Dog Behavior

Welcome to part one of our series on fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary visits.  Today, we are is focusing on identifying fear and anxiety for veterinary visits.

You might recognize the more obvious signs of fear in pets—like crouching, a tucked tail, or a generally fearful posture. But there are also subtle cues that can be easy to miss: things like yawning, lip licking, looking away, or showing the whites of their eyes (often called “whale eye,” where the eye looks like a crescent moon). These are all important indicators of stress.

Some pets may freeze or move slowly, almost as if they’re exhausted, while others might go the opposite direction—acting hyper, overly energetic, or even a little wild. All of these behaviors fall somewhere on the spectrum of fear, anxiety, and stress.

Welcome to part two of our series on fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary visits.  Today, we are focusing on preventing fear and anxiety for veterinary visits.

Choice (fear-free handling options)

A lot of times, that looks like minimal or no restraint, or just watching their body language for signs of stress and slowing things down.

Food (bring a favorite snack)

Anytime we can get them to eat, that's a good thing; helps them like us more.  And also, if they stop eating and they were, that's a sign that their stress levels gone up and we need to change what we're doing.

Play (bring a favorite toy)

They often really love to play with a toy.  It's really hard to be stressed or anxious if you're playing with your favorite toy.

Happy Visits!

We love having our patients come in just for a visit, to come say, "Hi!" and get some treats and some attention, and go home without having anything scary happen.  And that helps build the relationship over time.

PVPs (pre-visit pharmaceuticals) 

And then the last option is that we use actually frequently, is PVPs or pre-visit pharmaceuticals or anxiety meds taken at home before they come in to visit us.

Welcome to part three of our series on fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary visits.  Today, we’re focusing on PVPs, or pre-visit pharmaceuticals.

These are oral medications that pets can take about two to three hours before their appointment to help reduce stress and anxiety.  And I want to reassure you—this is completely normal.  Vet visits can be overwhelming: pets are out of their familiar environment, surrounded by new smells, sounds, and people, and sometimes being poked with sharp things.  It’s no surprise they might feel anxious.

That’s where PVPs come in.  They help take the edge off, making the experience more manageable for your pet—and more positive in the long run.

Here’s what to expect: we’ll typically prescribe one or two oral medications that you can pick up from our clinic.  You’ll give them at home a couple of hours before the visit.  Your pet might be a little drowsy, and that’s okay—the goal is to reduce the stress response and help them feel more at ease.

Over time, with consistent positive experiences, we may not even need these medications. The hope is to build trust with your pet so they learn that coming to see us isn’t scary—it’s safe, and maybe even enjoyable.

How can I tell if my dog is afraid of thunderstorms?

Many dogs can sense an approaching storm, and their anxiety may manifest through pacing, panting, clinginess, or restlessness. Some may shake, tremble, hide, or lose interest in food—common signs of fear triggered by loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks often cause similar distress, as the booming sounds can be overwhelming for some dogs.

How can I help my dog if they're afraid of thunderstorms?

The first step in helping your dog cope with anxiety is to provide a safe space, such as a bathroom or an interior room that offers insulation from outside noise. Playing calming music, like Through a Dog’s Ear, which is specifically designed to soothe dogs, can be beneficial. Additionally, conditioning them to associate relaxation with a ThunderShirt is key—start by having them wear it during peaceful moments, and once they’re comfortable, use it during thunderstorms to help them stay calm.

What can I do to prevent thunderstorm phobia in my dog?

Thunderstorm phobia isn’t always preventable, as genetics and inherited traits play a role. However, desensitization can help. Using sound apps that simulate thunderstorms at a low volume while pairing the experience with treats and positive reinforcement can gradually acclimate your dog to the noise. Over time, increasing the volume in small increments can help them develop a more relaxed and positive association with storm sounds.

When should I talk to my vet about my dog's thunderstorm phobia?

If your dog regularly experiences anxiety during thunderstorms, we're here to help. We don’t want your dog to suffer through the stress—or for you to struggle with their distress. There are effective medications and training techniques available that can make these situations easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.