Six Steps to Fear-Free Vet Visits

Six Steps to Fear-Free Vet Visits

22 July 2015 Pet Advice & Ideas (8)

For some pet kids, trips to the veterinary clinic can be quite traumatic. Some dogs and cats even seem to have a sixth sense, trembling in fear when an appointment approaches.

Fortunately, we have an inside voice to give us tips for calming vet-visit fears … our very own Staff Veterinarian! If your companion animal experiences mild-to-severe apprehension when it comes time for a check-up, you will not want to miss this episode of Pet Talk! In this video, Dr. Sarah reveals six measures anyone can take to ensure fear-freeTM visits to the veterinarian.

Thank you so much for watching and check back next month for a new episode of Pet Talk with Dr. Sarah. And be sure to submit your comments below.

Six Steps to Fear-Free Vet Visits

For some pet kids, trips to the veterinary clinic can be quite traumatic. Some dogs and cats even seem to have a sixth sense, trembling in fear when an appointment approaches.

Comments (8) -

  • Rebecca Forrest

    7/22/2015 9:56:45 PM |

    Lots of good, practical information, Dr Sarah, including some things I didn’t know about. I have a question: Our neighbor has an issue simply getting her beagle in the car at all. Can you share any tips about that?

  • JoAnne Rando-Moon

    7/23/2015 4:11:45 AM |

    Thank you for the helpful hints!

  • Gail Venegas

    7/23/2015 4:20:02 AM |

    I would imagine giving a little Tasty Reward training treat to get them in the car might be helpful.  And of course, if you practice getting them in the carrier and taking trips routinely, as Dr. Sarah suggests, that would eliminate the fear over time.  Great info.!

  • Sarah Wooten, DVM

    7/23/2015 4:31:48 AM |

    Rebecca:

    I would recommend to your friend to work with a local trainer, train on an empty stomach and use high-value rewards, and use the concepts of desensitization and counterconditioning as well as working beneath the dog's fear threshold. Once a dog is panicked or afraid, you have gone too far, and having a trainer show your friend how to recognize the signs of arousal/fear in the beagle. Smile

  • kim gardner

    7/23/2015 6:46:13 AM |

    This is great, I hear so many people say their pet hates to go to the vet!!  Wonderful ideas and the Tasty Treats would be so easy to take along.  

  • Ellen Moon

    7/25/2015 4:05:06 AM |

    Thanks for this MUCH NEEDED information that is not addressed often enough. Having worked in a vet's exam/treatment rooms, I know this is a COMMON problem & can be dangerous for all - fear biting/nipping etc. even the stress level anxiety for the animal itself. Great job Dr. Sarah ~ VERY HELPFUL hints to overcome an unpleasant situation! Smile

  • Amelia Johnson

    7/25/2015 10:05:14 AM |

    At first, my dog liked to go to the vet to meet other dogs and get petted by other people. Now my dog loves going to the vet to get her laser treatments...she feels so good when her session is done!

    You brought out some great tips in this video...

  • Megan Smith

    7/26/2015 3:24:08 AM |

    These ideas are so helpful.  I have many customers whose dogs have anxiety about going to the vet.  I will share this information with them.  

    Thank you!

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