Fear Free At Redstone

We Are A Fear Free Practice

As a Fear-Free Certified Practice, we work to create less stressful visits for both you and your pets. Redstone became a Fear Free Certified Practice in the summer of 2018 and have been happily serving our fearful friends since. Our Fear Free Certified Professionals have gone through special training to be able to recognize fear, anxiety, and stress in your pets and are able to help reduce stress during exams to be more comfortable. We are always willing to specialize your pets visit so we can make their experience seem just as relaxing as when they are in the comfort of their home.

What is Fear Free?

The #1 reason pet owners don't take their pets to the vet is because of stress to the pet. Fear Free was created to "Take the Pet Out of Petrified" and help prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. This is especially common in young, hjealthy cats. The movement has helped educate veterinary professionals and owners to recognize and help resolve fear, anxiety, and stress in coming to the vet as well as helping with certain situations at home such as enrichment for the mind. Fear Free has created such a positive difference in the veterinary world and we are so excited to help make your visits relaxing and enjoyable through the Fear Free way!

Activities for Your Pets

Animals are social creatures just like people. Engaging in play with your pet can not only help their behavior but strengthen the bond you share. The following links are activities that are fun for everyone and will keep your relationship with your pet strong.

Cats
- The Hunt and Chase Game
- The Find It Game for Cats
Dogs
- The Tug Game
- The Find It Game for Dogs

Happy Visits

Everyone is familiar with the kind of dog who gets really anxious coming to the vet whether they have owned one or seen one in the lobby of the hospital. These are the dogs who are dragged through the doorway and are trying to hide from every little thing they see. Some of these dogs become so fearful it turns into aggression – growling, biting or lunging when at the clinic. You may have even heard the cat screams echo through the halls of the clinic. Animals who are so fearful tend to resort to fight or flight mode. When pets are so fearful at the vet, it can cause stress for the dog and the owner as well as the staff having a harder time providing the care that the dog needs.

The fear that pets develop is often due to a negative association created from a previous visit. Sometimes even nail trims can make a dog or cat stressed out and think negatively to coming in for their next visit. Most pets only come to the clinic to have things done to them, such as vaccines and blood draws, or when they are sick. Times like these eventually make the pet think they come in for bad things to happen. Happy visits help improve and prevent negative associations by creating positive experiences! By frequently bringing in your dog, fearful or not, to receive treats and love from our staff, we are helping your dog be excited to come in for any visit!

Fear Free Services Redstone Vet Happy visits are beneficial for dogs of all ages! If you have a dog who is fearful or stressed when they are at the hospital, happy visits can be a wonderful way to change that negative association. With frequent happy visits, a dog that is nervous at the hospital can easily be turned into a dog who loves coming in! For puppies, happy visits can help create that positive association early on so there won’t be any hesitation to come to the vet. These puppies will learn to be relaxed when coming in that future visits will be stress-free and run smoothly.

Happy visits are very easy to do and fun for you and your dog. Simply stop by with your dog and let your dog get lots of free attention and treats. Our staff love being able to interact positively and spoil your dog with a variety of treats and pets. They can be quick in and out visits full of treats, or even a little longer visit that include getting a ton of cheese or peanut butter. Without any treatment that may make them stressed, they will begin to realize a trip to the vet can be the best day ever!

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Happy Visits, please give us a call and we would be happy to discuss how we can make your dog’s visit fun and stress-free!

PAWsonality Evaluations

Every pet has their preferences when it comes to relaxing at home to going to the vet. Each of the following questionnaires can help you identify areas where your pet may get stressed easily and can become great topics as part of your next exam.