Lori Gross
Lori Gross
Does your dog wag his tail and eagerly get in the car but immediately put on the breaks when you get to the veterinarian's front door? Maybe your cat is usually very social but as soon as the cat carrier is out they are nowhere to be found. Some pets get to the veterinarian fine but then their personality shifts. Curbside visits during COVID have made some of the fears and anxious behaviors in pets even more severe than pre COVID times.
Here are a few tips to help make your pet's visit less stressful for both of you!
For cats, chances are the only time the carrier comes out is when you're headed to the veterinary hospital. Instead, find a place where the carrier can sit out all of the time which may encourage them to visit it and even use it as a place to sleep or rest. You can also feed the cat in the carrier to help them acclimate to it faster. Just by leaving the carrier out daily, your pet will be less stressed by its presence and less likely to hide the morning of a vet visit.
Pheromones can help cats and dogs feel more relaxed prior to and at the veterinarian . Feliway and Adaptil are 2 products which are odorless to us but help your pet relax. The use of the Adaptil Travel Spray can help reduce shaking, pacing and whining when at the veterinarian. Feliway can be sprayed directly onto blankets and the inside of the carrier to help your cat relax resulting in less growling/ hissing, more normal heart rate and a better exam by your veterinarian.
Lori Gross
Lori Gross
Treats are your veterinarian's best friend when trying to work with a nervous or anxious pet. By not feeding your pet prior to their appointment, they will be hungrier and more likely to take treats. Treats help the veterinary staff more quickly perform exams, diagnostics and make for a better visit for your pet.
If your pet is still anxious at the veterinarian, consider discussing medications and supplements with your veterinarian. There are many safe medications which can be given to your pet prior to their visit to help them relax and better tolerate the exam. These medications are short lasting without harmful effects.
Western Shore Veterinary Hospital, owned by Dr. Marianne Bailey, opened its doors with a formal ribbon cutting and Open House on May 10th. Dr. Bailey and Dr. Colleen McCafferty are excited to offer veterinary care for dogs and cats in their newly finished space. The veterinary hospital includes 3 exam rooms, a dental suite with dental digital radiography, ultrasound, digital radiology, and a surgical suite. Dr. Stephanie Chabalko also is available for acupuncture for pets.
Western Shore Veterinary Hospital is now accepting new customers. Email us at lovemypet@westernshorevet.com to schedule your appointment or visit westernshorevet.com to learn more.
Western Shore Veterinary Hospital 910 C Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD www.Westernshorevet.com
