Fear Free Philosophies in Charleston, SC
Dog Care Information
Dogs are wonderful companions who can benefit from special handling while visiting our animal hospital. We provide worried dogs with calming pheromones, tasty peanut butter and cheese treats, floor exams, and table mats to help keep them calm. We also suggest comfort packs for those who are extremely nervous. These comfort pack medications are very safe and can make a big difference in the quality of the visit. We often recommend them for storm or firework phobia, travel, or other anxiety disorders.
There are several things you can do to help your canine companion before a veterinary visit:
Attend puppy classes when your dog is young with a certified trainer using positive reinforcement practices
Come by frequently for “happy” puppy visits and let our staff spoil them
If they are able and it’s not too hot, take a long walk before you come (exercise has a calming effect)
Bring a toy your dog loves
Park on the side of our building, away from traffic
Keep your dog’s collar and leash secure
Accustom your dog to a mat or bed and bring it with you when you come
Bring a stool sample to the appointment
Have your dog wear a Thundershirt™
Low-Stress Cat Care in Charleston
Cats benefit from compassionate handling before and during their veterinary visit. At our clinic, cats can enjoy their own waiting room, exam room, treatment area, and hospital area.
Our cat examination rooms have cat-friendly beds and Feliway™ pheromone diffusers for a calming effect. Our technicians perform low-stress holds for blood draws and treatments, and we encourage the use of comfort packs for anxious feline patients. These medications are very safe for almost all cats.
Our Cat Care Techniques
Here at West Ashley Veterinary Clinic, our team members employ a variety of techniques to help calm cats during their appointments. These include:
Using treats as positive reinforcement
Keeping cat cages covered
Having Feliway™ pheromone diffusers in every exam room
Allowing cats to roam around in the exam room so they can become acclimated to their environment
Implementing gentle and minimal handling/restraint
The use of box houses for hospitalization
Please join us in making your cat’s visit to our animal hospital better and see our educational literature about things you can do, because a better feline veterinary visit starts at home!
Our Position Regarding Declawing
In 2016, our practice (following our sister practice) collectively decided to eliminate feline declaw surgery from our practice unless it is deemed medically necessary. This elective, painful amputation procedure has, in recent years, been scrutinized by many veterinary and animal health organizations. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Humane Society have all taken the stance that elective declawing should not be performed.
The veterinarians and staff at West Ashley Veterinary Clinic feel a moral and ethical imperative to embrace this movement. If you would like more information about alternatives to declawing, please visit the following sites.
• AAFP’s Declawing Position Statement
Fear Free Resources & Handouts
There are countless ways you can improve your pet's quality of life with the help of Fear Free techniques. Check out our handouts and other resources below for proven tips and insights, and visit Fear Free Happy Homes for even more information!
10 Things that Make Fear Free Veterinary Visits Different
Nail Trims: Trimming Away the Terror
Senior Dogs: Special Concerns & Solutions
How to Manage a Fear Free Return Home
Keep Calm and Muzzle On
How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit
Preventing Separation Anxiety
