Panicked Pets: Calming Anxious Pets Down When Going To The Vet
Posted on: 29 December 2016
Does your pet panic when it realizes that it's being taken to the vet? Both cats and dogs can become scared of the vet; after all, it's a strange place that often leads to strange things happening. And this can be a problem if you find that your animal becomes aggressive, overly anxious, or simply troublesome.
Don't Get Worried
Pets easily pick up on the emotions of their owners. When it comes to a vet visit, they may begin to realize that you are feeling anxious and nervous, and they will pick that up as well. Instead, treat a trip to the vet as no more than a standard errand that you need to run. Don't get overly worried about it and your pet won't get overly worried, either. Give your pet periodic rewards while at the office, but don't give them overly effusive praise: they may sense you're trying to calm them and think there is something to be nervous about.
Take Them Frequently
The more often you take your pet to the vet, the less likely they will be to associate it with bad things. If you have a very nervous dog or cat, you may want to occasionally bring them to the vet's office to simply get their claws cut or other things that groomers generally do. Though it may cost a little more, it will go a long way towards desensitizing your animal to the office. If your vet's office is close by, you can simply stop by on the way to the dog park or groomer.
Reward Them With Something Fun
Once the vet visit is over, you may not want to take your pet immediately home -- unless that has been advised by the vet. Instead, you can take them to a pet-friendly shop to get a reward or take them to the park to enjoy a day out. This makes the vet experience part of a larger reward rather than a scary, standalone experience.
Request a Sedative in Advance
Finally, there are some pets that are always going to be anxious at a veterinary visit. Some pets simply don't like the atmosphere -- other pets are nervous by nature. Don't be afraid to ask your veterinarian for a sedative in advance. They can usually give you something that won't put your cat or dog out, but will instead just calm them down enough that the visit goes smoothly. This is the same type of sedative often used for simple procedures such as cutting claws or for travel.
If your pet still isn't having it, you might want to consider trying another veterinarian. Just like humans, there are times when a pet and a veterinarian can simply fail to 'click." Some vets have a better bedside manner than others, and you may simply need to find one that is more understanding of your pet's needs. For more information about getting your pet used to the Vet office, contact Gulfport Veterinarian or another Veterinarian near you!
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