Easing Vet Visit Stress: How Pre-Visit Medications Can Help Your Pet
Trips to the vet aren’t always easy—for pets or their people. At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, we understand how stressful veterinary visits can be for some animals. Fear, anxiety, and stress can make it difficult for our team to perform a thorough exam and can even worsen a pet’s experience over time.
That’s why we often recommend pre-visit pharmaceuticals—safe, short-acting medications designed to reduce anxiety and help your pet feel calmer during their visit. These medications aren’t about “knocking your pet out.” They’re about setting the stage for a more peaceful, positive experience.
Why Do We Recommend These Medications?
For pets who experience high levels of stress, sedation can:
Reduce anxiety in the car and clinic
Make handling safer for your pet and our team
Improve our ability to perform diagnostics and a complete physical exam
Reduce trauma associated with veterinary care—so future visits are easier
What to Expect
Your TRVH team will guide you in choosing the right medication and dosage for your pet. Because every animal responds differently, we may recommend giving a trial dose at home before the appointment. This allows us to learn how your pet responds and adjust the plan if needed. If your pet is still alert or agitated after a trial dose, it’s important to let us know—we may need to tweak the recipe.
These “cocktails” often include anti-anxiety medications, mild sedatives, or a combination of both. Our goal is always to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and able to receive the best care possible.
Building a Better Future for Your Pet
By reducing stress during one visit, we can help build more positive associations with future vet trips. When pets aren’t panicked or overstimulated, they can learn that the clinic isn’t such a scary place. And that makes vet care easier, safer, and more effective for everyone involved.
If your pet has struggled with anxiety at past visits, talk to us. There’s no shame in asking for help—and no pet deserves to be terrified just to get the care they need.
Have an anxious pet? Ask us about pre-visit pharmaceuticals before your next appointment. We’re here to help make every visit a little easier.
