eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

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

12 Comments From eHow Members

ursulasmom said

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

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 said

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.

Anonymous said

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.

Anonymous said

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.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 I have found that my cat enjoys the trip to the vet much better if I cover the top of the carrier with a blanket to keep out unwanted noise that the cat may be afraid of.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 Discovered the puppy was afraid of the car as well as the vet. So we are working on fear of car first by trying to go to non-vet, super puppy love places. It's always easier to deal with one fear at a time. It takes time and paper towels, no scolding.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 I keep my kitty carrier under a table in the living room all the time. My two cats have no anxiety about getting into it, and they even sleep in it on occasion!

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 Bring a favorite toy or blanket with you to the vet's, so the dog will have something familiar to chew on.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 Dog obedience training is not only fun for both you and your dog, but it can also be very helpful when visiting the veterinarian. Knowing basic commands (stand/stay commands), your dog should allow the vet to examine him/her more readily.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 Try to be the very first or last appointment of the day. That will reduce the stress on the dog and make it easier on you. Always let the vet put a muzzle on the dog if he finds it necessary. Even though the dog is sweet to you, he might not be to others.

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 If you have a cat, put it in its carrying case once a month even if you're not taking it to the vet so it can get used to getting in the carrier without a fuss.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

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

Related Ads

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

Demand Media