PDSA Weekly Pet Care Column making vet visits less stress

PDSA reveals how you can make vet visits less stressful.

"With preparation and some helpful tools, your pet can learn that going to the vet isn’t always a scary experience,” said PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.

Going to the vets is a vital part of keeping your pet happy and healthy so it’s not a good place to avoid.

Nina said that reducing anxiety and helping pets cope with routine appointments is valuable, because nobody needs additional worry when they're in an emeregncy situation.

Before your appointment, start preparing your pet for their vet visit.

If your pet is particularly anxious, Nina said you should let your vet know when booking your appointment, as they may be able to book you in at a quieter time, or offer advice.

While exercise will not prevent anxiety, if your pet has a nice long walk a play session before heading to the vets, they may feel more relaxed. However, some pets can be stimulated by exercise and may become over-excited and more anxious as a result, so tailor advice to your individual pet.

Nina said: “The vet is likely to examine your pet once you get into the consultation room, so you could try and get them used to this at home beforehand. Depending on their size, you could practice lifting and placing them on a table, as well as examining them ahead of time. Gently look over parts of their body such as their paws, legs, tummy, eyes and ears. Check one area each day and after each short check, if your pet has been calm, reward them with a small treat, repeat this until they are comfortable with the experience."

PDSA advises getting your cat used to their carrier ahead of a visit with the vets.Leave it out so they can explore it on their own terms, place a favourite treat or toy in there so they venture inside. Scent is very important to cats, who will be much happier to go in the carrier and settle down if they can smell their own bedding inside rather than anything new. Try wiping the inside of the carrier down with a pet calming wipe or use a calming spray to help keep your cat calm and relaxed while travelling.

“For your dog’s journey to the vet, use a familiar blanket in the car as well as their favourite toys," said Nina. You can also spray a calming spray about 30 minutes before the journey. Ensure they are secure and safe by using a harness and seat belt or a crate and allow your dog to go to the toilet before leaving home.

“It’s also worth contacting your vet practice and asking if they would mind if you brought your pet in to visit so they can experience the journey and the waiting room," said Nina. "This should help to get them used to visiting and if they are rewarded when calm and relaxed there, they should start to associate the vets with something pleasant rather than a worrying place."

With all the strong smells, loud noises and other animals around, the vet waiting room can be a challenging place. To settle your pet, Nina said you should try and sit in a quieter spot, away from the door.

If you have a dog, keep them on a short but loose lead and encourage them to sit and focus on you (small treats may help with this).

Hold your cat carrier securely on your knee. Cats like to hide when scared, so keep them in their carrier and cover three sides and the top with a blanket or towel, to help keep them calm.

“Our pets can sense our feelings as owners, so it’s important to stay calm and relaxed," said Nina, "that way it will reassure your pet that there is nothing to be worried about."

“Unless your pet has a reason not to accept treats such as a poorly tummy or you’ve been asked not to feed them before their appointment, being armed with small treats can help your pet during their appointment. Also rewarding them during the experience and afterwards will help them for next time.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK, for more vital advice and information visit www.pdsa.org.uk

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