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
    • 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

Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spe Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spectacular ears? 

Okay...moment over! 🤣 This hunky hound just hit the adoption jackpot when Annette and her husband - both Air Force veterans - added this 3+ year-old fella to their family. We thank these high-flying patriots for their service and for opening their hearts and home to this magnificent beast!

#staffysaturday #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #airforceveteran #militaryfamily #petsforpatriots
When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you j When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you just have to adopt a dog with a double name, too...like Russia Roo!

This sweet shepherd mix and her Army veteran dad became the 148th match through our partners @pgc_pets4us - which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program...woot!

#armystrong #armyveteran #shepherdsofinstagram #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one day when the coy cat chose a dual Navy couple as his own. In time he would prove his mettle as a “little therapy cat.”

Click the link in our bio to read this purr-fect adoption tale, and thanks to our partners @chesapeakehumane for helping us make it all happen!

#adoptasheltercat #navycouple #iserved #therapycat #petsforpatriots
Mila is mesmerizing!! This stunning 3 year-old mi Mila is mesmerizing!!

This stunning 3 year-old mix just set sail with Jared, who for more than 10 years and counting serves in the Navy. The pair were matched through our partners @kitsaphumanesociety which offers veterans in our program 50% off adoption fees. Anchors aweigh!

#navy #adoptashelterdog #kitsaphumanesociety #petsforpatriots #muttsrule
Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline (and a cone!) to Little Man, a stunning adult cat she met through our partners @vbspca. Megan received a 25% adoption fee discount and has access to their low-cost veterinary clinic without proof of income - just a couple of the benefits of adopting through our partnership.

All we know is that this is one very lucky black cat! Smooth sailing, Megan and Little Man!

#blackcat #adoptasheltercat #femaleveteran #navyveteran #petsforpatriots
Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid h Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid her senior Pittie rescue and @petsforpatriots alum Jerry a peaceful trip over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Joan knew she needed to dust herself off and save another 4-legged soul, so earlier this week she rescued 5 year-old Smokey, a stunning Cane Corso she met through our partners Baltimore County Animal Services, which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

We're so honored that many veterans, like Joan, are repeat adopters through our program - embracing our mission to save the most vulnerable shelter animals while benefiting from their loyalty and love. ❤️

#rainbowbridge🌈 #adoptashelterdog #armystrong #petsforpatriots
Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one day when the lonely Marine met a shelter cat who turned her life around.

“I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life."

Click the link in our bio to read this sweet tale, and thanks to @vbspca for another purr-fect match together!

#adoptasheltercat #loneliness #femaleveteran #marinecorps #beapetshero #petsforpatriots #youarenotalone
Cornelia was born and raised in France and her hus Cornelia was born and raised in France and her husband Ed in Belgium. Yet both served their adopted nation - Ed in the Navy and Cornelia in the Army. The pair met in New Jersey and married on Veterans Day more than 20 years ago.

These days the couple lives in an assisted living facility and, sadly, Ed's health is such that he's not always able to interact with Cornelia. She grew lonely and wanted nothing more than a little dog to love.

After months of searching, mission accomplished! Thanks to our partners @ywacpets for going the extra mile to help Cornelia find the perfect match:

"She's exactly what I needed and wanted.  She's 9 pounds of love.  She kisses me on the mouth and then turns on her back placing her neck over my mouth so I can kiss her and tell her I love her.  She sleeps with me and is being spoiled rotten by all the employees at the facility, directors on down." ~ Cornelia, US Army veteran ❤️

#armystrong #femaleveteran #adoptashelterpet #loverescuedme #petsforpatriots
Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰 Michael Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰

Michael is an Army veteran and just added 4 year-old Allie to his pack, which includes 12 year-old pup Roscoe and "a few others." Okay!

Thanks to our partners @baltcogov Animal Services for offering veterans we serve 50% off their already affordable adoption fees...woot!!

#armystrong #adoptionistheonlyoption #petsforpatriots #baltimorecounty #muttsrule
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.