Advanced Animal Medical: Taking Steps to Make Vet Visits Fear-Free in NWI

Advanced Animal Medical: Taking Steps to Make Vet Visits Fear-Free in NWI

The good people at Advanced Animal Medical know that a smooth veterinary appointment is essential for ensuring local pets get the help they need. Fortunately, the compassionate professionals in Dyer, Indiana possess the patience and know-how that can make going to the vet a positive experience.

The way I think of it is we’re trying to make them less afraid, and none of us want them to be terrified,” said Dr. Karen Askounis, veterinarian at Advanced Animal Medical. “So if  we can do something that helps them be less afraid, we will.”

There are many reasons a pet may become afraid at the vet. House cats that do not get out much might be shaken up by the new location. Overly friendly or territorial dogs might not get along, and when cat meets dog, there is sure to be complications.

“The beginning of trying to make it as much of a fear-free environment as we can has to do with controlling their interactions with other animals,” said Dr. Askounis. “We have completely separate areas for dog waiting and cat waiting. We also attempt to move animals that are overly excited into their own exam room as soon as possible.”

Once out of the waiting room and at their appointment, pets encounter a whole other collection of fear triggers. To help these nervous pets even more, Advanced Animal Medical turns to the chemical component: pheromones.

“Animals release fear pheromones that communicate to other animals that maybe this is a fearful place,” said Dr. Askounis. “We use some calming pheromones in all of our exam rooms so we are constantly helping them feel less afraid.”

Using these happy pheromones is an effective method for treating fear; nevertheless, Advanced Animal Medical also knows that a personalized approach is necessary to ensure that every animal has a positive experience.

“The first thing is that you need to let them adjust,” said Dr. Askounis. “It helps to let them mill around in the room without someone they don’t know doing something to them.”

From there, the veterinarian will gauge how the animal is feeling and determine the best course of action. Sometimes dogs will be treated on the floor or its owner’s lap, if that is where they are most comfortable, and cats are usually encouraged to come out of their cage on their own terms.

If we have animals that changing the handling isn’t enough...we will sometimes reschedule them to do them with some anti-anxiety medication,” said. Dr. Askounis.

Fortunately, the effort does not start and end with the veterinarians; owners can also have a big impact. For example, Advanced Animal Medical welcomes people to bring their dogs by without an appointment, just to hang out and become familiar with the people and environment. Furthermore, owners can buy sprays and wipes that use those happy pheromones to help promote relaxation.

“We certainly suggest that [owners] give a call ahead of time if there were some past negative experience or they really notice that their pet gets super anxious,” said Dr. Askounis. “[Also], cover the carrier with a towel and carry it, don’t swing it. That’s like having a roller coaster ride on the way in. That’s not relaxing.”

Each of these tactics takes patience and a whole lot of concern for the animal’s short and long-term well-being; two characteristics that are a priority for Advanced Animal Medical.

“We like to keep our clients in the loop as far as educating them on what’s going  on,” said Dr. Askounis. “We take our time with our patients. We try not to rush things, and we try to make it as relaxing as possible.”

To learn more about Advanced Animal Medical, please visit their website!