Preparing your pet for their veterinary appointment

Some pets love going to see their veterinarian, while others are a little less thrilled! Notify your healthcare team if your pet experiences stress—they can help make the visit a little more enjoyable. There are also steps you can take at home prior to the visit to help it go more smoothly.

 

Follow these tips to help your pet have a stress-free—or at least a stress-reduced—visit!

1. If your pet needs to be transported in a carrier (e.g., cats or puppies), train them to consider it as a safe place. Ideally, select a carrier that can be opened from the top; you should be able to remove the top half to allow easy access to your pet while maintaining their sense of safety in the bottom half.
2. Pets learn to tolerate carriers when introduced properly. If it’s only pulled out when it’s time to go to the veterinarian, your pet will quickly learn that the carrier means going to the car and leaving the safety of their home. Understandably, their response is to flee. Keep the carrier out at all times so it becomes a place where your pet can sleep and eat on a regular basis. Line the carrier with a soft towel or your pet’s favorite blanket. Regularly offer yummy treats or toys in the carrier at home to help your pet become more comfortable with it.
3. Pheromone sprays can help create a sense of familiarity or security in your pet’s environment. Spritz your pet’s carrier and the interior of your car about 30 minutes to one hour before you leave.
4. Safety is the most important consideration when transporting your pet in your car. The carrier or your pet needs to be secured in case you have to brake suddenly. 
5. For a pet who is uncomfortable with touch, begin to add a massage into your daily interactions, preferably when your pet is calm and tired. Include the paws, ears, mouth, belly and tail to simulate a veterinary exam. Be sure to pair each massage with a treat and praise. In the beginning, provide the treat first, eventually offering the treat after the massage. Treats and praise will help reinforce a positive connection to being handled.
6. Many pets only visit the veterinarian when they’re sick, getting injections or being poked and prodded. Try visiting your veterinarian for fun! Now your pet will see the veterinary hospital as a fun place for treats and lots of attention. 
7. If your dog only goes in the car for trips to the veterinarian, start including rides to go to the dog park, the beach or other favorite places. Few cats go in the car other than to visit their veterinarian, but you can train your cat to relax in the car by taking short trips that have a positive outcome. Try putting your cat in the carrier, giving them a favorite treat or toy and taking a short drive that ends up back home. During the entire process, speak to your cat in a calm and reassuring voice.
8. Try to schedule your appointment for a quieter time of the day if possible. If your pet is really nervous, you may want to check with the staff on your arrival to see if you can bring your pet directly into an examination room rather than waiting in the reception area.

If your pet still seems to be stressed during their visit, ask your veterinarian about other calming supplements or medications that can help your pet be more relaxed.

Have general pet-related questions? Stay connected with 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app,* where our licensed veterinary professionals are available to answer your questions anytime, day or night. >>

*Live Chat is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.