FEAR FREE VISITS TO ARDEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL

At Arden Animal Hospital we want your dogs and cats to feel comfortable coming into our clinic.

We understand many pets are very anxious and stressed about visiting the vet, but we believe it doesn’t always have to be this way.

Below are some tips we think can help your pet have a Fear Free visit to Arden Animal Hospital.

We also invite you to talk to our knowledgeable staff and veterinarians regarding specific problems you are experiencing.

Ideas to helping your kitty have a Fear Free visit:

Use a soft sided carrier, it can be more comfortable for your cat and can also double as a cat bed in your home. Carriers with a zipper on top is also very helpful for both loading and unloading. Before your next appointment, leave the carrier out as much as possible several weeks before so your cat gets use to it and doesn’t only associate the carrier with going to the vet. You may even want to consider making the carrier your cat’s permanent bed in your house that way it is always out and again not associated with going to the vet. If your cat likes treats or cat nip try putting those in the carrier prior to visits as well.
Spraying Feliway on a towel and putting that in the carrier can be very helpful as well. Feliway is a synthetic cat pheromone that helps to reduce stress and anxiety in our furry feline friends. Please be sure not to spray Feliway directly on your cat and remember, once you are at our clinic please feel free to use the white towels sprayed with Feliway located in our reception area. We recommend cover your cat’s carrier with the towels provided. It is also a good idea to cover your cat’s carrier on the car ride, the added security of being covered can help greatly with anxiety.
Prescription sedatives are also an option for most cats. Please speak with your veterinarian to see if this is an appropriate option for your cat.

Ideas for helping your dog have a Fear Free visit:

Consider withholding your dog’s favorite treat prior to your visit, that way your dog will be much more likely to take treats at our office and have a good experience. If you have special treats that are particularly appealing to your dog or your dog is on a limited ingredient diet feel free to bring these specific treats with you.

Acclimate your pet at home to wearing a basket muzzle or e-collar if these things have been useful or needed during past visits.
Prescription sedatives are also an option for most dogs. Please speak with your veterinarian to see if this is an appropriate option for your dog.
For dogs who are afraid to come into the clinic at all….please practice coming into the lobby as much as you can to desensitize your dog. You are always welcome to just come in and say hi, we would love to see you anytime!
Feel free to stay in your car if coming into the lobby and waiting makes your dog more anxious; or if your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs. Call us when you arrive and we will call or text you when you can come directly into a room instead of waiting in the lobby.