One of the things I’m most proud of in being a veterinary professional, is my Fear Free ® Certification. Here’s why Fear Free means so much to me. In 2008 I got my first ‘animal’ job at a local humane society, where I had my first experience of restraining animals for treatment such as vaccines and blood draws. A lot of the pets there were terrified beyond belief. Housed in noisy kennels, with strange smells and even stranger people. It was almost expected that the animals there, especially the feral or stray cats, would behave in a manner which was not conducive to them being handled. Sadly, the ones that were unmanageable were often shipped to the county shelter and didn’t make it much past their three-day holding period before the inevitable happened. I transitioned into a veterinary clinic setting in 2009 and I recall that being my first job where I had to speak out against animals being mishandled. I’m not a confrontational person, but I will not stand quietly and watch an animal being roughed up or mishandled due to their extreme fear, anxiety or stress.
When I got my first born, Loki, he did not come from a good breeder (don’t worry I learned my lesson and there will be a post on choosing a responsible breeder soon!), he wasn’t socialized well, but he was a cute, smushy faced little baby in my eyes and came into my life when I moved across the pond from England. He was my partner in crime. I remember being so proud to take him to his first vet visit and show off my new puppy, imagine my panic when 3 assistants and a doctor pinned him down and wrestled with him to cut his tiny little puppy nails. That’s 4 grown adults to cut the nails of a 9lb puppy. I remember standing by and watching, and after a minute or so went by, I asked them to leave it because he clearly did not like it. “We’re almost done” they said. But they weren’t. And he continued to cry and struggle. Before I knew what was happening, I started breathing faster, my face started sweating, I felt like I was burning up, my eyes went dark and the next thing I know I’m being asked if I want an ambulance called. I had a panic attack watching them treat my precious new baby puppy that way, and I literally passed out on the floor in the middle of the exam room.
Wait… you passed out at your own dogs’ appointment and now you work in a veterinary clinic?! You bet your behind I do…because I made it my mission to never have my boys be treated like that again! I also make sure that any patients I have, are treated with the same love, care and respect they deserve. I was Fear Free ® before it was even a thing, but since now it IS a thing – let me tell you about it!
“Founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice”. (Fear Free Website). Thousands of pet professionals; veterinarians, groomers, vet techs, and dog trainers, have all committed to practicing Fear Free ® methods in their every day jobs.
The goal behind Fear Free ® is to preserve your pets emotional and mental health as well as their physical health. Remember me telling you about Loki and his traumatic nail trim? Well it took at least 2 years of trust building and training to get him to the point where I could cut his nails alone, without him trying to struggle or run away. Why? Because he had a traumatic experience at a critical age (9 weeks) when puppies can be affected long term, by frightening events and experiences. They remember! Just like a child may remember a horrifying dentist experience, your dog or cat remembers that traumatic vet visit.
Fear Free ® has many ways of encouraging and educating pet professionals. The knowledge gained is comprehensive. The course goes through socialization, training (counter conditioning and desensitization), recognizing dog and cat body language, how to handle aggressive animals safely but with compassion, and offers many methods of making vet visits better for pets and their people. It also helps pet professionals confidently explain to owners, the signs that scared pets are displaying, then together you can come up with a treatment plan that works for your pet and their health care team.
These days most dogs and cats aren’t just animals. They’re furry, well loved, spoiled members of the family, and when they’re hurting or stressed, it affects us too. Fear Free ® Certified Professionals learn about medications and supplements that can be given at home to alleviate the anxiety before it starts. Often just getting ready to take your pet to the clinic triggers an anxiety infused cascade which your pet can sense. Using these products can make the visit safer and more successful for everyone involved.
Veterinary professionals know that claws and teeth come with the territory. Stress in pets can negatively affect their immune system, cardiac, or lab work parameters, it can also impact their ability to be given a full physical exam or vaccines. We also know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Training with patience and treats, and doing things just a little differently, can mean the difference between a successful appointment or a super stressful one.
If your pet gets stressed at the vet, try these things to make the visit go a little smoother;
- Take them hungry and bring treats to encourage, distract, and reward
- Teach your pet basic obedience such as sit, stand or down – this can serve as a distraction and for treatments to be performed (Giving a vaccine or drawing blood for example)
- Wait outside or in the car until the team is ready to see you – waiting rooms can be a big source of tension between pets of different species who are already terrified.
- Take your pet to the clinic for “happy visits” – bring treats and have the staff give them out. Practice getting on the scale and walking into exam rooms (if available). This will get your pet used to the different areas of the clinic.
- Learn how to perform basic grooming tasks at home such as nail trims, and ear cleanings, your pet gets to enjoy these as part of a care routine instead of going to the vet for these potentially stressful events. Which often makes it harder for medical procedures to be performed at future visits.
- Consider getting your pet a Thundershirt ® https://www.thundershirt.com/
- Ask your veterinary staff about supplements and medications that can help your pet have a more stress-free experience
Check out https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/ for more tips and suggestions, or to find a Fear Free ® Professional or facility near you!
If your veterinary staff is not aware of Fear Free ® share the website with them. Even if they don’t decide to get certified there are lots of resources and tips for helping pets and people enjoy veterinary visits more.
If your pet seems scared or uncomfortable at an appointment, and your vet doesn’t suggest it first, ask if the nail trim/blood test/vaccine etc. can be performed at another visit. Come back when you have had a chance to work with your pet and build their confidence in a scary surrounding. Don’t be afraid to ask about supplements or medications that can be given at home, many pets exhibit crippling anxiety and stress at the vet and giving them a little boost in the form of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products has been likened to a person having a valium before the dentist, or a drink before going on a blind date! Above all, be your pets advocate. You are their voice and their protector.
Links provided to credit sources used for fact finding and provide information: www.fearfreepets.com https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy-socialization-stop-fear-before-it-starts