Gemma our vet now certified as Fear Free!
Gemma has recently completed her Fear Free Certificate and is now a Qualified Fear Free Veterinarian.
We asked her what does this mean?
Recognising your pet is fearful or stressed is a serious problem and should be treated as such. Fear and stress disrupt the bodies normal state of functioning and cause physiological effects that slow healing and promote more fear in the future.
The effect of fear and anxiety of the pet in clinic can often cause:
· distress when handled or examined
· incomplete examinations and skipped tests
· a need for higher doses of sedatives and anaesthetics which puts the pet at increased risk
· team members at risk of injury
· a less than satisfactory experience for you the owner and pet
Being a certified Fear Free Practitioner has allowed me to assess how we approach those pets that come to us and exhibit fear and anxiety. We make sure that we use tools and approaches that are considerate of this from home to clinic and back again. We tailor our approach to each individual pets’ needs and responses and all the team are involved, ensuring your pet has a comfortable experience.
Some of the tools we use to reduce anxiety include:
· gentle control methods
· a considerate approach to your pet when handling them
· pheromone sprays
· calm environment
· entrance through the side or back doors to avoid other pet conflict
· appointment scheduling to avoid busy periods and pet interactions
· a cat specific waiting area with towels to cover their carriers
· encourage items of comfort from home to travel with your pet
· lots of treats
· calming supplements and compression shirts
· pre-visit anti-anxiety medication
· long term anti-anxiety drugs and behavioural guidance
By providing these measures and educating clients to recognise and appreciate the effect of fear and anxiety in their pets, we hope to improve their experiences and long -term relationship with the vet clinic. This way we can keep them happy, healthy and safe to be treasured by their family for as long as possible.
The following images are just some of the great resources to help educate our clients and staff to recognise fear stress and anxiety in our pets. The first hurdle is recognising the signals they give us so we can adapt to their needs.
By providing these measures and educating clients to recognise and appreciate the effect of fear and anxiety in their pets, we hope to improve their experiences and long -term relationship with the vet clinic. This way we can keep them happy, healthy and safe to be treasured by their family for as long as possible.
If you have trouble transporting your pet to the clinic or know they find veterinary visits stressful please let one of our team know. Our trained staff will do their best to set up an individual plan to help and support you and your pet for all future visits
