Nervous Patients
It's not uncommon for dogs cats to be fearful or anxious during vet visits. Several factors can contribute to this, including the unfamiliar environment, new people, and the stress of being handled.
Previous traumatic experiences, or an unkown history, especially with rescued dogs and cats, can make the whole experience worrying.
We understand this, and have decades of experience of working with nervous patients. Dr Sarah has a special interest in behaviour, and has helped many pets overcome severe anxiety.
To help your nervous pet at the vet, notify the clinic beforehand to request a quiet appointment time, bring high-value treats and a favorite comfort item, and if coming in for a procedure, consider preparation like "happy visits" in advance. and consistent training to build positive associations with the clinic.
During the visit, our vets can offer extended consultations, use pheromones, or if needed prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your pet feel calmer and more secure.
Drop In and Get to Know Us
For anxious pets, we encourage drop-in “hello” visits. You can bring your dog or cat in for a quick wander around, a few treats from the team, and a chance to explore the sights and smells of the clinic.
These relaxed drop-ins help build familiarity and reduce stress for future visits.
A Gentle Welcome From the Moment You Arrive
We know some pets feel nervous about visiting the vet, so we make every visit a positive one. You'll meet our friendly team, and have a calm place to wait for your appoitment, we work to help your pet feel safe before their appointment even begins, so please contact us and let us know if your pet (or you) have any additional needs that we can help to accomodate.
Calm, Low-Stress Environment
Our clinic has been designed to put pets at ease. Soft lighting, non-slip flooring, and gentle background sounds help create a relaxing atmosphere. We use calming pheromone diffusers, low-stress handling techniques, and minimal restraint to keep visits as peaceful as possible.
Patience, Understanding, and Extra Time When It’s Needed
We never rush our clients or patietns, and especially not a nervous pet.
Taking things slowly allows them to build trust and feel more comfortable. If your pet needs time to settle, a quiet space, or a gradual introduction to certain procedures, we’ll adapt the appointment to suit them; their wellbeing always comes first.