Low Stress Advice

Preparing Your Cat or Dog for a Vet Visit: Low Stress Tips

Dogs

Taking your dog to the vet can be a breeze with the right preparation. Here are some tips to make the experience smoother for both you and your furry friend:

Familiarise Them with the Vet

  • Pre-Visit Trips: Take your dog to the vet clinic before the actual visit. Keep it short and sweet, offering treats and attention to create positive associations with the place.

Handle Them Gently

  • Home Practice: Gradually get your dog used to being handled at home. Start with gentle touches and work up to examining different parts of their body. Reward them with treats and use a soothing voice throughout.

Consider Calming Supplements

  • Zylkene: If your dog tends to get anxious, try Zylkene calming supplements. Sprinkle these in their food 1-2 days before the appointment to help keep them calm.  You can get Zylkene over the counter at Vetkind as a full bottle, or a smaller amount dispensed for specific occasions. Zylkene is safe to give ahead of procedures – Please adhere to any fasting advice. Check out the Zylkene website here.
  • Prescription Medication: If Zylkene is not enough for your highly stressed dog, your vet may recommend a prescription medication next time.

Bring Comfort Items

  • Favorite Toy or Treats: Pack their favourite toy or some treats to comfort and distract them during the visit.

Choose a Quiet Time

  • Less Busy Hours: Schedule your vet appointment during a quieter period to reduce stress for your dog.

Bring Records

  • Medical History: If you’re visiting a new vet, bring along your dog’s medical records. This helps the vet understand their history without lengthy explanations.

By following these steps, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and relaxed during their vet visits, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

For more information on Zylkene, click here.

This product is in stock at all Vetkind locations and trusted by our team.

Cats

Taking your cat to the vet can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make the journey smoother. Here’s how:

Choosing the Right Carrier

  • Access Points: Choose a carrier that opens from the top or front for easy access.
  • Removable Top: Opt for a carrier where you can remove the top half to help your cat feel secure.
  • Cat Strollers: Consider a cat stroller with a ventilated carrier if you live close to the vet clinic.

Getting Your Cat Used to the Carrier

  • Familiar Scents: Leave the carrier out all the time so it becomes a familiar part of your cat’s environment.
  • Comfortable Bedding: Line the carrier with a soft towel or your cat’s favorite blanket.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Offer treats or toys in the carrier to create positive associations.
  • Routine Use: Encourage your cat to sleep and eat in the carrier regularly.

Familiarise Them with the Vet

  • Vet Visits: Take your cat to the vet clinic before the actual visit to create positive associations.
  • Gentle Handling: Get your cat used to being handled at home with gentle touches and treats.

Managing Stress

  • Calming Supplements: Try Zylkene calming supplements a couple of days before the appointment. You can get Zylkene over the counter at Vetkind as a full bottle, or a smaller amount dispensed for specific occasions. Zylkene is safe to give ahead of procedures – Please adhere to any fasting advice.
  • Prescription Medication: For highly stressed cats, your vet might recommend prescription medication.
  • Calming Sprays: Use Feliway® spray on the towel and inside the carrier 15 minutes before placing your cat inside.
  • Comfort Items: Bring your cat’s favourite toy or treats for comfort.
  • Carrier Covers: Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket to reduce visual stimuli. Our clinics can provide these to you, with a squirt of Feliway® on them!
  • Elevate the Carrier: Keep the carrier off the floor, placing it on a chair or bench in the waiting area.
  • Use the Cat Corner: At Arana Hills Veterinary Clinic, use the designated cat corner to keep your cat away from stressors.

Additional Tips

  • Quiet Times: Schedule your vet appointment during a quieter period.
  • Bring Records: If visiting a new vet, bring your cat’s medical records.

By following these steps, you can make vet visits less stressful for both you and your cat. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe trip to the vet.

For more information on:

  • Zylkene, click here.
  • Feliway, click here.

Both products are in stock at all Vetkind locations and trusted by our team.