Member Log In

Pets for Patriots

Companion pet adoption for United States military veterans and service members

  • Adopt a pet
    • How it works
    • Veteran benefits
    • Program availability
    • Proof of service
    • Eligible pets
    • Pre-qual application
  • Be a veterinary partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Be a shelter partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Eligible pets
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Donate Now
    • Donate online
    • Ways to give
    • Spread the word
  • More
    • About us
      • Vision
      • Mission
      • Our team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial accountability
      • Year in review
      • Program availability
    • Making an impact
      • Forget Me Not
      • The Wet Nose Blog
      • Partner News
      • Donor News
      • Home at last
      • Welcome Home
      • Hotel to Home
    • Friends & Partners
      • Veterinarian partners
      • Shelter partners
      • Sponsors
      • Banfield
      • VIP Petcare
      • Community partners
    • Resources
      • Donor FAQ
      • Veteran FAQ
      • Shelter FAQ
      • Veterinarian FAQ
      • Other resources
    • Connect with us
      • In the news
      • Free wallpaper
      • Contact us
Wet Nose Blog
Home › Extra › High anxiety: how to reduce pet stress at the veterinarian

High anxiety: how to reduce pet stress at the veterinarian

July 3, 2017Extra, Pet training & health

This place is terrifying. There are too many noises, too many people, and the smell is overpowering. Everything here is unfamiliar. Nothing makes sense.

Take a step back and try to imagine the perspective of your pet going to the veterinarian’s office. How does she react? Do you know the signs that your pet is anxious or fearful?

White coat syndrome

Most people would say that their pets are at least mildly difficult to get to the veterinarian’s office. Others would say that it is downright impossible.

The ability to reduce pet stress is not only good for your dog or cat, but makes for an easier, more productive medical appointment. 

So what is it about going to an animal hospital that makes your usually cool cat or darling dog so uncomfortable?

Making sense

When an animal walks into an unfamiliar environment he does not just see new things. All five of his senses are being bombarded with information.

Consider that a dog can smell between 20-200 square centimeters. A cat can smell up to 30 square centimeters. A human’s range of smell is somewhere between two to four square centimeters. This increased sense of smell has a lot to do with your pet’s response to being at the veterinarian.

Your pet smells the scent of other animals who have been there and those who may still be. She can smell all of the scents we cannot, as well – such as people, cleaning products, and foods.

Animals are equipped with a vomeronasal organ, known as Jacobson’s organ and which is located on the roof of their mouths. This organ detects pheromones – a fancy name for chemical communication signals – that are produced from other animals of the same species. 

If another dog is producing pleasant pheromones, your dog is likely to feel a little more at ease. However, if another dog is stressed then your pet senses that stress, and it may affect his behavior.

Some animal behavior specialists and veterinarians suggest using synthetic pheromones that mimic those produced naturally by happy pets. There are various brands and formulations available to consumers, including sprays, plug-in diffusers, and body heat-activated collars. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Did you hear that?

Pets are positively or negatively affected by sound, too. Consider that the first sound you hear when you walk into a veterinary clinic is usually barking.

While this may be a mere annoyance to you, it can be deafening to your dog or cat.

Humans hear between 20 – 19,000 hertz. Dogs hear noises between 15 – 65,000 hertz, and cats can hear between 20 – 100,00 hertz. This increased ability to hear noise can make it very challenging to reduce pet stress unless the veterinary practice has taken steps to reduce the impacts of noise at their facility. 

Companion animals process different sounds in different ways, which in turn leads to different behaviors.

For instance, when a dog hears barking she may sense fear in another dog. This causes her to feel fear herself, which may lead her to run or hide – or she may feel threatened and become aggressive.

So what can you do to reduce pet stress and make the experience at the veterinarian more pleasant? It starts with getting your pet from here to there.

Where did the cat go?

Cats are typically more difficult to get to the veterinarian. A study by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine finds that a majority of cats are aggressive when they visit a veterinary hospital, which makes a fear-free visit an imperative.

One way to make your cat more comfortable is to consider his mode of transportation.

If your cat only sees his carrier when it is time for his annual checkup he is likely to avoid getting into it. The cat has grown to associate the mere sight of the carrier with something that is usually unpleasant. Imagine how you might feel if someone randomly pulled out a dentist’s drill.

One way to reduce pet stress and combat this fear is to bring the carrier out a few days prior to your pet’s appointment.

