Vet visits are a part of keeping our furry friends healthy, but they can also be a source of stress. The strange smells, unfamiliar faces, and even the car ride there can cause a lot of anxiety for cats and dogs alike. 

With a few smart tricks, you can keep motors purring and tails wagging. Here’s how to keep calm and carry on when it’s time to visit the vet.

1. Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier

Before the vet visit, help your pet feel comfortable in their carrier. Leave it out at home with their favorite blanket or toy inside, so they can associate it with more than just trips to the vet. 

If it’s a PetLuv Carrier, you might even notice they lounge in it on their own! It acts like a pet hotel at home, so they can bring those feelings of comfort with them anywhere.

2. Add a Comfort Item

Sometimes, all it takes to calm an anxious pet is something familiar. Bring along their favorite blanket, toy, or even an old T-shirt with your scent on it. This little touch of home can work wonders. And speaking of comfort, every PetLuv Carrier comes with a removable, 2” thick plush pillow to ensure every trip is a cozy one.  

3. Practice Car Rides

For many pets, the anxiety starts long before they even get to the vet—it begins in the car! If your pet only associates car rides with vet visits, they’ll be nervous as soon as they hear the engine start. Practice short, positive trips to fun places like the park or a friend’s house to reduce their fear in the car.

4. Keep a Treat Nearby

Who doesn’t love a good snack? Bringing a few of your pet’s favorite treats to the vet visit can be a game-changer. Give them a treat while they’re waiting or even during the check-up as a positive reinforcement. Pets get hangry, too.

5. Balance Visibility and Privacy

Some pets freak out when they can’t see what’s going on around them. For others, a little darkness and solitude can calm the nerves. You know your pet best, so find the right balance of privacy and visibility to keep them calm during vet trips.

A PetLuv carrier gives you the best of both worlds. It includes opaque privacy shades that block out light and visibility so your pet will be kept in the dark. Or, you can open the shades without opening the entire carrier so they can take in their surroundings.

6. Keep Yourself Calm and Collected

Pets are experts at picking up on their owner’s emotions. If you’re nervous, they’ll likely feel it too. Try to stay calm and speak in soothing tones. Cool heads prevail.

Reducing Vet Stress with PetLuv

A little preparation goes a long way in helping them feel safe and comfortable. Consider the full picture, from how you speak and act to the tools you use, like your pet carrier. A happy pet makes for a happy pet parent!