Regular vet visits and wellness checkups are important for our furry friends, but while dogs can be frightened by such a visit, without a doubt, if there was an award for Most Stressful Performance by a Companion Animal, cats would win it every time.
Too often, taking a pet to the vet requires a world-class wrestling match to just get him into the carrier (hopefully, without creating the need for a blood transfusion for the cat owner). Most dogs will adapt to the car easily. Cats, however, like predictable surroundings.
While it’s common for pets to shake, cry or even hiss, howl or bark, their health is more important than their temporary discomfort. In fact, there are many things you can do to help make these trips a little easier on everyone.
- Get smaller pets accustomed to their carrier by making it part of their daily life. Don’t save it solely for trips to the vet, or they will have a bad association.
- Give your pets a regular head-to-toe exam at home. It helps them get used to being handled and gives you a chance to catch any changes early.
- Take your pets along on short car rides that don’t end at the vet’s office. Getting them used to being in the car can make a world of difference.
- Make sure small pets can stand, sit and turn around comfortably inside the carrier.
- Include a favorite blanket or towel from home inside the carrier. The familiar scent of home can help calm your pet.
- Look for calming pheromone-based scent sprays for animals. You can use them in the carrier and around your home during stressful times.
- Leave your pet inside its carrier while in the waiting room. (Trust us on this one.)
- Animals can pick up on your moods and anxiety. So, remain calm, and speak to your pet in soothing tones.
We hope these tips will help make trips to the vet’s office a little easier.
Feel free to stop by and see us. Las Sendas Animal Hospital is located on the southwest corner of Power and McDowell roads. For more information, visit our website at LasSendasAH.com, or call (480) 264-3460.
1 comment
I like your tip to give the dog a head to toe examination regularly while at home. It makes sense that this could be helpful to not only catch problems early but to get the dog familiar with checks so he isn’t so worried when at the vet as well. I’ll have to remember this for my dog in particular because getting him familiar with touching his feet and ears might make it much easier on him since he’s so shy.