Expand To Show Full Article
Reducing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress During Vet Visits in the Time of COVID

Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Reducing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress: Vet Visits During COVID

by | Mar 29, 2021 | Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care | 0 comments

In March 2020, my Bullmastiff began limping. Stay-at-home orders delayed Bravo’s diagnosis of osteosarcoma. For a year we endured an emotional rollercoaster of multiple visits with specialists while navigating the new normal of COVID-19.

Vet visits during covid weren’t easy. We tried to make vet visits fear free for Bravo, and for ourselves. Read this post about why vets take pets to the back.

bravoHandouts Help Preparedness for Pets, Vets, & Pet Parents

Pre-visit notes and resources from our general practice vet and specialists provided a welcome guide for us to help Bravo. Handouts especially help dog and cat owners during COVID-19 challenges to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets and the people who love them. Lord knows, my husband and I felt stress over Bravo.

Veterinarians can prepare an online downloadable handout for clients. When possible, that can be emailed to the client ahead of the visit. And pet parents can ask their veterinarian for resources, too — if they don’t have their own, they can often direct you to online materials. Here are more suggestions to consider.

vet visits during covid

Previsit Pharmaceuticals for Pet Vet Visits Reduce Stress

The extra turmoil of new vet visit protocols means medication offers an important way to mitigate FAS. Used in conjunction with training, PVPs (pre-visit pharmaceuticals) help reduce FAS during the veterinary visit. I reached out to Dr. Robin Downing of the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management for her insight.

“FAS is a monolithic barrier to my being able to do my job as a doctor,” says Dr. Downing. Pets experiencing FAS interferes with an accurate examination when terrified pets want to escape handling or restraint, respond with fear-based aggression, or “freeze” so their rigid posture interferes with accurate feedback from their physiology.

“It would be impossible to honor our ethical obligation to our fearful patients without the help of PVPs,” she says. They completely transform the fearful pet’s experience, and that in turn transforms the pet owner’s experience as well.

While every pet and vet practice is different, Dr. Downing shared her go-to list of PVPs she uses in her practice. Even when restrictions lift and COVID goes away (or we learn how to keep it at bay!), the stress of vet visits continue. Veterinarians have their individual preferences, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet team what works best for them, and how you can help best address FAS in your cats or dogs.

PVPs for Dogs

Trazodone is Dr. Downing’s preferred first step in canine patients. “If trazodone alone does not seem to get the job done, we add gabapentin. This combination has been a big “winner” for some of our patients who particularly resent having their feet handled and their toenails trimmed.” A good measure of success is a patient who is willing to take treats when benefiting from PVPs. It’s also important that pet owners deliver the PVP two-to-three hours before their appointment.

Dr. Downing notes there are other PVP options for dogs. “We had inconsistent results when we employed alprazolam. That does not mean it could be effective for another practice, but we have had such consistent results from trazodone, +/- gabapentin, that we have narrowed our focus accordingly. I do not have personal experience with clonidine yet and may use it in the future.”

scared cat FAS

PVPs for Cats

“For cats, we rely most often on gabapentin at 100mg per cat (no matter the size of the cat), with the occasional cat requiring 200mg. Timing is critical, so two-to-three hours ahead of the scheduled appointment is optimal,” she says. “I have occasionally used trazodone in cats, but I find that the “smoothness” of the gabapentin experience for most cats has narrowed our focus. I do not yet have personal experience with lorazepam but have an open mind about the potential for future use.”

These medications do not “drug” or sedate the pet, and instead alleviate FAS that can interfere with effective treatment. They tend to act quickly with an hour or two, and then leave the system within about twelve hours. Because they are used off-label, it’s a good idea to learn how the medication acts on the individual pet in a home trial. Here’s another good resource to share.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Considerations

During COVID, many businesses mandated both personnel and clients to wear PPE. As health care providers, veterinary professionals have an acute understanding of potential disease transmission. Yet they still strive to provide the best possible care for furry patients. Pet parents can help by working with required PPE considerations and helping to prepare pets.

Some dogs may react poorly to face coverings, in the same way that they may fear Halloween costumes. Pets used to sniff a hand may be concerned when they encounter gloves.

By now, most pets have seen their human wearing a mask. But if not, wear masks around your pet a day or two in advance of the vet visit. Speak to the pet and reward calm behavior with something he loves like treats or a game. Drilling with tricks the dog knows can engage his brain so he thinks less about being concerned. Perhaps also offer special treats while wearing gloves or scent them with something pleasant. Bravo always suggested bacon.

Safe Leashes

The type of safety restraint can make a difference in the pet’s FAS level. That also impacts the technician’s ability to safely retrieve your cat or dog from the car. During COVID, most clinics don’t allow the owners to accompany their animals, with few exceptions.* That certainly increased MY stress!

Always ensure a secure leash contains your precious dog. Bravo loved his clinic staff but I still took him out of the car first. Many dogs object to a stranger (in a mask!) opening the car door and reaching for them.

