Jim Guntharp, DVM
Gary Strickland, DVM
Everett Rogers, DVM
Erin Culpepper, DVM
brought to you by
3231 E. Highland Drive
TIPS ON FEAR-FREE HOSPITAL VISITS
26% of dog owners and 38% of cat owners
say that just thinking about going to the
veterinarian is stressful. As a result, many
times necessary health care and treatment is
often delayed or neglected.
Dr. Everett Rogers
and sights of a car ride.
Also, the carrier should
be securely carried to
minimize movements
while being carried
Dogs should be taken on
regular car rides to “petfriendly” destinations so
that a car ride is not only
associated with a visit to
the hospital.
Fear is the worst thing that a social species
can experience. Fear in response to something disturbing or painful can
condition the pet to experience more fear in response to repetition of
those circumstances. Once a pet has been frightened, it never forgets the
experience. Over the past few weeks we have been sharing actions that the
staff of Jonesboro Family Pet Hospital is taking to remove or reduce the stress
associated with visits to the hospital. This week’s article will share a few more The pet should not be fed prior to travel to the hospital. This reduces
tips for Fear-Free Hospital Visits.
the nausea which often accompanies a car ride and further eliminates a
disturbing event for the pet.
The Fear-Free veterinary visit must involve the pet owner. The owner should
condition the pet to the carrier or restraint device and to car rides long before The staff is working to minimize the time spent in the waiting area upon
the day of the veterinary visit. Cats and small dogs should be encouraged
arrival at the hospital. As a pet owner, you can play a very vital role in this
to use their carriers daily as a resting place so that the carrier is familiar and effort by making a scheduled appointment prior to your pet’s visit. This will
comfortable. The carrier should not be gotten from the closet or storage
aid the staff in getting you and your pet into an examining room as quickly
room only when it is going to be used to transport the pet to the hospital.
as possible. Also, if your pet is extremely fearful, the owner can check in
The carrier should be covered with a towel to muffle the strange sounds
alone and then return to the vehicle. The staff will notify and escort you and
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Sat • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
your pet directly into the examination room as soon as possible. Our policy
regarding seeing patients is: emergencies, scheduled appointments and
then non-appointments. We strive to be as punctual as possible. However,
emergencies arise during the course of a day and your patience is greatly
appreciated when unexpected delays occur.
Some pets are so psychologically damaged or fearful that they require an
anxiolytic medication prior to leaving home. This should not be considered
a last resort but as a tool to reduce the fear and stress on both the pet and
the owner. Please contact the staff if you feel that this would aid in the
implementation of your pet’s Fear-Free Visit. Many times a very fearful pet
is able to be taught to tolerate procedures with time and effort. We have
a person on our staff who is working with fearful pets and their owners to
develop less stressful visits.
The staff at Jonesboro Family Pet Hospital is dedicated to looking after your
pet’s emotional well-being as well as its physical well-being. As a pet owner,
you play a very vital role in achieving this goal.
Please contact Jonesboro Family Pet Hospital or your veterinarian for further information on fear-free hospital visits