Like the medical field for humans, the veterinary field is constantly changing and evolving with the times. As we learn more about our furry friends and how to best treat them, we know how to engage with them better during vet visits! Along these lines, one of the newer programs is the “fear-free” approach to vet medicine.
What Is The Fear Free Approach?
Many veterinary clinics are switching to becoming fear-free certified, a relatively new practice in the field. This veterinary medical practice encourages a more stress-free visit for your furry friends and, in turn, for you as the owner. We provide a safe environment to help reduce any potential fears or triggers they may have, which visits run more smoothly.
Utilizing Positive Reinforcement
We have known for many years that positive reinforcement is the best way to train animals and get them to cooperate. Humans also thrive when we have positive reinforcement from those we love and even strangers we encounter; it’s the same with your animals! We use toys, treats, praise, and enrichment activities to encourage good behavior and a smooth visit.
Using Clear Communication
Communication with the pet owner is essential during this process, but what often gets forgotten about is proper communication with your animals. We learn how our animals communicate their stress and/or comfort levels during various stages of their visit. This step is critical to creating a trusting bond between vet and animal that makes these visits much less scary.
Practicing Planning Ahead
Another way to use the fear-free approach is to plan ahead for the visit, as individual animals have different needs. Informing the vet of your animals’ favorite spot to be pet, bringing their favorite blanket from home, and letting the vet have a few minutes to interact with the animal before starting on the visit, or even scheduling a separate one without treatment so their first time meeting the vet is positive. Creating a quiet, calm, trustworthy environment from the start is one of the keys to a successful vet visit!
Proper Pharmaceutical Use
Occasionally, utilizing the fear-free approach in vet medicine can also be coupled with necessary pharmaceutical intervention. For some pets, vet visits can bring up feelings of anxiety and fear; unfortunately, some animals have a hard time settling down after a little while. Sometimes, veterinarians may recommend what’s called a “chill protocol” to pet owners for pets that are extra anxious.
How To Become Certified In The Fear Free Approach
Some variations of the practices may already be instilled in your clinic, but the official approach requires official certification. The approach requires completing basic training (this can take around seven hours), paying annual fees, recertifying after three years, and completing four hours of Fear Free, continuing education each year. Many of our staff are certified fear-free!
How You Can Assist
As the pet owner, you can assist by being prepared for each visit, making the process stress-free from moment one! Some tips include ensuring your carrier is safe, providing a comfortable car ride to and from the office, bringing toys, implementing regular “Happy Visits,” and other options to keep your furry loved ones ready for their trip. Additionally, you can ask your vet how you can help in future visits!
Why Old Dominion Should Be Your Choice
If you’re looking for a local vet currently certified in the fear-free approach, you should give Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic a chance! We have instilled these practices in our veterinarians and staff, encouraging the best visit possible for your critters! We love your furry friends as much as you do, and we want their anxiety to be at a minimum, so trust us to provide the best care possible every time.
Keywords: fear-free approach, fear-free approach to vet medicine, fear-free veterinary practice, fear-free certified