Is your Dog Stressed??

Our goal at The Hermann Veterinary Clinic is to provide a fear free veterinary visit. Listed below are a few of the tools we can use to minimize the stress for your dog.

Tool 1: Arrive Calm 
Your dog arriving at our clinic in a calm state of mind is crucial fro a stress free visit. Your dog's stress may be associated with car rides, your own mood, or the veterinary clinic itself.

If your dog does not like car rides, try to condition them to be more comfortable in the car. If they get nauseous in the car, try not feeding them for 12 hours before. If this is still not enough, ask us about anti-nausea medication.

Taking your dog to the clinic may be stressful for you. If this is true, try using tools to decrease your own stress level such as soothing music or deep calming breaths. No matter how you achieve a calm state of mind, it is crucial. Dogs are very sensitive to our moods and behaviors.

​The veterinary clinic may cause anxiety due to previous stressful visit,, or simply because it is a new place with strange people. We encourage you to bring your dog by for fun visits to simply stop in, be pet, and receive a tasty treat. These visits can condition your dog to look forward to trips to our clinic.

Tool 2: Treats, Treats, Treats
If your dog likes treats, we love to bribe! We

Tool 3: Cat Carrier
If the only time your cat sees the cat carrier is when they go to the vet, the cat carrier itself will cause stress. We recommend acclimating your cat to the carrier by incorporating the carrier into your daily lives. Let your cat use it as a nap space and offer treats inside the carrier.
Carriers that have a top that can be easily removed are the best option. This allows your cat to be removed from the carrier with minimal stress. We may also be able to examine your cat while in the carrier.

Tool 4: Food
If your cat is food motivated, let us know! We would love to bribe your kitty with treats.  If your cat has a favorite treat, feel free to bring them along.  Also, not feeding your cat prior to his/her visit will decrease nausea in the car and make them more willing to accept treats at the veterinary clinic. 

Tool 5: Toys
Feel free to play with your cat with the toys provided.  If your cat has a favorite toy, bring it along. 

Tool 6: Medication
If the tools listed above are not enough to alleviate stress for your kitty, ask one of our Veterinarians about medication options. 
We may recommend rescheduling your appointment if your cat is too stressed and we feel medication would help.

Thank you for your help in providing a fear free veterinary visit for your cat.  If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our team members. 

The Hermann Veterinary Clinic Team