Fear of the Veterinary Hospital
It is exceptional that a pet does not develop some anxiety when
it visits the veterinarian. If the visit is made because of a
medical problem, your pet may sense your concern and anticipate
an impending problem. An element of fearful anticipation is normal
in unfamiliar situations. When the discomfort of an injection
or postoperative pain, or anxiety from separation and confinement
become associated with the veterinary hospital, subsequent visits
can trigger a negative response. Your pet may express this conditioned
fear by attempting to escape or becoming somewhat aggressive.
Some pets become frozen by fear, displaying unusually calm and
passive behavior. When defensive responses exceed the expected
normal range, they are classified as phobias. Phobic responses
in cats and dogs are potentially dangerous to them and to the
veterinary staff. An animal risks injury to itself as well as
to those that are dedicated to its care. Additionally, a sick
or injured pet may complicate its own condition if it fears visits
to the veterinary hospital. It is often helpful to make frequent
short trips to the veterinary office that do not culminate in
pain or discomfort. The cooperation of veterinary employees may
be enlisted by asking them to spend time playing with or petting
your pet during off hours. If your pet cannot reliably predict
which visit may result in discomfort, its anxious anticipation
may fade. If visits result in a pleasant experience, your pet's
fear may lessen. The annual examination and vaccination may be
the only time your pet is transported in the car or in a carrier,
so it is often helpful to begin this process by getting your pet
used to being in the car and pet carrier.