Nervous pets are common.
A gentle greeting or treat helps, but anxiety often starts in the car. A ‘calmness begins at home’ approach is essential. Our Nervous Pets video, created with vets, helps owners understand their influence on pets’ veterinary experiences, offering a holistic review for anxious patients and preventing anxiety in others.
The Anxiety Conundrum
Nervous pets are challenging. Visits aren’t always cuddles; pets feel examined, poked, and stared at. Practitioners handle patients gently, letting cats exit carriers willingly, greeting dogs calmly, and examining gently. Consultations are smoother when pets and owners are calm and prepared.
Prevention is Key
Homework is essential here – there are still some clients who think we are all gifted pet whisperers with magic hands, as they mutely pass us the muzzle when Fido’s gnarly teeth are revealed with his deathly sideways glance. Without wanting to pass the buck, the owner’s involvement is important – but we are here to educate and assist.
It’s not all as dramatic as Fido – cats could be spared a dose of fear from knowing their pet carrier as a place they regularly sleep or eat, and dogs could benefit hugely from having had their ears or paws touched during a cuddle at home. The danger is some of these things seem obvious, so in our day-to-day worlds, we forget to say them. As always, our video is here to save you time and deliver important information on your behalf.
Nervous Pets
In the Waiting Room:
- Some advice may be lost due to Covid restrictions, but outside waiting areas can still benefit from planning.
- Cats prefer high places.
- Smaller mammals benefit from being away from the bustle and predators.
- Covering carriers with a towel and calming pheromones is recommended.
Help the Anxious:
- Nervous pets are common; prevention is better than cure.
- Inform us of anxiety concerns before appointments.
- Booking a calmer slot may help, but no guarantees.
- Reception teams may suggest a walk or waiting in the car for nervous pets.
- Medication can help settle nerves and reduce problematic visits.
- Medication aids desensitization programs, encouraging social visits with increasing contact.
- Our video prepares clients for suggested advice in the consulting room.
- Addressing anxiety at home is emphasized.
- This summary video is succinct and helps improve pets’ welfare before consulting.
- Click through to the media library to preview and add this to your playlist. www.vetchannel-media.co.uk