10/06/2026
Clinics all over the country have the same idea about pre-visit medications for anxious or fearful dogs and cats. We are all not in it to make an extra buck, it’s honestly what’s best for all involved, especially your pet! We don’t want them fearful of us!
PSA about Sedation and Pre-visit Medication for Pets!
We understand that some people may hesitate when we recommend anxiety medication or sedation for something that seems so simple—like a nail trim or ear swab. However, these medications are about safety, not convenience or us trying to spend your hard-earned money.
Patients who are fearful, anxious, reactive, or uncomfortable with having their paws, legs, or bodies handled can become overwhelmed. They may bite and scratch, or injure themselves/others even when we do our best to keep them calm. Repeated stressful visits can cause patients to become even more anxious at their next visit.
We don’t recommend sedation or pre-visit medications to make an extra dollar. We recommend it when we believe it’s the safest and kindest option for EVERYONE involved.
Here is a picture of one of our assistants that was scratched while trying to safely restrain a dog. Situations like this are why we take patient comfort seriously—and this includes pre-visit medications or sedation. Together, we can make sure that every pet feels comfortable coming to their visit!
