How to Prepare for a Vet Visit: Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

Vet visits are a crucial part of keeping your pet healthy, but for many cats and dogs, they can also be a major source of stress. Whether it’s the car journey, unfamiliar smells, or past experiences, even routine check-ups can trigger anxiety.

The good news? With the right preparation—and a little help from VetPlus—you can turn vet visits into a more manageable (and even positive) experience for both you and your pet.

Why Pets Get Stressed at the Vet

Common triggers include:

Travel or being confined in a carrier
Strange sounds, smells, or other animals
Physical examination or handling
Memories of past visits, when they were feeling unwell or painful
Lack of previous experience of a vet practice

Stress and anxiety can manifest as:

Panting, trembling, or hiding
Showing the whites of the eyes, lip licking or yawning
Whining, meowing, or barking
Urination, defecation, or vomiting
Aggression or extreme fear

Before the Visit: Prepare Early

Acclimatise to the Carrier or Car

Leave the carrier out at home, initially with the lid off, door removed and containing familiar blankets and treats – some pet’s will start to use the carrier as a bed
Place the lid on the carrier, whilst your cat is not inside, but again, leave this in the home, with the door removed, so your cat can continue to enter and exit freely
Practice encouraging them into the carrier calmly and gently, with treats to reward this behaviour
Introduce your pet to the car gradually, initially by just approach the car, before sitting in the car stationary and rewarding calm relaxed behaviour
Take your pet on short, positive car rides, before building up journey length
Use CALMEX^® Diffuser in the house, to create a pleasant smelling, relaxed atmosphere and use CALMEX^®on the Move when travelling, which contains the same blend of calming essential oils, to create a relaxing environment in the car

Use a Supplement

CALMEX^®is a natural, fast-acting supplement, designed to support a calm demeanour, in both dogs and cats, either short or longer-term.

How it helps:

Available in specific formulations for dogs and cats, CALMEX^®contains key ingredients, to support normal behaviour, during times of challenge, such as car travel, vet visits, loud noises and when separated from owners. The product is a tasty tablet format for dogs and a liquid for cats, allowing easy feeding. Your vet will be able to recommend if CALMEX^®would be a suitable option for your pet.

Support Gut Health Before Travel or Challenging Situations

Anxiety can also affect the gut, causing loose stools, just like in humans. If your pet has a sensitive stomach when they are anxious, it may be worth considering some gut support, which can be started proactively and continued until after the challenging event:

SUSTAIN^®, by VetPlus, is an advanced probiotic product, which is species-specific and comes in a tasty sprinkle powder, for both dogs and cats:

Helps support the balance of good bacteria in the gut, through unique combinations of pre, pro and postbiotics
Maintains a healthy gut wall barrier
Aids with the normal, healthy functioning, of the immune system

During the Visit: Keep Calm

Remain calm and confident - your pet can detect if you are feeling anxious
Use treats, toys, or a comforting item (like a favourite blanket)
For cats, keep the carrier covered with a towel to reduce visual stress and keep the carrier up high and off the floor, as cats feel safer in higher positions
If your practice has species-specific waiting areas, ensure you make use of these, as separating dogs and cats is helpful
Let the vet staff know if your pet is anxious - they can adjust their approach and may recommend waiting with your pet in the car, if they are more relaxed here

After the Visit: Reinforce Positivity

Offer praise, playtime, or a special treat as a reward
Maintain your normal routine for reassurance
Ensure you follow all of your vet’s advice, to minimise the need for return visits

Long-Term Tips for Vet Visit Success

Schedule regular “happy visits” where your pet gets familiar with the clinic, without being examined – speak to the practice about the best time to do this and bring some of your own treats, which the practice staff can then feed your pet, to positively reinforce the visit
Use CALMEX^®daily, if your pet struggles and needs longer term support
Keep up with training and socialisation for younger pets, to ensure they are well prepared for all life challenges
Use a qualified pet behaviourist, recommended by your vet, if you are struggling with certain behaviours

Conclusion

A trip to the vet doesn’t have to be a struggle. With preparation, patience, and VetPlus products like CALMEX^®and SUSTAIN^®, you can help your dog, or cat, approach their appointments with confidence.

Browse the full VetPlus range of supplements here, to support your pet’s emotional and physical wellbeing, every step of the way, and always follow your vet’s advice on the best approach for your pet.