Treating a fear of the veterinary clinic using desensitization and counter-conditioning
Fear of a specific place, such as the veterinary clinic, can be treated using a desensitization and counter-conditioning (DSCC) programme. In simple terms, your pet must be exposed to the fearful stimulus in such a way that he/she sees there is nothing to fear, and settles down. The hope is to turn the negative association into a positive one!
- Avoid taking your pet to the clinic unless it is part of the structured training programme or, of course, a medical necessity. Setbacks may occur if the pet is suddenly in need of medical attention, but its welfare must not be compromised by delaying such a need. If necessary talk to the vet over the phone and we can discuss the best options.
- It will take time! A lot of patience is needed alongside multiple trips
- Encourage calm and relaxed behaviours in the absence of the fear-inducing stimuli.
Exposing your pet to the place of which it is afraid, start at a very low level of exposure
- Gradual desensitization is the key. It is important to establish your pets fear triggers and at what point they start. For some, this can even be the car journey.
- If your pet is afraid of the car it is important to start here. Get them used to seeing the car and getting into the car with no engine running and doors all open. Gradually close one door at a time but only when your pet is feeling calm. Use lots of positive reinforcements (treats/balls/toys and most of all praise). Keep your voice tone fairly calm and quiet so as not to ‘excite or worry’ your pet.
- Take your pet on trips to the clinic but only expose them to a point where they remain calm and comfortable. Some pets ‘know’ the street and start to get worked up when you turn onto the street. Simply try to beat them to this and before they react turn the car around. Do this several times, again using positive reinforcement and try to get closer to the destination.
Once in the carpark
- You may only be able to pull up and drive away for the first few trips (you can do this a few times a day but remember your pet must remain calm).
- Let your pet jump out of the car and then straight back in
- Then try to walk up to the door and walk away.
- Once at this stage let reception know what you are doing and we can hopefully help! We love giving pets’ attention and helping to create positive attitudes. Don’t worry we will do as you instruct and the first visit can simply be entering and leaving
- Once your pet is happy with that, that’s when our staff can try to give treats and attention
- The reward should be presented to your pet for non-fearful responses, such as a relaxed "sit", along each step of the training gradient.
Strengthen the resilience of your pet
- As your pet's response improves, encourage him/her to accept more intense situations, such as staying in the waiting room.
- It is important to reward calm responses, such as a relaxed "sit", along each step of the training gradient.
- Advance along the gradient very slowly. If the pet shows even the slightest fear response he/she should be removed from the situation and the intensity of the next exposure must be reduced to one that remains below the fear threshold.
- Gradually you should be able to enter the examination room with your pet remaining calm.
FOR PARTICULARY FEARFUL ANIMALS WE CAN TO REFER TO A BEHAVIOURIST. Speak to one of our team and book an appointment if you have any concerns.
The information supplied on this page was kindly provided by the BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association).
Please Note
These factsheets are provided as guidelines only. If you are at all concerned about the wellbeing of your pet then please call Hope Veterinary Surgery immediately by using our phone number 01782 657788.
