I never imagined when I started vet school that I could become a dog or cat’s worst nightmare. I only wanted to help them to stay healthy and extend the quantity and quality of their lives. Unfortunately, I cannot always relay that desire onto my patients. We have always had the occasional stressed out pet but it does seem as though we are seeing more of those cases each year. Perhaps this is due to our owner’s nature to humanize pets or because the once quiet veterinary practice is now filled with more noisy and scary looking machines and preventative testing. Whatever the reason, it has become a very stressful event for some of our patients and therefore also to their pet parents.
Every effort should be made to keep your pet occupied mentally and comfortable. If your pet has a favorite toy, whether that is a squeaky toy, a bouncy ball, or a tug rope, be sure to bring it along. Veterinary staff love to interact with your pet and will gladly play with them for a few minutes at the beginning of the visit to help relax the pet. Favorite treats, especially if your pet is on a particular diet is also encouraged. Please let your veterinary staff know if your pet has food allergies or is prone to car sickness if treats are offered.
We encourage all of our pet parents to bring pets in other times throughout the year for a “happy visit”. During this time, we may weigh the pet, play with the toys and offer a treat, but not necessarily do anything stressful to the pet at all. Some dogs will soon realize that many visits are just downright fun! Our assistants can even do a pretend exam with rewards at the end of the visit for no other reason than to get the pet used to what might take place during an actual visit. This may also work for cats as well.
Of course, some pets are so stressed out that anxiety medication may be warranted. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian if you feel your pet might benefit from some medical therapy before their visit. Many sedatives are on the market now that might help take the edge off of their anxiety without making them feel drunk the remainder of the day. One of our new protocols here are Creekside Animal Hospital is the “chill protocol”. This is a combination of medications that allow the dog to relax for the exam in a more predictably timed manner than past sedatives. It involves having the owner administer gabapentin both the night before and the again 1-2 hours before their scheduled appointment. The owner will also administer melatonin along with the second dose of gabapentin. Then 30 minutes prior to the appointment a liquid form of acepromazine will be administered into the mouth which absorbs through the oral mucosa. This combination is very safe, inexpensive, and fairly predictable as to allowing the pet to remain calm for the visit to see their doctor. It also does not affect the ability to do anesthesia if the pet would need that for some reason during their visit, either. Veterinarians are finding new ways to assist in keeping our patients stress free and comfortable when training, treats and toys have not worked. If you feel your pet might benefit from the “chill protocol”, please let one of our veterinary technicians know at the time your schedule your pet’s exam so that it can be discussed with the doctor and prepared for pick up prior to your appointment.