Leave your own leash attached while the technician places the clinic’s slip-lead. Then, you can remove the pet’s personal leash, if asked. Bravo had a slip lead with the oncology clinic’s phone number on it, so I generally used that during vet visits to avoid any need for a leash swap.

vet visits during covid

Seren loved her carrier–the bottom slid out to make it easier for vet visits and treatments.

Fear Free Carriers

Cats should safely transport in a carrier rather than a leash. Small dogs also may do better in a confined carrier. Leaving carriers out in the home all the time helps them become positive experiences. Toss in favorite toys and treats for the pet to discover. Turn the place into a fuzzy warm cave for cats to nap (take the door off the carrier while at home). Our new young dog Shadow eats all his meals inside the crate, including treats, so he BEGS to go inside. Learn more crate training tips here.

Ramp up the carrier “love factor” by placing a treat or toy inside that the pet ONLY gets when closed inside. Shut the carrier door—with the treat inside, and the pet locked out. Wait for the pet to beg to go in and get the treat, and gently shut the door for increasingly longer intervals. Pets busy munching won’t mind the shut door.

Carriers with top openings, sides that collapse down, or bottoms that slide out with the base work well for frightened cats. That way, your shy cat won’t be forced inside, or dragged out–which increases FAS–but can be treated while still comfy on the familiar-smelling bedding. Using pheromone products inside crates and carriers also can help reduce FAS.

Muzzles

Some dogs feel calmer when they wear a basket muzzle that takes teeth out of the equation. When needed, ask your veterinarian for specific how-to tips on selecting an appropriate muzzle and how to teach dogs to accept these.

I like to turn the basket muzzle into a treat bowl. Feeding the dog treats through the muzzle while holding it (aerosol cheese, for example) can associate wonderful things with wearing this protection. Only ask the dog to wear the muzzle after he accepts placing his face inside to get treats on a regular basis.

vet visits during covid

Magical-Dawg loved car rides! But Bravo wasn’t a fan. Adjust preparation for vet visits during covid to your individual pet’s needs.

Calm Car Rides

Associate car rides with all-good-stuff for the pet. Start by feeding inside the car (without it moving) for a week. Next, feed treats in the car and turn the car on but don’t move. Finally, drive around the block if the pet has previously remained calm. Gradually increase the duration of trips, perhaps stopping at a fast- food drive to purchase a healthy pet treat.

Once the car starts moving, use only tiny, tasty tidbits if the dog is prone to get car sick—perhaps use ginger snap cookies, which also help settle the tummy. Bravo used to get car sick, so adjust to the individual pet.

Have you visited the vet this past year with your furry wonders? What was your experience? Do tell!

*Addendum: Our clinic made an exception for us to accompany him into the clinic when Bravo’s fight had come to an end. Because of the way the veterinary team loved and cared for him–and for us–he had no fear, anxiety or stress, and wagged on his final visit into the clinic. We whispered our love into this good-dog’s ears as he traveled from this world of pain to that place where cancer doesn’t exist, and where all pets are again made whole.

This article first appeared in another form on the FearFreePets.com site, and has been edited to be inclusive of a pet parent audience.

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

 

0 Comments

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Fearful Fido? Know the Signs of Dog Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS)AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] If your pet has fear, anxiety, or stress issues while visiting the veterinarian, here are some tips to help.…
  2. Veterinary Visits: Why Vets Take Your Pet to the Back - […] does this with my animals, and I have no problem with the practice. During the past year or so,…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Cat Urinary Blockage, Feline Urinary Tract Disorders & The “Stoned” Cat

Do you know the signs of a cat urinary blockage? Do you know about FLUTD? Maybe you’re puzzled why your cat suddenly pees outside the box? Or maybe he strains and strains but can’t elminate. Is it constipation? Or does he have a cat urinary blockage? How can I stop my cat from peeing on the carpet?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD) can cause deadly cat urinary blockage. It frustrates cat owners—and also the cats! A cat urinary blockage can be deadly, so it’s vital to recognize the signs of a feline urinary tract disorder. This post is dedicated to my friend Susan Richardson-Cripps and the memory of Heathcliff, her fun-loving orange kitty boy.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

How to Get the Most from Vet Visits: What to Ask & How to Ask

When I worked as a veterinary technician many years ago, pet parents ask questions all the time, but rarely to the vet. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the doctor when they take pets to the back, or feared their questions were foolish. Maybe the busy schedule of the clinic offered little opportunity to ask.

Whatever the reason, remember that there are no foolish questions for your beloved cat and dog. Does your dog hate the vet, or is your cat fearful of vet visits? That can increase your own worry and stress.

As your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear free when asking your vet questions.

Calling All Pet Professionals: What to do about Dr. Google

Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, I spent much of my time “translating” the doctor’s medical-speak into language that pet parents more easily understood. I can’t complain, because that gave me my career. But why turn to the vet tech instead of the doctor? Well, clients felt intimidated to ask the veterinarian for clarification, embarrassed they didn’t understand, and reluctant to “waste the doctor’s time.”

