To help your pet’s appointment go as smoothly and safely as possible, please follow the guidance below.

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Pre-Visit Anti-Anxiety Medication

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To make the visit as calm and stress-free as possible, we may recommend giving anti-anxiety medication at home before the appointment.

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If we have examined your pet within the last six months, we may be able to prescribe pre-visit medication to help reduce stress, fear, and reactivity during veterinary visits — making handling, examinations, and treatments much more comfortable for them.

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Unfortunately, we are unable to prescribe these medications for pets we have not seen recently.

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For dogs, we may recommend:

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• Trazodone

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• Trazodone & Gabapentin

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• Medetomidine Gel

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This depends on your dog’s individual needs, size, and temperament.

 

 

Timing

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Medication is typically given 2 hours before the estimated time of the appointment, when its calming effects are most beneficial. Effects usually last 6–12 hours, although this can vary between pets.

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Because response and metabolism differ — depending on weight, temperament, and medical history — some pets may require an adjusted dose. In some cases, if the initial dose has begun to wear off, we may advise a small “top-up” (microdose) to maintain the calming effect.

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We will always guide you clearly on dosing and timing beforehand. You are very welcome to contact us if you are unsure at any stage.

 

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Fasting Before the Appointment

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• Please ensure your pet has no food for a minimum of 8 hours before their appointment.  This is important in case a mild sedative is required or if certain blood tests are being run.

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• Water should be taken up 2 hours pre appointment however if your pet has any health conditions or the weather is hot please seek guidance from the vet on this.
   

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Holding Dogs for a Blood Test

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Dogs are usually more comfortable being positioned in specific ways for stability and reassurance.

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• Most dogs are gently straddled into the corner of a room or table for support.

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• They may need to wear a muzzle for safety.
   

Blood is commonly taken from:

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• The neck (jugular vein), or

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• The front leg (cephalic vein)
   

A handler will:

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• Stand over or beside the dog

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• Keep them close to their body

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• Hold the head or leg steady

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• Position them into the corner of a room or table

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For more nervous dogs we recommend having two confident handlers. One handler to gently straddle the patient and the other to assist with distraction and calming. Sometimes gently holding  a light towel over the eyes can help reduce fear as well as gentle soothing voice reassurance.  Treats can also be used as a distraction method.

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This positioning helps dogs feel supported and prevents backing away.

 

Further information on how to hold your dog for a blood sample can be found here:

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Holding a dog for blood sampling

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During the Visit

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Small changes can make a big difference in reducing stress:

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• Have high-value treats ready and easily accessible

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• Ensure no children or other animals are in the room during the consultation

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• Consider playing calm, classical music to create a relaxed atmosphere

 

Non-slip mats or towels are helpful for nervous pets.

 

If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help make the visit as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.