Did you know that your pet’s emotional well being is important too? There are many day-to-day activities that can cause our pets to feel fear, anxiety, and stress. Here are a few of those activities and how you can help.
Traveling in the car
While a ride in the car may sound like a fun outing, it can be downright scary for your pet. Changes in speed, sudden stops, and even car sickness can make your dog or cat dread taking a ride. Animals should never be allowed to roam freely in the vehicle. In addition to keeping him safe, a carrier or seat belt harness will provide stability and security, alleviating much of your pup’s anxiety. If traveling long distances, be sure to stop every two hours to allow your pet to relieve himself and drink some water. If your pet experiences vomiting during car rides, ask us about anti-nausea medications.
Visiting the vet
Taking your pet from his comfortable, familiar home and driving him to the vet, where he might be poked and prodded by unfamiliar faces, can be scary and stressful. The key to alleviating the stress related to vet visits is to help your pet form positive associations with the experience. We encourage you to stop by with your pet at times when you don’t have an appointment. During these “fun” visits, you can bring your pet into the clinic, give him a few treats and praise, let our team show him some love, and then leave. Additionally, we use various methods in our clinic that help to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during the veterinary visit. We are proud to be AAHA accredited as well. The American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization to accredit veterinary hospitals, and accredited hospitals make sure your pets receive the best care possible. AAHA is at the heart of better care for pets and their people
Signs of stress in pets
Our pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling stress, so we need to watch their body language. A few signs include:
- Wide eyes
- Flattened ears
- Crouched stance
- Tucked tail
- Vocalization
Think your pet might be experiencing stress or anxiety? Call our office for ideas on how to keep your pet’s emotional well-being healthy.