Taking your pet to the veterinary clinic can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry companion. However, there are several things you can do to help ease anxiety and make the visit go smoothly. Proper preparation is key when it comes to reducing fear and anxiety in pets before a vet visit.

This article provides tips on how to get your cat, dog, rabbit, or other pet ready for their check-up, procedure, or wellness exam at a veterinary clinic in Perth.

We cover ways to familiarize them with their carrier, items to bring with you, calming techniques to use right before and during the appointment, and more. Follow these simple preparation steps, and you’ll set your pet up for success on their upcoming trip to the vet.

Train Your Pet to Enjoy the Carrier

One of the biggest stress points for pets is getting into the carrier. If they associate it with fear, anxiety, or unpleasant vet visits, they may hide or struggle when you try to get them inside. Start by leaving the carrier out in a common area so your pet can investigate it regularly. Place familiar bedding or a worn t-shirt with your scent inside to make it more comforting.

Occasionally place tasty treats or feed meals inside the bottom of the carrier without closing the door, so they associate it with positive things. Work up to closing the door briefly while feeding treats through the openings, then opening it again. Keep sessions short and positive. Over multiple training sessions, slowly work up to carrying the crate around while your pet is inside, praising them calmly. This carriers training prepares them for the short trip to the vet clinic.

Gather Important Documentation

Before the veterinarian appointment, collect all pertinent documentation on your pet to bring with you. This includes vaccination records, medical history documents, medication lists, and any prior lab results or reports. Place these documents in a folder or binder to keep organized.

Additionally, make sure identification and microchip information is current in case your pet escapes or becomes lost. Having all this important paperwork compiled ahead of time saves time during the visit and ensures the veterinarian has a full picture regarding medical history for reference in exams or diagnosis. It also aids creating accurate new medical records for your pet moving forward.

Stock a Pet Travel Bag

Packing a dedicated pet travel bag helps ensure you don’t forget key items needed for the veterinary visit. Essentials to include are:

• Collar with identification and license tags
• Sturdy leash for dogs or secure cat/small animal carrier
• Water and foldable bowl
• Sealed plastic bags for waste cleanup
• Pet’s regular medications, supplements, or specialty diet food
• Treats or chews for the waiting room
• A favorite toy, blanket, or bedding with familiar scents
• Paper towels and disinfecting wipes
• Absorbing wee-wee pads if not litter trained

Having a travel bag ready to go makes departure smooth when it’s time to visit the veterinary office. You don’t have to scramble to get essential items together or risk forgetting something important. Bonus tip: Leave an old towel or spare blanket in the car to place beneath carriers or use for anxious dogs to lay on during the drive. This prevents saliva or accidents from soaking into vehicle upholstery.

Use Calming Aids

Some pets become extremely anxious, fearful, stressed or overstimulated by car rides, new places, and being around unfamiliar people or animals. This can lead to episodes of panting, crying, barking, aggression, accidents, salivation, trembling and more. Employ calming techniques and aids to minimize reactions:

• Play calming music in the car and vet lobby
• Use anti-anxiety vests, caps, collars or sprays with pheromones
• Give homeopathic stress-relief oral drops or chews
• Ask your vet about prescription anti-anxiety medication for the visit
• Use flower essences and herbal treatments at home to relax (ex: Rescue Remedy)
• Diffuse lavender essential oil in the carrier on the ride
• Rub a dab of lavender oil between pet's shoulders to inhale Stick to normal feeding schedules. Withholding food can spike blood sugar and amplify stress. Try products ahead of time to ensure they are effective and do not cause further agitation. Having a plan to manage anxious or fearful pet patients helps vet staff provide quality care.

Check in Immediately on Arrival

When you get to the veterinary office, don’t leave your pet waiting restlessly in the car. Instead, head right in and alert front desk staff you have arrived. They can get you checked in and direct you where to sit with the carrier in the lobby. There is often a separate cat waiting section to prevent aggressive reactions.

If your pet soil themselves enroute, inform staff so an exam room can be readied immediately for bathing or cleaning up. While waiting, keep carriers covered with blankets to provide a dark, den-like cocoon. Avoid removing pets right away or forcing unwanted contact with other animals. Let veterinary technicians guide the process of moving your pet into exam rooms. They are trained in careful handling techniques to minimize fear and discomfort. If your companion becomes overly perturbed, staff may suggest moving you to an isolated room to avoid riling other pets.

Follow Veterinary Instructions Post-Visit

Before discharge after the appointment concludes, discuss all post-visit home care instructions fully with your veterinarian. Write down key details regarding medications, restrictions, recheck visits, lab work, prescriptions and specialist referrals. Ask any clarifying questions on proper home treatment, signs to monitor, diet, exercise limitations and more so you understand precisely what to look for.

When you get home, follow all veterinary orders exactly including:

• Medication type, dosage, timing and administration
• Restricted activity orders (e.g. leash walks only)
• Dietary changes or feeding guidelines
• Incision or wound care steps
• Recovery cage rest times
• Bandage, splint or cast maintenance
• Discharge or urine monitoring
• Signs that merit an urgent revisit Sticking firmly to post-appointment guidance from your vet ensures your pet heals properly after exams, treatment or minor procedures. Never administer extra medications without approval or make your own judgements on diet or activity, as it can undermine recovery.

Final Words

Preparing appropriately for your cat, dog or small pets visit to the veterinary clinic helps minimize unnecessary anxiety and stress surrounding the experience. Simple steps like carrier familiarization, packing a dedicated travel bag, utilizing calming aids and following precise post-visit care instructions significantly improve the process.

When owners invest time into readying their furry companions for the journey, it provides a better environment for the veterinary team to accurately assess health and administer quality care.