Anxiety in pets is at an all-time high and one of the most common places for this to manifest is at the vets!

With strange surroundings, smells and people coupled with the fact the reason for the visit itself may mean they can often feel unwell or be in pain, it is likely to be an issue for many pets.

This is why at Ryedale Vets we strive to do all we can to reduce any stress and anxiety for our patients to an absolute minimum.

We have both Dog Friendly and Cat Friendly status at our Helmsley practice, and across both surgeries we have continuing training in delivering these, implementing measures which include catering to every individual’s needs, providing quieter areas where appropriate, separation of species when necessary, pheromone use in practice, alongside tailored advice on the use of these for you at home.

We also offer and encourage our popular confidence clinics where you can bring your dog along for regular visits to desensitise and acclimatise them to not only being in the practice, but being able to tolerate such things as injections and handling with as little stress to all as possible.

Another way you can desensitise your pet right from the start of their life with you, is to pop them in to see us as often as you can. This is not going to be practical or even particularly beneficial to cats and rabbits, but those new puppies need as much exposure to us as possible. Walking past the surgery? Pop in for a sniff and a treat, probably a cuddle or two! Due their monthly parasite treatment? Book in for a free weight check so not only can we dose accurately, but again, they get to sniff, have a treat, enjoy cuddles, and with no invasive treatment they will learn we are not such a scary place to be.

March is National Pet Anxiety Awareness Month, but we are always here to answer your questions and support you and your pet as best we can, our aim always being to reduce anxiety to an absolute minimum.

By Anna Tilley RVN SQP
Ryedale Vets