The type of carrier matters, too. Hard carriers are less comfortable for your cat, more difficult to carry, and make it more challenging to remove your cat. Soft carriers, on the other hand, open from the top – allowing you to pick up your cat more naturally. This makes it less likely that your cat will become stressed when he is removed from his safe place.

Above all, the carrier should be a welcome place to your cat.

At home, try feeding your feline near or inside of the carrier. If the cat goes into the carrier, reward her with attention or treats, but speak to your veterinarian first. Some exams and tests require that your pet have an empty stomach – and some pets have conditions that would make certain treats unsafe. Always use treats in moderation.

Doggone veterinarian

Getting your dog in the car is usually a bit easier than getting a cat into a carrier.

For a lot of dogs taking a ride in the car is the highlight of their day. However, when the pet realizes that she is on her way to the veterinarian’s office and not the dog park, things may become more difficult.

Give your pet something with a familiar smell that will help remind her that she is safe. If your dog has a favorite blanket or toy, bring it with you to the veterinarian’s office. If your dog does not like toys, you can bring a t-shirt with your scent on it. This will help your dog feel more at home, especially if your visit requires you to leave your pet at the clinic for a period of time without you.

If you use a crate to transport your dog in the car, make sure that she is both familiar with it and comfortable being in it. Just like with cats, it takes dogs time and training to acclimate to a crate.

Think before you speak

Studies prove that pets listen to our emotions and pick up on significant words. They can literally interpret not just what we say, but how we say it. If your dog knows that you are nervous, then he will be nervous, too. 

Encourage and reward your pet when she exhibits positive behavior. One way to do this is with treats. Think about taking away food a few hours prior to your pet’s appointment. This is likely to improve the effectiveness of any treat-based reward.

In addition, you can encourage your pet by using positive words and a gentle tone of voice, and petting.

Find a fear-free practice to reduce pet stress

More veterinarians are incorporating fear-free approaches into their practices. Some are even getting certified ‘fear-free.‘ This can include a range of tactics such as feline-only office hours, soft exam tables, species-specific exam rooms, and reducing prolonged eye contact with the pet.

Above all, reduce pet stress before you visit the veterinarian. Whether your veterinarian practices fear-free protocols or not, a low-stress visit starts with a low-stress pet.

PreviousNext

2 comments

  1. Researcher on how to be a good owner says:
    February 13, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    Damn. This website helps me understand why my cat hates going to the doctor. This should be world spread in every language.

  2. Beverly Poppell says:
    July 5, 2017 at 10:56 am

    Re transporting pets to the vet (or anywhere), it is important to tether the carrier, cage, or harness animal to a seat, childseat anchor or other available and secure point of contact inside the vehicle so to avoid having the animal escape and/or the container become a deadly projectile within the vehicle in an untoward event.

Comments are closed.

Join the Conversation

  • Cat tales
  • Dog tales
  • Hope for a home
  • Mental health
  • Extra
  • Pet training & health
  • Donor News


Give with Confidence

logo logo logo logo
Make a donation today
email-icon

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly in your inbox.


The Dodo and GEICO honor Pets for Patriots adoptions by sharing their heartwarming tales

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Petco Foundation

PetMeds Logo 300x250

Shop 1800PetMeds for all of your pet’s health needs and we’ll get 10% of your purchase!

Shop Bissell Today!

Shop BISSELL for your home cleaning needs and they will donate 10% of your purchase to us!

Join the Conversation

Stay Connected

Join the conversation, read recent adoption stories, view featured pets needing new homes and more.

Twitter

@petsforpatriots

Follow Us

Instagram

@petsforpatriots

Puppy mills are places of unspeakable cruelty. The Puppy mills are places of unspeakable cruelty. They exist solely because of greed and a callous disregard for the lives of animals.

Thanks to @bissellpets for sharing this informative graphic on how to spot a likely puppy mill. Please share in kind and - needless to say - always adopt, don't shop!

#adoptdontshop #endpuppymills #animalcruelty #animalcrueltyawareness #adoptionistheonlyoption #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #rescueismyfavoritebreed
Maisie, Hawk, Mosley, Betty White, Annie, Sammy, T Maisie, Hawk, Mosley, Betty White, Annie, Sammy, Talahassee, Juju, Corn, and Pierogi - just some of the long term pets waiting way too long for a hero and a home. Meet all of our Forget Me Not pets and contact the shelters directly to inquire about adoption. Many are available for out-of-state placements; all are amazing creatures in desperate need of a loving home and all deserve no less.

