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oing to a veterinarian can be stressful for pets and their owners. Fortunately, the caring team – at West Park Animal Hospital, proudly accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), is here to help. We provide a wide range of veterinary services and helpful pet resources near you in West Park, North Olmsted, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and Cleveland, Ohio. Learn more about pet stress and how we can help you and your pet feel comfortable during a visit to the veterinarian.

What Is Pet Stress?

When you think of your pets, you typically focus on the love and attention they give you. However, much like their owners, pets sometimes struggle to handle day-to-day situations. Whether your beloved pet suffers from anxiety, has past trauma, or has just been startled, cats, dogs, and other animals may show signs of stress. This is especially true for visits to the veterinarian, which may create these feelings for several reasons, including:

• Leaving the confines of home
• Sitting in waiting areas with unfamiliar animals
• Being handled by unfamiliar people
• Having trauma from past experiences with shots and uncomfortable procedures
• Being surrounded by new smells and sounds
• Traveling in a crate

Pets are also often perceptive to their owners’ feelings, which means owners who are tense due to the visit may inadvertently pass that stress onto their pets.

What Can Be Done to Help?

While pet stress is common during veterinarian visits, it can make it difficult for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to do their jobs. Fortunately, there are some things that pet owners can do to help alleviate these feelings before and during a visit, including:

Find the Right Team

Having a team of professionals you and your pet can trust is the first step. This helps build a relationship that will last for years and allow your pet to feel more comfortable in their care.

Give Them Treats

Dogs, cats, and other animals all have their favorite snacks. Bringing some of them with you during a veterinary visit may help calm them down. You can give them a little before the visit and several times throughout the visit as necessary to help keep them occupied.

Wait Outside

For some animals, the waiting room can be stressful because people and other animals are often going in and out. If you can, stay in your vehicle or outside of the facility until just before your scheduled appointment to minimize the amount of time they’ll need to spend in the waiting room.

Try a Practice Visit

Before going to the veterinarian, you can practice a visit at home. By looking over your pet and having them stay in place while you do so, you can prepare them for what they’ll experience at their appointment.

You can also try to bring them into the office to experience the area and the team working there, which can help build comfort. We call these “happy visits”!

When Additional Help Is Needed

Despite your best efforts, some pets may still experience anxiety or stress surrounding veterinary visits. In these cases, our veterinarians may recommend short-term medications or supplements to help make the experience more comfortable. These options can ease anxiety and help ensure a calmer, safer visit for both you and your pet.

If your pet struggles with fear or stress before appointments, talk with your veterinarian about what solutions might work best. Together, we can find an approach that supports your pet’s emotional well-being and helps them feel more at ease during their visits.

Turn to Our Trusted Veterinary Team Today

At West Park Animal Hospital, our team understands that veterinary appointments can lead to pet stress. That’s why we take the time to create an environment where pets can feel safe. We also aim to build a rapport and develop trust with both pets and their owners. We also strive to provide affordable care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you in the Cleveland, OH, area.

Picking the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle

There’s a pet for every lifestyle. Ask family and friends about their experiences or consult local veterinarians or shelters for expert guidance. To get started, consider some characteristics of popular pets:

Dogs

• Activity level: Some dogs are more playful than others. A high-energy breed like a Border Collie loves to run around, but a mellow breed like a Bulldog won’t need as much stimulation.
• Space requirements: Big dogs need space for adequate exercise. They thrive on properties with yards. If you live in an apartment, consider a small breed or older dog.
• Time commitment: Between walking, feeding, training, and showing them love, dogs require your time. Does your work schedule, social life, and other obligations provide enough time for a dog?
• Breed considerations: It’s not just size and appearance that separates breeds. Breed dictates temperament, grooming, and possible future health concerns. Research breeds to learn more about their characteristics.

Cats

• Independence: Busy people appreciate that cats are independent. However, cats still need proper care and will crave attention sometimes – or a lot of the time.
• Indoor vs. outdoor: Although cats love exploring outside, we recommend keeping cats indoors. It’s easier to keep your cat’s health under control and ensure their safety. You also don’t risk your cat getting lost.
• Grooming needs: Long-haired cat breeds have more grooming needs than short-haired breeds. Think about your ability to manage their coats and clean up cat hair around the house.
• Space and enrichment: Like dogs, cats need stimulation. Vertical spaces for climbing and scratching posts are two ways cats like to stay active.

Pocket Pets

• Unique needs: Pocket pets, such as rodents, birds, or reptiles, require specific habitats and diets. Some thrive best in certain temperatures and humidity levels so they might need climate-controlled enclosures.
• Lifespan: The lifespans of small pets vary considerably. Rodents live a few years, while parrots and turtles can live for decades.
• Veterinary care: It can be harder to find a veterinarian with experience in pocket pets. Ensure there’s a veterinarian in the area who knows how to care for these pets before adopting.

Overall Commitment for Any Pet

• Average lifespan: A dog might live about a decade, while a cat could live two decades or more. Think about how much time you can commit to.
• Financial commitment: It’s more than the adoption fees. Caring for a pet includes food, supplies, and veterinary care. In general, the bigger the animal, the greater the cost.
• Lifestyle adjustments: The more care a pet requires, the greater the impact on your daily routine, social life, and travel plans.

Preparing Your Home for a New Pet

Your home is a much different environment than the shelter. Gradually introduce them to the various areas of your home, letting them get comfortable at their own pace.

Creating a Safe Space

• Pet-proofing your home: Remove electrical elements or toxic plants that pets might bite or swallow. Keep cleaning supplies away from their reach and secure trash cans.
• Designated area: Provide a comfortable space for sleeping, eating, and playing. Introduce pets to beds, toys, and food and water bowls.
• Quiet space for adjustment: Rescue pets especially can get overwhelmed in a new environment. They require a quiet, secluded area to retreat and calm their nerves.

