How to Calm a Pet's Fear of Visiting the Veterinarian

A fearful or aggressive pet is difficult for veterinary staff to examine. If your pet has an extreme aversion to visiting the veterinarian, help her get acquainted with that environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Bones
• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Toys
• Dog Treats
• Muzzles
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Collars
• Cat Leashes
• Cat Toys
• Cat Treats

1. Visit the veterinary hospital or office with your pet once a week until your pet is habituated.

2. Take treats and have the staff give them to your pet. Make it a fun experience, and then take your pet and leave.

3. Use a gradual approach if your pet is already fearful and won't accept treats. For example, play with her on the front lawn of your vet's office and make her feel comfortable. Over a period of a few weeks, gradually bring her to the front door and progress to standing in the front lobby and visiting with the staff.

4. Give treats for calm behavior.

5. Attempt to get your pet acquainted with a single staff member so she has a friend'pets, like people, get along with some individuals better than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your veterinarian if a previsit tranquilizer might be the best solution.
• If your pet is fearful and an exam is essential, give her to the staff and leave. Sometimes pets do much better when alone with the veterinarian. Animals sense your anxiety.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[ursulasmom]

on 2/21/2009 Good idea about putting them in the carrier occasionally.

[Suzsunshyne]

on 4/13/2008 Ask your vet about using Rescue Remedy before your visit. Rescue Remedy is made of flower essence and has a calming effect on both humans and animals.

[lopezk79]

on 2/14/2008 My cat loves his carrier and his pet stroller, I used to leave both of them open at home, I made them cozy with blankets and soon he found them by himself and started taking naps there. Now everytime he travels, even though he feels scared at first, he seems ok inside the carrier, in the car even though the door of the carrier is open, he doesnt go out, I guess he feels it safe inside because he got used to them first, at home, before taking him out on them.

on 6/30/2006 Put your cat in a pillowcase instead of a cage or carrying case. This way, he has more room to move around and get comfortable, and can't see out the windows to get motion sickness. He also can't slide around, which usually makes them anxious or sick.

on 11/22/2005 Put newspaper on the seat of your car, in case they have an accident. Put an article of your recently worn clothing in the carrier basket, so your scent reassures them. Before and after the visit, put of drop of Rescue Remedy (available in Health Food Stores) between their jaws. It is a safe herbal relaxant.