London Road Veterinary Centre 01553 773168
The Hollies Veterinary Clinic 01366 386655

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Ease the stress

A new initiative

Imagine being able to take your dog to the vets, seeing their tail wag or have your cat walk out of their carrier purring away? This can be a reality at London Road Vets and Hollies Vets.

It's all thanks to a new initiative sweeping veterinary medicine designed to ease the stress, fear and anxiety so many of our pets experience just on a simple trip to the vets.

London Road & Hollies Vets are taking lots of measures to help reduce stress, fear and anxiety for your pet by allowing them to have the best experience possible by taking into account their emotional needs as well as the medical ones.

One thing you can do to help your pets is to ensure they get to the practice in a calm and relaxed state of mind, and these tips will help.

Dogs

Transporting your dog to the clinic:

  • Don't feed your pet before coming to visit the surgery. We can give them tasty treats and rewards to distract them whilst they are being examined by the vet.
     
  • If you know your pet finds visits to the practice stressful, please let us know ahead of time and we can help to ensure the visit is as smooth as possible.
     
  • Pheromone spray can be applied to a tea towel or bandana placed loosely around your pet's neck or kept near to him while travelling to and during their visit to the surgery.
     
  • The car journey can play an important part in how stressful your pet finds the whole experience of coming to the vets. We recommend that you provide a comfortable environment by keeping the radio volume low and maintaining a comfortable temperature.
     
  • It is also helpful to spray your car with a pheromone spray. Please ask a member of the London Road or Hollies Vets team and we can recommend the correct type for your pet.
     
  • Secure dog for travel by using an approved seatbelt harness or pet cage in the boot of the car. This is important for pet safety and for the safety of passengers in the car. This will also help your pet feel safe and secure.
     
  • Try to avoid times where traffic is particularly busy and drive smoothly and safely to give your pet a comfortable ride.
     

When at the clinic:

  • On arrival to the surgery let the reception team know when you have arrived, and they will direct you to the appropriate waiting area.

  • For smaller dogs do not be afraid to ask the vet to examine your pet on the floor rather than on the table. This can help your pet to feel more secure and relaxed.
     
  • If you would prefer to wait outside with your pet then please let a member of staff know you are here.
     
  • We have pheromone diffusers in place in the waiting room to help relax your pet.
     
  • It is often more reassuring for you to stay with your pet, but if you feel they would be calmer without you in the room, please advise the veterinary surgeon.

Cats

Transporting your cat to the clinic:

  • Use one carrier per cat. Cats like to be able to move around freely and find being in a confined place with other pets stressful.

  • Carriers with a top opening can make it easier to take a reluctant patient out of the basket.

  • Bring the carrier out of storage and place it in a room frequently used by the cat at least 2-3 days before visiting the surgery.
     
  • Soft bedding in the basket will help the cat to feel more comfortable and will provide somewhere for them to hide should they feel the need.
     
  • Spraying the carrier with a pheromone spray 15 minutes before travelling can help your cat to feel more relaxed.
     
  • Use a treat or favourite toy to encourage your cat into the basket.
     
  • Ensure the basket is secure by checking the door and all the catches are closed properly.
     
  • Carry the basket with two hands placed underneath or either side to avoid swinging the basket or it hitting your leg.
     
  • If travelling by car, place the basket in the footwell behind the passenger seat, this is the most secure place to keep the basket while travelling.
     
  • On arrival to the surgery let the reception team know when you have arrived and they will direct you to our dedicated cat waiting area.
     
  • The car journey can play an important part in how stressful your pet finds the whole experience of coming to the vets. We recommend that you provide a comfortable environment by keeping the radio volume low and maintaining a comfortable temperature. It is also helpful to spray your car with a pheromone spray. Please ask a member of the London Road or Hollies Vets team and we can recommend the correct type for your pet.
     

When at the clinic:

  • Cover the basket with a towel or blanket over 3 sides of the basket.
     
  • Take a seat in our dedicated cat waiting area.
     
  • Place your cat's basket onto a seat next to you or on the table provided.
     
  • Ask about our dedicated cat only clinic.
     
  • Pheromone diffusers are used in the waiting room to help your pet to feel more relaxed.

If you are already a client, book an appointment and put these tips into practice to ensure a stress-free visit.

If you are not registered with London Road or Hollies Vets then why not get started by filling a form?

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