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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.

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