05/12/2026
Vet visits can be stressful for some pets — but there are many ways we can work together to make the experience calmer, safer, and more comfortable ❤️🐾
At Main Street Markham Animal Clinic, we aim to use low-stress and fear-free handling techniques whenever possible to help reduce anxiety during veterinary visits 🩺🐶🐱
Fear and stress in pets are not always obvious. Some common signs include:
• panting,
• trembling,
• hiding,
• excessive drooling,
• refusing treats,
• vocalizing,
• growling or hissing,
• trying to escape,
• freezing or shutting down.
There are also many things pet owners can do at home before appointments to help:
✨ leave carriers out year-round so they feel familiar and safe
✨ bring favourite treats, toys, or blankets
✨ avoid arriving too early to reduce waiting room stress
✨ use positive reinforcement and calm voices
✨ ask us about calming medications such as gabapentin or trazodone for anxious pets when appropriate
Cats and dogs often experience stress differently, and even very friendly pets may become nervous in a veterinary setting due to unfamiliar smells, sounds, and handling.
Reducing stress is important not only for emotional wellbeing, but also because calmer pets often allow for safer handling, more accurate examinations, and a better overall experience for everyone involved ❤️
If your pet becomes anxious during veterinary visits, please let our team know ahead of time — we are always happy to help make a plan tailored to your pet’s needs 🐾
