pre visit pharmaceuticals used in dogs

Pre-Visit Medications for Your Pets!

A gray cat sits inside a pet carrier on the back seat of a car, ready for its vet visit. A person in an orange jacket is holding the carrier, while the curious feline peers through the metal door, eyeing the car's interior.

Over 80% of dogs and cats experience fear and anxiety when they visit the vet’s office. Why is this important? Fearful and scared patients may not be able to be examined as thoroughly, and may not be able to have needed testing like a blood draw. They may have fear-based aggression which is a safety risk to not only staff, but also themselves and to the owners handling them. On top of this, it is not great for the patients to be experiencing so much stress!

So what does fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) look like in dogs and cats? They can both display a range of behaviors.

Excessive pacing, activity, jumping, and not relaxing
Panting when there is no reason to pant like hot temperature or exercise
Lip-licking
“Wet dog” shaking when not wet
Hiding and trying to move away
Freezing with stiff posture
A hard stare or side-eye
Struggling and flailing during restraint
Raising their lip (snarling)
Growling, barking, lunging
Warning snaps or biting
Not coming out of the carrier
Trying to “tuck” and make themselves small
Wide eyes and dilated pupils
Hissing, growling
Swatting, attempting to bite

Some signs are more subtle. If you ever want help assessing your pet’s fear level at the office, just ask the veterinary staff. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and many other staff members are trained to assess each patient’s level of stress for both the patient’s welfare and our safety.

One of our goals during your pet’s visit is to make them as comfortable as possible, in addition to achieving the best exam and necessary testing. There are many methods we use including different handling techniques, calming pheromones, positive training, and treats and food. One tool is “Pre-Visit Medications”. (These may also be called pre-visit pharmaceuticals, short-acting anxiety medications, and pre-meds; among other terms).

Illustration of a prescription pill bottle with a white cap labeled "Rx." It is filled with capsules, and some blue and white capsules are scattered outside the bottle on the surface, reminiscent of medications often prescribed by a vet.

Pre-visit medications are given to a pet to reduce their anxiety, make them more comfortable, improve ease of handling for owners and staff, and facilitate better exams and testing. There are a variety of medications we use depending on the patient, health conditions, level of fear, and individual patient response. These medications include but are not limited to: trazodone, gabapentin, clonidine, acepromazine, and dexmedetomidine (Sileo). Specific recommendations and methods can be made by your veterinarian.

Will the medication make your dog sedated or have other side effects? Some of the medications may make your pet a little sleepy, especially when they are at home. Your pet may seem sedated until they actually come into the vet office where they are more nervous. Most of the time, the goal is not excessive sedation – and in the worst case, we would prefer that our patients are feeling sleepy instead of feeling terrified. Other types of side effects are limited and rare in normal healthy patients, but any veterinarian who is prescribing these medications will select them with your pet’s health in mind, and can discuss any concerns.

Sometimes pre-visit medications may be recommended even if your pet is not highly fearful or aggressive. Your pet may be experiencing more subtle signs (such as the panting, avoidance, or hiding behaviors), and intervening BEFORE they become more fearful is important as well!

We commonly use these tools at Montgomery Animal Hospital to achieve the best visit for you and your pet. If you would like to discuss adding pre-visit medications into your pet’s visit, please feel free to call our office or schedule a behavioral consultation.

Here are resources on FAS in the veterinary setting, as well as using pre-visit medications:

Using Medication to Lower Veterinary Visit Stress in Dogs and Cats – Veterinary Partner – VIN
How to Make Veterinary Visits Less Stressful – Veterinary Partner – VIN
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – Veterinary Partner – VIN
Cats 101 | Fear Free Happy Homes
Fear Free Vet Visits | Fear Free Happy Homes

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Jul 25 2024

Understanding Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals for Dogs and Cats

Home » News » Understanding Pre Visit Pharmaceuticals For Dogs And Cats

As pet owners, we strive to give our furry friends the best care possible, ensuring they are healthy and happy. One often overlooked aspect of veterinary care is managing our pets’ fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). Veterinary visits can be stressful for pets, leading to a negative experience that can hinder proper medical care. This is where pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) come into play.

In this blog, we will explore how to recognize FAS in dogs and cats, why PVPs are recommended, and the importance of timely administration.

How do I recognize fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs and cats?

Understanding the signs of FAS in your pets is crucial for timely intervention. Here are some common things to look for:

Panting and drooling : Excessive panting and drooling can signal stress.
Trembling and shaking : Noticeable trembling or shaking indicates fear.
Avoidance behavior : Hiding, cowering, or attempting to escape situations.
Vocalization : Excessive barking, whining, or whimpering.
Hiding : Seeking out small, enclosed spaces to feel safe, or trying to sink into the table as if they are not there.
Ears and Tail : Flattened ears and a tucked tail are signs of distress.
Vocalization : Increased meowing, growling, or hissing.
Aggression : Swatting, biting, or scratching as a defensive response.

Recognizing these signs early can help you and your veterinarian take proactive steps to manage your pet’s anxiety.

Why are pre-visit pharmaceuticals recommended?

Veterinary visits can be daunting for our pets due to unfamiliar environments, strange smells, and interactions with unknown people. Pre-visit pharmaceuticals are medications prescribed by veterinarians to help reduce anxiety and stress in pets before their visit. PVPs provide the following benefits:

Improve veterinary experience : Reducing FAS makes veterinary visits more pleasant for pets, owners, and veterinary staff, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better care.
Enhance cooperation : A calmer pet is more likely to cooperate during examinations and procedures, making the process smoother and less traumatic.
Provide long-term health benefits : Consistent positive experiences at the vet encourage regular check-ups and allow a better assessment of your pet’s health.

Why is timing important when I’m giving my pet PVPs?

For PVPs to be effective, timing is crucial. Administering these medications at the right time ensures your pet is calm and relaxed by the time they get to their veterinary visit. Here are some key points regarding timing:

Follow veterinary guidance : Always adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions on when to give the medication. Typically, PVPs are administered a few hours before the visit.
Trial runs : Conduct a trial run at home to see how your pet reacts to the medication. This helps in adjusting the timing and dosage if needed.
Monitor your pet : After administering the PVP, observe your pet for any adverse reactions or excessive sedation. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Pre-visit pharmaceuticals play a vital role in making veterinary visits less stressful for dogs and cats. By recognizing the signs of fear, anxiety, and stress, and administering PVPs at the appropriate time, we can ensure our pets receive the care they need in a calm and controlled manner.

Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your pet’s specific needs. With the right preparation, you can help your furry friends have a more positive and fear-free experience at the vet, promoting their overall health and well-being.

LifeLearn News

Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.

We treat your pets like family.

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1230 Wilson Hall Rd. Sumter, South Carolina, 29150

Phone: 803-469-6077 Email: [email protected]