Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates
Visiting a veterinary clinic can be extremely stressful for our pets. This level of stress can impact the results of exams. Veterinarians now understand that emotional health is as vital as physical health, and are working hard to minimize the level of fear experienced by their patients.
There are a number of strategies that can be utilized by both the veterinary clinic staff and pet guardians to make visits less stressful:
• Try to ensure that your pet is as stress-free as possible, before you take him to the vet: There are various homeopathic solutions that help to calm as possible. Making sure that your animal is used to being in a carrier or riding in the car makes a great deal of sense. Make sure that YOU are calm as well, because your pet will pick up on any anxiety that you are feeling.
• Eliminate or limit any food until you are back home with your pet: This will minimize any digestion issues, plus make your pet more likely to be interested in treats that are offered by the veterinary staff.
• Minimize the time spent in the waiting room: There are many smells, sounds and sights that can serve to heighten your pet’s stress level. If you need to wait in your car until an exam room is available, do so.
• If possible, try to find a practice that has species-specific rooms available: Some vet offices will provide calming music or species-appropriate scents, to assist in the calming process.
• The veterinarian can help calm your pet in a multitude of ways: Such as, arriving in the room before you enter with your pet, talking in a quiet voice, allowing your pet to approach him/her first, letting the animal smell instruments before actually using them and offering treats, and placing a non-slip surface on the examining table or examining your pet on the floor or your lap if possible.
• The veterinarian should find the best position for your pet to be examined and then make note of this on the medical chart.
• Make injections less painful: By using smaller needles, offering treats or using topical anesthetics.
• If absolutely necessary, ask to have your pet sedated: Injectable sedatives are probably best because they can be easily reversed.
Remember, you are your pet’s advocate and shouldn’t feel as though you are being annoying as you speak up for an animal companion that is not able to speak for himself. Don’t be afraid to visit a veterinary office before you bring your pet in for treatment. This will enable you to discuss your expectations and those of the clinic as well.
