Stress in animals is one of the biggest challenges faced by veterinarians and pet owners. Fear of the clinic visit, anxiety around unfamiliar people, and a new environment can significantly affect a patient's behavior and even make it difficult to reach an accurate diagnosis. Veterinary teleconsultations are becoming an increasingly popular solution, allowing for an initial health assessment in the comfort of the animal’s home.

Why Do Animals Experience Stress During Veterinary Visits?

Stress during veterinary visits can stem from various factors. For cats, the main issue is travel and environmental changes, which may lead to increased anxiety, aggression, or complete withdrawal. Dogs, on the other hand, often feel tense due to the presence of other animals in the waiting room, unfamiliar smells, and noises such as barking or medical equipment sounds.
Additionally, animals are highly perceptive of their owners’ emotions. If the owner is anxious about the visit, their pet will pick up on that tension. Stress can manifest in both behavioral and physiological reactions, such as:

• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Excessive drooling or panting
• Trembling
• Loss of appetite and disinterest in surroundings
• Aggression or escape attempts

For chronically ill or senior pets, stress from a clinic visit can further worsen their condition. This is why it is essential to explore alternatives that reduce the need for in-person visits or properly prepare the patient beforehand.

Teleconsultations as the First Diagnostic Step

Veterinary telemedicine is gaining popularity as it allows veterinarians to assess an animal’s health without requiring transport to a clinic. This is particularly useful when physical examinations are not immediately necessary, such as in cases of:

• Mild symptoms (e.g., slight appetite disturbances, mild diarrhea, coughing)
• Monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, or skin allergies
• Reviewing lab test results when no additional clinical examination is required
• Behavioral consultations where the veterinarian can analyze the pet’s behavior in its natural environment

Teleconsultations also help determine whether an in-person visit is necessary. Pet owners often struggle to decide if a symptom warrants a veterinary appointment—online consultations clarify doubts and help avoid unnecessary visits, reducing stress for both the pet and the owner.

Reducing Patient Stress During In-Person Visits with Teleconsultations

Through teleconsultations, veterinarians can help pet owners prepare for clinic visits, significantly minimizing the animal’s stress. Here’s how:

• Guidance on transportation and preparation – The vet can advise on acclimating cats to carriers, using calming pheromones, and introducing positive associations to help dogs become more comfortable with veterinary handling.
• Minimizing waiting room time – Scheduling visits at specific times and providing pre-visit health information allows the vet to reduce the pet’s exposure to a stressful environment.
• Preparing for diagnostic tests – If lab tests are needed, the veterinarian can inform the owner about necessary preparations (e.g., fasting before blood tests, limiting activity before orthopedic exams).

By implementing these strategies, pets handle clinic visits better, and veterinarians can focus on accurate diagnostics without the added challenge of managing stress-related behaviors.