For many pets, a visit to the vet can be a stressful experience. New sights, unfamiliar smells, strange noises and handling can all create anxiety. At our clinic, we believe veterinary visits should be as calm and positive as possible—for both pets and their owners.
One of the ways we reduce stress is by providing a dedicated cat waiting area. Cats often feel more secure when they are separated from dogs and loud activity, allowing them to remain calmer before their appointment.
Throughout the clinic, we also use calming pheromone products such as Feliway® for cats and Adaptil® for dogs. These synthetic pheromones mimic the natural calming signals produced by animals, helping many pets feel more relaxed in an unfamiliar environment. We can also spray towels or bedding before your pet’s examination to create a more comforting experience.
For food-motivated pets, enrichment tools such as licky mats and Kong toys can provide a welcome distraction during examinations or procedures. Spreading a favourite treat across a licky mat encourages calm behaviour and creates positive associations with being at the clinic. Churus are a great treat for our feline friends who will often devour them whilst having their exam and even blood being drawn.
Some pets need a little extra support, and that’s perfectly okay. If your pet becomes very anxious or fearful, we may recommend calming supplements or prescription anti-anxiety medication before their visit. These medications don’t simply “sedate” pets—they help reduce fear and anxiety so your pet can cope more comfortably with the experience.
Stress-free veterinary care isn’t just about making visits easier. A relaxed pet allows us to perform more accurate examinations, obtain better diagnostic samples, and provide treatment safely and effectively. It also helps create positive experiences, making future visits less daunting.
If your pet becomes anxious about visiting the vet, please let us know before your appointment. Together, we can develop a personalised plan to make each visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible, ensuring better health care and a more positive experience for everyone.
