Veterinary visits can be stressful for our beloved pets, leading to a negative experience. These negative experiences can sometimes get in the way of providing proper or complete medical care. This is where pre-visit medications come into play.
Does your dog, pant, drool, tremble, or shake while waiting in the reception area or the exam room? Maybe he avoids the veterinary staff when it’s time for the exam or even barks and whines during the visit. Does your cat hide when she sees the carrier and it’s time to go to the vet? Perhaps she yowls the entire car ride. Does she growl, hiss, swat, or try to scratch during the veterinary visit?
These are all signs of increased fear, anxiety, and stress. In fact, 77% of both dogs and cats are reportedly fearful even before entering a veterinary clinic. 74% of dogs were fearful when the veterinarian approached and 85% of cats were afraid on the exam table.
What are pre-visit medications?
- Medication(s) prescribed specifically to help address the fear, anxiety, and stress your pet may
experience when coming to the veterinary office.
- They help to support your pet’s emotional and physical welfare and facilitate a more successful veterinary visit.
Why are pre-visit medications recommended?
They improve the veterinary experience. Reducing fear, anxiety, and stress means a more pleasant visit for yourself, your pet, and the veterinary staff
They enhance cooperation. A calmer pet leads to less traumatic experiences, better examinations, and more accurate diagnoses.
They provide long-term health benefits. More positive experiences encourage regular check-ups and a better assessment of your pet’s health status.
Why is timing important when I’m giving my pet pre-visit medications?
For pre-visit medications to be effective, timing is crucial. Administering the medicines at the right time ensures your pet is calm and relaxed by the time they get to their veterinary visit. Here are some key things to remember:
- Follow veterinary guidance: Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions on when to give the
prescription. Often, pre-visit medications are started the day before with an additional dose given a few hours before the visit.
- Trial runs: Conduct a trial at home to see how your pet reacts to the medication. This helps
your veterinarian adjust the timing and/or the dosage if needed. Keep in mind, that your pet will likely be sleepier in the calm environment of your home than at the veterinary office.
- Monitor your pet: After administering pre-visit medications, observe your pet for any adverse
reactions or excessive sedation. The effects of pre-visit medications typically last about 4-6 hours. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Will my pet need pre-visit medications every time?
If the veterinarian prescribes pre-visit medication, it’s important to give them for EVERY visit regardless of the type of appointment or services being done. To your pet, it’s about the whole experience incorporating the location, sights, sounds, and smells. Our goal is to have your pet arrive for their veterinary visit relaxed and remain comfortable for the duration of the visit.
Combining the pre-visit medications with calming pheromones, relaxing music, and low-stress handling techniques in the exam room sets your pet up for success. Some pets may be able to “wean off” of pre-visit medications over time. Others may need to continue it for every veterinary visit. We will adjust your pet’s appointment plan as needed for the best outcome.
Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best approach to address your pet’s specific fear, anxiety, and stress response. With the right preparation, you can help your furry friend(s) have more positive and fear-free experiences at the vet, promoting their overall health and well-being.