Gathering Essential Supplies

• Dogs and cats: Food and water bowls, nutritious food, beds, collars, leashes, and litter boxes – these are just a few of the essential items for dogs and cats.
• Pocket pets: In addition to habitats (cages, tanks), these pets need accessories like bedding, water bottles, and special foods.

Initial Veterinarian Visit Preparation

• Scheduling an appointment: You want to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian within the first few days or weeks of pet adoption. Veterinarians have a baseline for developing wellness plans and starting vaccinations.
• Health checks: All pets benefit from certain health screenings and vaccinations, while some are specific to the animal or breed. Also consider parasite prevention, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
• Establishing a care routine: Your veterinarian can help you create a care routine for your pet, including feed schedules, exercise frequency, and grooming needs.

If you have a family or roommate, they also must be aware of the care routine. Ensure everyone involved in the pet’s care is responsible.

Introducing a New Pet to an Existing Pet Household

The arrival of a new furry friend can be alarming to existing pets. It might take days, weeks, or even months for pets to adjust, so patience is necessary.

Initial Introduction

• Slow and supervised introductions: Scent swapping is a great tactic for introducing pets before they meet face-to-face. The first few interactions should be short. If any animal begins feeling threatened, separate them.
• Neutral territory: Scent plays a strong role in a pet’s sensations, so a neutral location can be best for limiting territorial behavior. For instance, taking a new and existing dog outside to meet for the first time.
• Observe body language: Growling, hissing, or raised fur are common signs of an agitated pet. As soon as you notice things might escalate, separate the pets.

Managing Multiple Pets

• Separate spaces: Provide separate areas for feeding and sleeping at first. Gradually allow pets to share these spaces as they get comfortable.
• Positive reinforcement: Don’t scold or punish an existing pet for aggressive behavior, which can increase anxiety. Instead, give them treats or praise when they’re calm and friendly with the new pet.
• Feeding and playtime: Maintain consistent care routines and playtime schedules to minimize stress. Avoid feeding pets close to each other to prevent food aggression.

Signs of Stress or Aggression

• Recognizing issues: Learn the signs of stress or aggression in your pet, such as hiding, refusing to eat, or excessive barking.
• Know when to seek help: If tension continues, consult a professional trainer or animal behaviorist who can offer guidance. Your veterinarian can refer you to these experts.

Preparing for the Unexpected

You can never be too prepared for pet adoption. The following considerations will help you prepare for surprises.

Pet Insurance

• Benefits of pet insurance: Pet insurance offers peace of mind to cover the costs of wellness care and unexpected veterinary expenses.
• Choosing the right plan: Compare your options to find an insurance plan that fits your budget. Consider the pet’s breed, age, and health to ensure proper coverage.
• Understanding policy details: Read your policy thoroughly to understand what is and isn’t covered, plus waiting periods. Review your insurance policy regularly and adjust as your pet ages or health changes.

Emergency Fund

• Setting aside savings: Consider setting up a small savings account dedicated to pet care. It can help cover the costs of emergency visits, surgeries, and other unexpected expenses.
• How much to save: Set a goal for the savings account, such as $500 to $1,000, for immediate needs. You can continue adding to build up savings over time.
• Keeping funds accessible: These funds should be easy to access in an emergency. For instance, choose a savings account that won’t incur penalties for withdrawals.

Planning for Long-Term Care

• Considerations for aging pets: Care needs will change as pets get older. Understand dietary adjustments, potential mobility issues, cognitive decline, and management of chronic conditions.
• End-of-life care: Ask your veterinarian about end-of-life care options like palliative care, hospice, and humane euthanasia.
• Lifestyle changes: Major life changes like moving or having a baby can impact your ability to care for a pet. When these changes are on the horizon, consider how to preserve your pet’s health and happiness.

You don’t have to navigate surprises yourself! Keep a list of emergency contacts nearby, including your veterinarian and the nearest animal hospital, such as West Park Animal Hospital.

Help With Pet Adoptions in Cleveland, OH, and the Surrounding Areas

Adopting a pet is exciting, but don’t rush into it. This decision requires considering all aspects of pet ownership before committing. If you need help with pet adoption, West Park Animal Hospital is there for questions or support. Once you adopt a pet, we provide veterinary services like initial health checks, vaccinations, and ongoing care.

Pet families in West Park, North Olmsted, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, Cleveland, OH, and the surrounding areas trust the caring team at West Park Animal Hospital. Contact us today.

Additional Resources

Rescues*

*Please note: West Park Animal Hospital works closely with many rescues in the Cleveland area but is not affiliated with the sale or adoption of pets.

• Cat Rescues:
  • House of Mews
  • Tails from the City
• Dog Rescues: 
  • Cleveland City Kennel
  • Fido’s Companion Rescue
  • Golden Retrievers in Need (GRIN) Rescue
  • Multiple Breed Rescue
  • Mutts in a Rut Rescue
  • The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs
• Dog and Cat Rescues: 
  • Cleveland Animal Protection League (APL)
  • Berea Animal Rescue
  • Friendship Animal Protective League
  • One of a Kind Rescue

Behavioral Specialists

• The Behavior Clinic – Elizabeth Feltes

Trainers

• Pet Education Center – by The Behavior Clinic
• Affinity Canine
• North Coast Dogs
• Elite K911
• Paramount Dog Training
• Sits N Wiggles

Thank you for your Cleveland Hot List votes. We were voted #1 again for the 5th year in a row! We are happy to continue to serve the community and appreciate your support.