My, how times change. Today, many pet parents arrive at the clinic with the leash or carrier in one hand and a printout in the other, courtesy of “Dr. Google.” Pet professionals applaud their advocacy and determination to self-educate and provide the best care for their animal companions.

But pet professionals become frustrated when this information is at best inapplicable, and at worst, downright dangerous. Yet, you don’t want to appear condescending or “hiss off” your clients, so they stop coming altogether. And pet lovers–you don’t want to be discounted in your hunt for best practices for your cats and dogs.

Don’t bump heads. Here are some ways to manage Dr. Google without driving each other away.

Earth Day for Pets: How to Celebrate Responsibly

It’s Earth Day! Now, we have to be responsible because the Earth is the only place that has dogs and cats. Am I right? So how will you make Earth Day for pets a fun celebration? Shadow-Pup, Karma-Kat and I are encouraging everyone to do their part to help take care of this gorgeous planet we share.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Environment

Do you get bored? How do you know when your cat feels bored, just like we do? Cats may sleep more (and they already sleep a LOT!). If you free feed leaving out food all the time, a bored cat fills up their empty feelings with a full tummy. Or, they may act out by scratching the wrong object, or–in my Karma-Kat’s case, he torments the dog.

I’m a huge proponent of environmental enrichment for cats. Think about it–while dogs more typically get outings with walks in the park or car rides, we keep cats safe inside. No wonder they get bored. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, think about some eco-friendly ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money, either, or a lot of time. Here are some easy and fun “green” projects to try and see if that turns on the kitty purrs.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. I struggle not to binge on snacks and bad TV. Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and environmental enrichment elevates your dog’s physical and emotional health.

When Shadow-Pup feels bored, he terrorizes Karma-Kat. Oh, they love to play together, but he overdoes things and can get too rough when he feels bored. He’ll also demand more attention from his humans. That takes the form of staring and barking at us (READ MY MIND!), or bringing toys to play, or even indulging in zoomies–racing around and around the house l

There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world. That doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this spring.

How to Leash Train Cats

Why would you want to leash train cats and confine kitties from stalking and pouncing? Isn’t that mean? Actually, it’s not cruel, but without proper introduction, it can be a wee bit scary. In my Complete Kitten Care book, I call this LIBERATION TRAINING. Teaching your new cat to walk on a leash is a safety issue, but also means they get to venture beyond the confines of your house and into the yard and beyond.

This week during a cat consult, a pet parent asked about training her cat to walk on a leash. It’s always a good time to revisit the notion. An adult cat won’t automatically understand the concept, though, so this blog not only explains the benefits of leash training to YOU, it also helps you purr-suade your cats to get a new leash on life. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Cats and Mirrors: Stranger Danger or Twin Fun?

Years ago, when I was the spokesperson for the Purina Cat Chow Way of Life Tour, we’d arrive in town the evening before and visit the shelter to choose a kitty for the next morning’s TV appearance. The “stars” almost always received lots of attention from viewers and got adopted. Understandably, shelter staff had their favorites and often urged us to choose a special feline that had less chance for a forever home. I had the delight of spending the night in the hotel room with the lucky kitty. Believe me, it was tough not to bring a whole clowder home!

One memorable kitty hated mirrors. Oy!

The shelter volunteers urged us to take a “lifer” onto the TV show. This kitty had been there for several years, and probably couldn’t remember ever being on the “outside.” She’d had reconstructive eye surgery for a birth defect (problems with the eyelids) and had poor vision. But she was sweet and adored by the whole staff–so we chose her to make a television appearance.

That evening, when I opened the carrier door in the hotel room to allow her to stretch her legs, she got as far as the closet door, and FREAKED! The mirror reflection terrified her—that strange cat in the glass hissed at her, screamed at her, threatened to attack—and this poor cat hadn’t a clue what to do. Why do cats get freaked out by mirrors? It’s likely the eyesight issue made it worse, but many cats react to mirrors poorly. Learn here why cats hate mirrors and what you can do to ease the angst!

Dare Or Die Pre-Order: Amy Shojai Thriller Book #7 Releases April 30

Plan to get your copy of DARE OR DIE from Amy Shojai thrillers by pre-ordering NOW. The book releases in all Ebook versions, in print, and hardcover on April 30th. The audiobook version releases in May.

What’s DARE OR DIE #7 About?

September Day won’t let anything prevent her from walking down the aisle. Hiring more security instead of canceling the ceremony, she’s horrified when the stalker makes good on their threat. And whisked away by a mysterious bodyguard, the distraught bride fears the only way to keep everyone safe is to fake her death.

Longing to return home, the frantic dog trainer relies on her German Shepherd Shadow to sniff out her strange savior’s true motives. But September’s PTSD escalates into full-blown panic after learning she holds the key to take down a sinister crime syndicate.

Can September and Shadow bury the past for good?

DARE OR DIE is the electrifying 7th book in the September & Shadow series. If you like spirited survivors, twisty secrets, and the healing power of hero dogs and hero cats, then you’ll love Amy Shojai’s hair-raising read.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships