Behavior Tips

For Pet Owners

Visits to a veterinarian are always stressful for both the owner and pet. At American Canyon Veterinary Hospital, we try to make the whole experience pleasant and as less stressful as possible. Preparation for the visit should start a few days prior to the actual day it is scheduled. Following are some helpful tips proposed by Dr. Singh and staff to make your visit as smooth as possible. Sometimes with pet’s that have severe anxiety, sending home a mild sedation medication is the best way to make sure your pet has a comfortable visit. We do need to see your pet within the last 12 months in order to dispense any medication however once the examination is complete, if the Doctor has prescribed sedatives for your pet then we can schedule another appointment for you to come back with your pet after giving the medication to complete any treatments or services that are needed. You can also keep this medication on hand for future visits.

Here are some tips to help your pet have the best experience possible.

  • If using a carrier, bring it out of storage at least the night before their appointment, clean it and leave it in the areas where pets will see and interact or even spend time in it.
  • Place a towel/blanket and one piece of the owner’s clothing to provide the pet with comfort of a familiar object.
  • Spraying the towel with pet pheromones like Adaptil (for dogs) or Feliway (for cats) can sometimes greatly reduce the pet’s anxiety during travel and when coming into the hospital. You can also ask us for some Feliway wipes prior to your visit to wipe down your cat’s carrier.
  • Make sure you have a way to restrain (seat belt) your pet during travel to the vet’s office. Small pets in a carrier are best transported behind the passenger seat. Consider covering the carrier with a large towel.
  • If your pet has very severe anxiety issues, please reach out to your veterinarian a few days prior to appointment to get medication to help calm the pet down.
  • If medically allowed, bring the pet to the veterinarian hungry so that treats can be offered for a positive experience.
  • After the visit, when you get home, introduce the pet to your other pets gradually. Cats should be given quiet time away from other pets and dogs can be taken for a short walk together to acclimatize.

Behavior Tips

For Pet Owners

Visits to a veterinarian are always stressful for both the owner and pet. At American Canyon Veterinary Hospital, we try to make the whole experience pleasant and as less stressful as possible. Preparation for the visit should start a few days prior to the actual day it is scheduled. Following are some helpful tips proposed by Dr. Singh and staff to make your visit as smooth as possible. Sometimes with pet’s that have severe anxiety, sending home a mild sedation medication is the best way to make sure your pet has a comfortable visit. We do need to see your pet within the last 12 months in order to dispense any medication however once the examination is complete, if the Doctor has prescribed sedatives for your pet then we can schedule another appointment for you to come back with your pet after giving the medication to complete any treatments or services that are needed. You can also keep this medication on hand for future visits.

Here are some tips to help your pet have the best experience possible.

  • If using a carrier, bring it out of storage at least the night before their appointment, clean it and leave it in the areas where pets will see and interact or even spend time in it.
  • Place a towel/blanket and one piece of the owner’s clothing to provide the pet with comfort of a familiar object.
  • Spraying the towel with pet pheromones like Adaptil (for dogs) or Feliway (for cats) can sometimes greatly reduce the pet’s anxiety during travel and when coming into the hospital. You can also ask us for some Feliway wipes prior to your visit to wipe down your cat’s carrier.
  • Make sure you have a way to restrain (seat belt) your pet during travel to the vet’s office. Small pets in a carrier are best transported behind the passenger seat. Consider covering the carrier with a large towel.
  • If your pet has very severe anxiety issues, please reach out to your veterinarian a few days prior to appointment to get medication to help calm the pet down.
  • If medically allowed, bring the pet to the veterinarian hungry so that treats can be offered for a positive experience.
  • After the visit, when you get home, introduce the pet to your other pets gradually. Cats should be given quiet time away from other pets and dogs can be taken for a short walk together to acclimatize.