Can't adopt? Share til it hurts!!

Click the link in our bio to meet them all.

#forgetmenot #weratedogs #weratecats #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #cutedogs #cutedogsofinstagram #cutecats
Meet our recent "K" adopters, m'kay? * Kricket is Meet our recent "K" adopters, m'kay?

* Kricket is retired Navy and recently visited our partners @kitsaphumanesociety where she adopted not one, not two, but THREE petite pups! Reina pictured here is @petsforpatriots eligible, as is Remy (not pictured). But Kricket wasn't done saving lives because she threw yet another lifeline to Dior to round out her perfect petite pupper family! Thanks to @kitsaphumanesociety for giving our veterans 50% off adoption fees...anchors aweigh! 

* Konner served in the Air Force and together with his beautiful partner welcomed 4 year-old Hammer into their home. Formerly named Lucretia, Hammer is a beneficiary of our hero fund for veterinary care to help with the initial costs of prescriptions to ease pain from patellar luxation (a fancy way of saying: knee problems)! Another great fee-waived adoption through @dekalbanimals - part of the trio of @lifelineanimal shelters that participate in our program. 

Every animal saved from a shelter makes room for another animal in need to be rescued. It's estimated that only 25% of dogs and 29% of cats are adopted through shelters, numbers that are frankly pathetic. Please continue to advocate for adoption as the only option!

#adoptdontshop #adoptdontbuy #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #pitbulllove #loveabully #dontbullymybreed #cutepup #weratedogs #navyveteran #navy #airforceveteran #airforce #usaf #femaleveteran
The impacts of serving in the Gulf War left John w The impacts of serving in the Gulf War left John with crippling, severe anxiety. A spirited hound who needed a home would be just what the Army veteran needed to regain his life.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale, and thanks once again to @bmorehumane for another lifesaving match!

#army #armyveteran #milspouse #militaryspouse #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #ptsdawareness #anxiety #anxietyawareness #gulfwar #gulfwarveteran #petsforvets #houndsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #yourarenotalone
Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 years of service to our nation. And in 2012 he was one of our early adopters - literally and figuratively - when he rescued then 2 year-old Ellie.

Ellie is now 13 and the pint-sized pup is still living large with Clark and his family, who recently gave us this heartfelt shoutout:

"Wanted to thank you for the many years of support your team has provided! It has helped out immensely over the years! Thank you all for what you have done and for what you continue to do."

Sounds like a mission accomplished to us!

Thanks to our partners @ranchocoastal - one of our earliest shelter partners - for this enduring match, and for continuing to waive adoption fees for veterans in our program.

#gotchadayanniversary #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #militaryfamily #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #usmarinecorps #petsforvets
Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just th Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just threw a lifeline to Kali, a stunning Cane Corso mix. This big, beautiful girl was in the care of our partners @norfolkanimals which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

Click to the next photo to see their freedom ride pic!

#canecorsoofinstagram #canecorso #bigdogs #bigdogsofinstagram #bigdogstrong #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #weratedogs #navyveteran #navy #usn #usnavy #norfolkva
CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in t CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, including the addition of an older cat who joined her after the loss of a beloved pet.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale!

Thanks @sdhumanesociety for helping us make this purr-fect story possible and for waiving adoption fees for veterans in our program. ❤️

#sdhumanesociety #femaleveteran #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #cats_of_instagram #cutecat #cutecats #cutecatsofinstagram #nalacat #adoptasheltercat #adoptaseniorpet #oldcatsofinstagram #oldcats #twoisbetterthanone
You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad gives up his armchair for you. ❤️

Congratulations to nearly 9 year-old Holly Belle who's already made herself at home. She met Chuck through our partners @fredspca - which waives adoption fees for veterans we serve...oorah!

#olddogsrule #seniordogsofinstagram #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorpet #olddogsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #iserved #iadopted #petsforvets
Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world a sweet New Year, especially the men and women of the U.S. military who serve in all corners of the world in defense of our freedoms, including the freedom to practice (or not) the faith of our choosing.

L'shana tovah!

#lshanatova #lshanahtovah #roshhashana #roshhashanah #happynewyear #jewishnewyear #freedom #freedomofreligion #sweetnewyear
Follow Us

© 2023 Pets for Patriots, Inc. | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Contact us

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.