Blog Archives

Kim Campbell Thornton
Managing pain and completing procedures and exams in a way that keeps patients not only calm but actually eager—or at least willing—to participate is at the heart of Fear Free. We love hearing how Fear Free techniques help your patients and your own pets make it through needle sticks, diagnostic tests, and more to receive the care they need in a kind, respectful, and stress-less way both in the clinic and at home.

Fluid Dynamics

My cat Cleo is nearly 17 and receives sub-q fluids regularly at home. She used to grumble and try to get away but once I started Fear Free, I began giving her favorite crunchy treats before, during, and after administering fluids. Now she purrs through the whole procedure, and any time I approach the spot in the house where we do fluids, she walks up for “crunchie time.” I’ve been able to switch back to a larger needle because she doesn’t notice the poke while snacking, which makes administration faster, too.

Kate Regehr, Douglas College, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

PVPs for Moose

Last year, Moose came into our clinic with lots of anxiety and fear, so much that we were unable to properly perform a physical exam or collect blood from him. This year, Moose had trazodone on board and his visit went fantastic. Our team was able to get him on the scale, perform a full exam, and collect blood. Moose’s mom was so happy and relieved to know that Moose could have a Fear Free veterinary visit where Moose can feel safe.

Jessica Decock, Georgian Bay Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Services, Perkinsfield, Ontario, Canada

 

Pain Relief, Pet Relief

Chewy had a lot of fear and anxiety at the veterinary clinic, causing her to behave aggressively and making it difficult to give her the care she needed. While training her, I observed various signs of pain, which were most likely adding to her anxiety. I alerted her caregiver to my observations so she could better assess and monitor her dog and update her veterinarian. Chewy and her caregiver had previously had negative and traumatic experiences at a veterinary clinic so I referred them to Keystone Veterinary Clinic, which has Fear Free Certified Professionals who created a handling plan to enable Chewy to have a thorough exam, radiographs, and other diagnostics in a safe and low-stress manner. I also worked with the owner to begin muzzle training. The combination of appropriate scheduling, handling, and sedation, Chewy was able to receive the diagnostics and treatment she needed.

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP, Positively Pawsitive, Cleveland, Ohio

 

Meeting Goals for Gus

Gus had developed severe resource guarding of his food and water bowls, as well as fear and anxiety regarding being touched and having his gear put on and taken off. As a result, he snapped at and bit a walker. We worked closely with his owners and utilized Fear Free strategies and positive reinforcement training to get Gus comfortable with having strangers in the home. We were eventually able to find a solution that allowed Gus to be comfortable having walkers touch and refill his water bowl and approach his food bowl without any signs of resource guarding or fear, anxiety, and stress. Now Gus happily greets his walker at the door, demands affection, and has no issues on his walk or in his home.

Katie Pape, Windy City Paws, Chicago, Illinois

 

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Kim Campbell Thornton is content manager for Fear Free Pets and is a Level 3 Fear Free Certified Professional. She has been writing about dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life since 1985.