Pet Fear Can Impact On Veterinary Care
Published: 16 April 2018
In February 2018, an article entitled Pet fear ‘number one’ barrier – vet was released in the Vet Times magazine explaining how the fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) experienced by an animal when going to the vets can impact on the care it receives. Some owners do not like to see their beloved pet in distress and this may cause them not to seek appropriate veterinary attention when required. For veterinary treatment to be successful, a proper examination is required and this is made more difficult when the pet is distressed. They start associating going to the veterinary practice with uncomfortable things, such as injections, being held while blood is drawn, being away from their owners in an unfamiliar environment and sensory overload as there are a lot of other noises.
As suggested in the article, there are things that can be done to calm your pet prior, during and after visits to the vet. These can include familiarising your pet with travelling in a car from a young age (normally something that is not done with cats) or playing soft calming music. You can also get them to skip a meal, which means they will be more susceptible to treats when at the veterinary practice.
It is important that your vet acknowledges the impact that FAS can have on their assessment and that they take necessary steps to minimise this as well. This is one of the main reasons that we have started Vet 2U. Vet 2U is a fully mobile veterinary practice aimed at delivering care at and within the home of the pet. By doing this, your pet does not have to go through the stress of travelling, being put in a carrier and subjected to unfamiliar surroundings and noises. We aim to deliver our care in a manner that causes the least amount of stress to your pet and subsequently yourself. By spending time with your pet in their familiar surroundings, they are more relaxed with us and we are able to do a thorough assessment as required. Due to surgeries being done on your doorstep, there is minimal stress prior to surgery and your pet recovers in its own home and familiar surroundings.