Abstract
Practice visits are frequently stressful for pets. High proportions of dogs and cats exhibit fear and distress during trips to a veterinary centre. Reducing the stress pets experience during practice visits is important to maximise their welfare and ensure owners do not attempt to minimise their pets’ distress by avoiding veterinary visits.
Practices could do more to ameliorate the stress experienced by pets. They can help to make visits less stressful through the design and management of the waiting room, timing of and use of rehearsal appointments, appropriate approach and handling techniques, positive reinforcement methods, such as treat feeding, and use of sensory stimulation. While many of these recommendations are non-controversial, they are not always implemented and greater consideration would benefit veterinary staff, clients and patients.
Practices could do more to ameliorate the stress experienced by pets. They can help to make visits less stressful through the design and management of the waiting room, timing of and use of rehearsal appointments, appropriate approach and handling techniques, positive reinforcement methods, such as treat feeding, and use of sensory stimulation. While many of these recommendations are non-controversial, they are not always implemented and greater consideration would benefit veterinary staff, clients and patients.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Specialist publication | Veterinary Times |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Dec 2016 |