Expert Contributor Written by Donna Dybus, Clinic Director The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic
Fear, Anxiety, Stress and Veterinary Visits
M
erriam-Webster defines fear as an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Horror movies, which seem to get more scary, gory or psychologically menacing with each generation, seem to indicate that many people like to be frightened. Your pets, not so much. The behavior of some pets when they visit the vet clearly indicates they’re feeling fear, anxiety and stress. Hiding, shaking, panting, salivating, pacing, hissing and aggression are behaviors that, unfortunately, cannot be “turned off.” Even more unfortunate is the physiological effect fear has on your pet: a hormonal increase that leads to an increase in heart rate. Often, the overall result is, sadly, fewer veterinary visits, a decreased
ability to perform an appropriate examination and treatment, and a slower recovery from illness or injury. Although we cannot make a veterinary visit totally stress-free for all pets, some steps can be taken to reduce the stressors. These steps may seem to be common sense but are often overlooked. Let’s start with the three Ss: Sight, Sound and Smell.
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www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org
610-328-4341 www.LenAndSons.com
484-540-8436 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 Conveniently located 9 short miles from Marple!
The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic Eliminate unnecessary dog & cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries. The Spayed Club is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity organization.
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