What is Fear Free?
The Fear Free Mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. As veterinary professionals, we have entered this field to care for the well-being of your pets. We believe that your pet's well-being doesn't just stop at their physical health. Just like people, an animal's mental and emotional health is an important part of their care. We strive to make our office as pet-friendly as possible, and we are constantly implementing new techniques and ideals to make this a reality.
Around our clinic, you may see the following:
What is Adaptil and Feliway?
At Crescent Hill Animal Hospital, your pet’s comfort is important to us. That’s why we may spray Feliway or Adaptil pheromones onto towels, blankets, or bedding during their visit—especially if they seem nervous or stressed.
The Science Behind It:
Feliway and Adaptil are synthetic versions of natural calming pheromones that cats and dogs produce:
When sprayed onto a towel or blanket, these pheromones can help create a sense of calm and familiarity for your pet. They’re especially helpful during veterinary visits, which can sometimes be overwhelming due to new smells, sounds, and people.
You Can Help Your Pet's Fear Free Journey Starting at Home!
If you have a dog, we recommend spraying their travel carrier with Adaptil travel spray about 1 hour before transport. You can also use an Adaptil collar if your pet is known to have high anxiety.
If you have a cat, we recommend spraying the pets carrier and/or car interior with Feliway about an hour before transport. Feliway wipes can also be used to wipe down the carrier. Once the pet is in an exam room, ask for a warmed Fear Free towel.
My Pet is VERY Anxious!
We understand that vet visits can be stressful for some pets. At Crescent Hill Animal Hospital, we strive to create a calm, positive experience for both pets and their owners. For pets with high anxiety, we may recommend medications to help reduce stress, making appointments safer and smoother for your pet, you, and our staff.
How Medications Can Help
For highly anxious pets, fear and stress can make even routine exams or procedures challenging. In these cases, we may recommend:
🔹 Trazodone – A commonly used anti-anxiety medication that helps pets stay calm and relaxed before and during their visit.
🔹 Gabapentin – Helps reduce anxiety and can also be used for pain management, making it a great option for both fearful and arthritic pets.
🔹Bonqat- is a prescription medication used for short-term relief of anxiety in cats. It contains the active ingredient pregabalin, which affects the nervous system and helps reduce anxiety-related behaviors such as hiding, vocalizing, or aggression in stressful situations—like vet visits, travel, or changes in the environment.
🔹 Sedated Exam/Services– For extremely anxious or fearful pets, sedation allows us to perform necessary exams, diagnostics, or treatments without distress, ensuring their well-being.
Why Anxiety Management Matters
✔️Less stress for your pet – Reducing fear makes vet visits more comfortable and positive.
✔️ Safer for everyone – A calm pet minimizes risks for owners, veterinarians, and staff.
✔️ Improves quality of care – A relaxed pet allows for more thorough exams, accurate diagnostics, and better treatment outcomes.
If your pet experiences extreme anxiety during vet visits, talk to us about medication options that can help make their appointments easier. We’re here to ensure every pet gets the care they need in the most stress-free way possible!
The Fear Free Mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. As veterinary professionals, we have entered this field to care for the well-being of your pets. We believe that your pet's well-being doesn't just stop at their physical health. Just like people, an animal's mental and emotional health is an important part of their care. We strive to make our office as pet-friendly as possible, and we are constantly implementing new techniques and ideals to make this a reality.
Around our clinic, you may see the following:
- Towels that have been sprayed with Adaptil for your canine friends
- Towels that have been sprayed with Feliway, as well as placed on a towel warmer for your feline friends
- Air diffusers that emit Adaptil and Feliway
- Extra treats for your pets to enjoy
- A more casual approach to your pet, creating a more relaxing atmosphere
What is Adaptil and Feliway?
At Crescent Hill Animal Hospital, your pet’s comfort is important to us. That’s why we may spray Feliway or Adaptil pheromones onto towels, blankets, or bedding during their visit—especially if they seem nervous or stressed.
The Science Behind It:
Feliway and Adaptil are synthetic versions of natural calming pheromones that cats and dogs produce:
- Feliway mimics the facial pheromones that cats naturally release when they feel safe and secure in their environment—like when they rub their cheeks against furniture or people.
- Adaptil mimics the pheromones mother dogs release to comfort and reassure their puppies. Adult dogs can also respond to these signals in stressful situations.
When sprayed onto a towel or blanket, these pheromones can help create a sense of calm and familiarity for your pet. They’re especially helpful during veterinary visits, which can sometimes be overwhelming due to new smells, sounds, and people.
You Can Help Your Pet's Fear Free Journey Starting at Home!
If you have a dog, we recommend spraying their travel carrier with Adaptil travel spray about 1 hour before transport. You can also use an Adaptil collar if your pet is known to have high anxiety.
If you have a cat, we recommend spraying the pets carrier and/or car interior with Feliway about an hour before transport. Feliway wipes can also be used to wipe down the carrier. Once the pet is in an exam room, ask for a warmed Fear Free towel.
My Pet is VERY Anxious!
We understand that vet visits can be stressful for some pets. At Crescent Hill Animal Hospital, we strive to create a calm, positive experience for both pets and their owners. For pets with high anxiety, we may recommend medications to help reduce stress, making appointments safer and smoother for your pet, you, and our staff.
How Medications Can Help
For highly anxious pets, fear and stress can make even routine exams or procedures challenging. In these cases, we may recommend:
🔹 Trazodone – A commonly used anti-anxiety medication that helps pets stay calm and relaxed before and during their visit.
🔹 Gabapentin – Helps reduce anxiety and can also be used for pain management, making it a great option for both fearful and arthritic pets.
🔹Bonqat- is a prescription medication used for short-term relief of anxiety in cats. It contains the active ingredient pregabalin, which affects the nervous system and helps reduce anxiety-related behaviors such as hiding, vocalizing, or aggression in stressful situations—like vet visits, travel, or changes in the environment.
🔹 Sedated Exam/Services– For extremely anxious or fearful pets, sedation allows us to perform necessary exams, diagnostics, or treatments without distress, ensuring their well-being.
Why Anxiety Management Matters
✔️Less stress for your pet – Reducing fear makes vet visits more comfortable and positive.
✔️ Safer for everyone – A calm pet minimizes risks for owners, veterinarians, and staff.
✔️ Improves quality of care – A relaxed pet allows for more thorough exams, accurate diagnostics, and better treatment outcomes.
If your pet experiences extreme anxiety during vet visits, talk to us about medication options that can help make their appointments easier. We’re here to ensure every pet gets the care they need in the most stress-free way possible!