TIPS FOR CAT OWNERS

Taking cats anywhere can be stressful for both pet and owner as most cats do not like leaving the comfort of their homes. Being placed in a carrier, loaded into a car, the actual journey itself as well as the sights and smells of the actual vet office are all triggers for your cat’s stress. But as vet visits are unavoidable in keeping your feline friends healthy, try these tips to keep them calm.

• Make the carrier a safe space by introducing it into your cat’s environment as soon as you bring them home. By placing blankets and toys into the carrier and making it a part of your cat’s everyday life, the unknown factor is removed and your cat will feel more comfortable being placed in it. You can even start closing the door for a short period when your cat is comfy inside.
• Book your appointment at a time when your home is quiet and calm. A noisy, busy household can add to the start of a stressful journey. Also try to make the appointment at a quiet time at your vet. Phone ahead to ask which hours are usually the least busy.
• There are several calming products available for cats such as pheromone sprays and food supplements. If your cat suffers from extreme stress, ask your vet about prescription medications that could assist.
• It’s important to make the inside of the carrier comfy but also to reduce visual stimuli by placing a blanket or towel over the carrier during transport and while waiting at the vet.
• When you arrive at the vet, you can leave the carrier inside the car if it is a cool enough day. If not, call reception to inform them you have arrived – many vets are happy to wave you inside when it’s your turn. Some vets even have a designated cat waiting area. All of these actions reduce the stress of your cat sitting in reception and becoming stressed by sights, smells and other patients.
• Cats inherently feel more secure if they are above ground level. Place the carrier on your lap or the chair next to you if possible. Avoid placing on the floor and allowing dogs to sniff the carrier.
• Once you enter the consultation room, open the carrier door and allow your cat to exit themselves. Carriers that have a removable top half are preferable as the vet can remove this to examine the cat if necessary.
• Buying the best carrier you can afford is recommended as cheaper carriers run the risk of breaking open while in transit. Many cats go missing each year when carrier handles break while in transit. Always secure your carrier with a seatbelt inside the car.
• Your cat’s housemates are an important consideration when bringing your cat home from the vet. Your cat may smell or act differently when they get home which may inspire a strong reaction from other cats and dogs. Be prepared to keep your cat separate from the others for a day or two if required.

TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS

Unlike cats, many dogs enjoy outings and are excited by a trip in the car, but often dig their heels in once they smell the vet office.

• As with cat carriers, place your dog’s crate (if they require one) in your home environment. Make it comfortable with a blanket and toys and try closing the door for a brief period when your dog is relaxed inside. Gradually increase the time your dog spends inside the carrier. If your dog doesn’t require a carrier, take short car rides to fun destinations to create a positive association. Avoid feeding your dog a large meal before a car trip.
• Book your appointment when your home and vet clinic are likely to be quiet and calm.
• Check out the calming products at your pet store or ask your vet to recommend medications or supplements. Some calming sprays can be sprayed onto a bandana that you place on the dog to avoid direct contact with the dogs fur or skin.
• Take your dog’s favourite toys, treats or blanket with as the familiar smell provides comfort.
• Ensure your dog is secured inside the car. Buckle up their crate or use a harness/seatbelt attachment.
• Don’t take your dog straight into the waiting room when you arrive at the vet. If it’s a cool day, leave your dog in the car while you quickly report to reception or phone in when you arrive. You want to avoid sitting in the waiting room for an extended period.
• Allow your dog to relieve itself outside the clinic before you enter then find a quiet space to wait where your dog won’t come into contact with other pets – this is not a social occasion and unknown animals can excite or stress your dog.
• Once you enter the consultation room, try not to restrain your dog too tightly. If the vet allows, let your dog explore the office so they feel more comfortable with the space.

In addition to making required trips easier with the tips above, consider taking your dog for a vet visit to get some positive attention from vet staff so that they don’t only associate the smell with negative experiences.

You can also research cooperative care training which desensitises dogs to having sensitive areas touched.

 
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