelings and moods. If a pet owner acts like a visit to the vet is the worst thing ever, it's no surprise that Fido or FeeFee's paws are shaking.

A happy and cheerful look is contagious. This sunny nature is felt not only by the animals, but also by the vet! Of all the things that can spread quickly in the relationship between people and animals is a positive attitude.

However, this is only the beginning. There are other ways to reduce your pet's anxiety about visiting the vet.

First, we will try to understand why your pet may be afraid to go to the vet.

The most common reasons why your pet may be afraid of going to the vet:

1. There is no positive interaction between the vet and your pet. In your pet's mind, they "go to a place, maybe get shots, their mouth opens against their will," and so on. The vet should always communicate with your pet in a way that keeps them both calm.

2. Your pet intimidates the vet. This is not unusual. The pet senses this and literally "becomes the boss". This is especially true for dogs. There are some vets who are absolutely terrified of certain dog breeds.

3. Your pet is unhappy with this particular vet for whatever reason. Trust your pet's instincts. Pets are good at picking up subtle vibrations that humans completely miss. If your pet doesn't love someone, pay attention, there is something they are trying to tell you.

4. Something very traumatic happened earlier during a vet visit. Animals in the shelter often have negative experiences with the vet.

How to help your pet cope better at the next vet visit:

Car rides

For many pets, especially cats, a car ride is something that ends in disaster, at least in their eyes. If your pet only rides in the car when going to the vet to get a thermometer inserted somewhere the vet would prefer not to, the result is a disdain for travel.

Solution: Take your pet for walks sometime. Dogs like to ride in cars and watch the world go by or take them for a nice walk. Cats can enjoy the ride while you pamper them with treats. This will make your pet less anxious about future journeys.

Carrier Magic

For many pets, the carrier is the archenemy. Why? Because going to the vet is usually the only time they are together. It's not unusual to see Fluffy running up the hills when the carrier comes out.

Solution: Skip the carrier as it is part of your home. It might not go with your art deco furniture, but place it in a place your pet sees every day, like the laundry room. When pets are familiar with their carriers, they become more relaxed when it's time to board.

Pleasant Fragrance

Synthetic pheromones mimic animal odors and create a calming effect on your pet.

Solution: Synthetic pheromones can be purchased for both dogs and cats. In many cases, they help calm a fearful pet.

Keep them hungry

Take treats, but make sure your pet likes them. Your pet will be fine if he skips a meal before the vet visit.

Solution: Bring your pet's favorite treat to the next vet visit. Make sure it's really yummy, luscious, treats that they love.

Bring them all

If you have more than one pet, take them all with you whenever you visit the vet.

Solution: Bring treats for the whole gang and praise them. They will treat a visit to the vet like one big pet party!

The last straw

Some animals just can't handle a visit to the vet and require a little more help than a loving owner can provide.

Solution: Ask your vet to prescribe a mild anti-anxiety medication to help calm your pet's anxiety.

Obviously, you may need your vet's help to work out the details before using any of the above tactics; however, there should be no difficulty in doing so.