Going to the veterinarian can be stressful, especially if your pet associates the veterinary hospital only with unpleasant experiences. Being crammed into a carrier, enduring a car ride, and meeting strangers can pique your pet’s anxiety, despite a perfectly pleasant visit. If your senior pet suffers from increased anxiety associated with cognitive dysfunction, a veterinary visit may be particularly daunting. Many veterinary hospitals now practice Fear Free techniques designed to reduce fear and anxiety, but their methods will make little difference if your pet arrives as a quivering mass of nerves. Ensuring a stress-free visit starts long before your pet steps foot in the veterinary hospital—it starts at home. Here are four tips to prepare your pet for a stress-free veterinary visit.

#1: Handle your pet at home

Many pets are not used to their feet and ears being handled, or saying “Ah” for an oral evaluation, and become nervous when the veterinarian handles these body parts during a routine physical exam. Prepare your pet for their next exam by mimicking the veterinarian’s actions at home. Pets often best accept handling when started at a young age, but an old dog—or cat—can learn new tricks, especially when a reward is involved. Start slowly and progress at a pace comfortable for your pet. For example, if your pet does not like their feet handled, gently touch their foot and give them a high-value treat. Work up to asking your pet to present their paw, or “Shake,” in exchange for a reward. Use the same process to handle your pet’s ears, open their mouth, and run your hands over their body.

#2: Acclimate your pet to their carrier or crate

It’s no wonder your pet works themselves into a frenzy when their carrier is used only a few times a year for car rides to the veterinary hospital. Imagine being dragged from under the bed, shoved into a cold, hard carrier, and bounced around on the walk to the car. Now imagine how less stressed your pet would be if they went into their carrier willingly. By acclimating your pet to their carrier, you can remove much of the anxiety associated with going to the veterinarian. Ideally, you should leave your pet’s carrier out all the time, but if that is not possible, bring it out several weeks before their appointment. Prop the door open and place soft blankets, toys, and treats inside. Praise your pet each time they go inside the carrier on their own. Once they are comfortable going in and out, close the door for a few seconds, open the door, and reward your pet. Gradually work up to leaving your pet in their carrier for a few minutes at a time. 

#3: Take your pet for car rides

A car’s movements and sounds make many pets anxious, so take them on frequent, short car rides to teach them they do not need to be afraid. Start by simply sitting in the car and feeding your pet treats or playing with them. Then, start the car, let it run, and do the same. Work up to driving around the block, and then taking your pet along while you run errands. Ensure your pet is secured with a harness or kept in a carrier to prevent injury and minimize movements that may cause anxiety or motion sickness. Although car sickness is often related to anxiety, if your pet still becomes nauseous or vomits after becoming used to car rides, speak to your family veterinarian about medications that may help.

#4: Visit the veterinary hospital before your pet’s appointment

Most veterinary hospitals are happy to see your pet outside their normal appointments, so stop by for a “happy visit.” Staff members will feed your pet treats, tour them around the hospital, and introduce them to other staff members. This way, your pet will associate the veterinary hospital with positive memories, and recognize the staff as friends on their next visit. Stop in for happy visits every few months while you are out running errands so your pet doesn’t forget. Don’t be surprised when they pull you through the door to see their new best friends.