• Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Meet the Staff
    • Hospital Tour
    • Testimonials
  • Our Services
    • Dentistry
    • Diagnostics
    • Mobile Veterinary Specialists
    • Preventive Care
    • Puppy and Kitten Care
    • Senior Care
    • Surgery
    • Wellness Packages
  • Goose Creek Veterinary Hospital
  • Patient Center
    • Dog Training
    • Payment Options
    • Emergency Referrals
    • Client Information Form
    • Blog
  • FAQs
    • What Insurance Should I
      Choose?
    • Why is Bloodwork
      Recommended When My Pet
      Is Healthy?
    • Is Dental Health Really That
      Important?
    • What Can Be Done To Make
      A Vet Visit Less Frightening?
    • What do I Do If My Pet
      Ingests Something Toxic?
    • My Cat Has Been Diagnosed
      With Hyperthyroidism
    • Recommended Heartworm,
      Flea, & Tick Prevention
    • What are Allergies and
      Why is my Pet so Itchy?
    • Essential Oils and Cats
  • Contact Us
    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Meet the Staff
      • Hospital Tour
      • Testimonials
    • Our Services
      • Dentistry
      • Diagnostics
      • Mobile Veterinary Specialists
      • Preventive Care
      • Puppy and Kitten Care
      • Senior Care
      • Surgery
      • Wellness Packages
    • Patient Center
      • Dog Training
      • Payment Options
      • Emergency Referrals
      • Client Information Form
      • Blog
    • FAQs
      • What Insurance Should I
        Choose?
      • Why is Bloodwork
        Recommended When My Pet
        Is Healthy?
      • Is Dental Health Really That
        Important?
      • What Can Be Done To Make
        A Vet Visit Less Frightening?
      • What do I Do If My Pet
        Ingests Something Toxic?
      • My Cat Has Been Diagnosed
        With Hyperthyroidism
      • Recommended Heartworm,
        Flea, & Tick Prevention
      • What are Allergies and
        Why is my Pet so Itchy?
      • Essential Oils and Cats
    • Contact Us

    What Can Be Done to Make a Vet Visit Less Frightening?

    playing dog

    As veterinarians, we came into this profession with a love of animals. However, in reality many pets are fearful at the vet. Many times for good reason, they know there is pain sometimes associated with these visits. Unfortunately, that is a fact of life as we do things that are uncomfortable but necessary to keep a pet healthy.

    What sorts of things can be done to improve a pet's visit?

    Cats
    For cats, we believe in minimal restraint and a gentle approach. Even with historically "fractious" cats, we always handle them gently (minimally if necessary) attempting to avoid scruffing or using a towel. It is not always possible, but being gentle is ALWAYS our default. Many times for cats, the stress starts at home before the visit when the carrier comes out. Cats are smart and they know those carriers mean a place they do not always want to go. You can improve this by bringing out the carrier days to weeks prior to the vet visit when possible. We also like to use Feliway pheromone spray, a favorite toy, treat, or even catnip inside the carrier to improve a cats comfort level. Then, once your cat is in the carrier, it is helpful to put a blanket over it to allow them to feel hidden inside. This protects them from the nosy dog that may approach on the way into the hospital. After that, we will do everything in our power to reduce over handling and movement of your cat. Please provide us any feedback that you may have regarding your pet. We always say, owners know their pets the best.

    One item that has not been mentioned is the use of drugs. We are proponents of using carefully crafted drug combinations to reduce the stress of a painful procedure or even simple handling for an exam. An example may be cleaning a deep wound. We can probably safely assume our pets would prefer not to experience pain.

    Dogs
    Dealing with dogs is a whole different ball game. In general, dogs can be placed into a few categories when it comes to their behavior at the vet. Some are happy and excited and many times too exuberant, others are fearful but go stiff and sometimes tremble, waiting for the whole experience to be over, and the last general category are the dogs that can be aggressive. As veterinarians we do not like to see pets upset just walking in the door, but it is a reality and likely the culmination of many triggers or events that have preceded the vet visit. We know these are great pets at home and do not judge them by their behavior at the vet hospital.
    ​​​​​​​
    If you are worried about your pet's anxiety coming to the vet, it is best to start the counter-conditioning as early as possible. Try to figure out what treats your dog goes nuts over. Even if its something like dried liver, please feel free to bring it with you and have our staff indulge your pet.

    Many times the various floor surfaces at the vet are uncomfortable for some dogs. If you suspect this is playing a role, please let us know and we can provide mats and floor tiles that will make it easier for your pet to maneuver.

    When it comes down to examining your pet or giving shots or taking blood, every pet is an individual in what he or she may tolerate. This may start to sound like a broken record, but it is vital to inform us of what you may believe upsets your pet or what tactics may have worked in the past. Some pets do better away from the owner while others do well with their face hiding in the owners lap. For very severe cases, we prefer to use drugs that are effective in calming your pet. Most times this is done with an injection as oral medications that you could start at home are just not as effective, but worth trying if that is a more comfortable approach.

    In the end, our goal is to provide a thorough exam and do so with minimal anxiety while maintaining a safe environment for you and our staff.

    Contact UsRequest Appointment
    Contact UsBLOG
    Services

    Dentistry
    Diagnostics
    Mobile Specialists
    Preventive Care
    Puppy & Kitten Care
    Senior Care
    Surgery
    Wellness Packages
    Contact Information
    Goose Creek Veterinary Hospital
    Address: 42755 Creek View Plaza
    Ashburn, VA 20147
    Phone: 571-444-8600 | Send Us An Email
    ​​​​​​​
    Hours of Operation
    Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    Saturday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
    Sunday: Closed
    Emergency Service
    The LifeCentre
    165 Fort Evans Rd NE
    Leesburg, VA 20176
    Phone: 703-777-5755
    Site Map | Privacy Policy | Back to Top
    Copyright © 2021 Goose Creek Veterinary Hospital - All rights Reserved
    Powered by: powered by Roya.com

    Send Us A Message

    Thank you! We will connect with you shortly.
    You are missing required fields.
    Dynamic Error Description
    There was an error processing this form.

    Request Appointment

    Complete the form below and we will get back to you to confirm your schedule.
    Thank you! We will connect with you shortly.
    You are missing required fields.
    Dynamic Error Description
    There was an error processing this form.

    Login


    Forgot Password?

    OR

    Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


    Looking to create an account ?
    Already have an account? Login

    Save Search


    Saved Searches

      Update Profile