What is "Fear-free practice?"
The Fear-Free™ initiative, with Dr. Marty Becker at its head, promotes the practices, methods, and tools that calm veterinary patients and create low-stress environments to encourage better healthcare as well as happier patients and clients.
Practicing fear-free medicine has always been one of the driving principles of Bayside. A longtime advocate of fear-free medicine, Dr. Trachtman started Bayside as a mobile practice so that she could give her patients the best possible medical care in the least stressful environment: their own homes. As Bayside has grown, we have stayed true to our commitment to fear-free practice and implemented recommendations by Dr. Becker and his colleagues in both the design of our hospital as well as our day to day practices. We regularly attend continuing education sessions on fear-free medicine, low-stress handling and other behavior topics to ensure that we are at the forefront of fear-free practice.
The Fear-Free™ initiative, with Dr. Marty Becker at its head, promotes the practices, methods, and tools that calm veterinary patients and create low-stress environments to encourage better healthcare as well as happier patients and clients.
Practicing fear-free medicine has always been one of the driving principles of Bayside. A longtime advocate of fear-free medicine, Dr. Trachtman started Bayside as a mobile practice so that she could give her patients the best possible medical care in the least stressful environment: their own homes. As Bayside has grown, we have stayed true to our commitment to fear-free practice and implemented recommendations by Dr. Becker and his colleagues in both the design of our hospital as well as our day to day practices. We regularly attend continuing education sessions on fear-free medicine, low-stress handling and other behavior topics to ensure that we are at the forefront of fear-free practice.
How does Fear-free practice impact my pet's visit?
In keeping with the most up to date recommendations by Dr. Becker and his colleagues, these are some differences you may notice between your visits at Bayside and visits you have had in the past at other practices.
In keeping with the most up to date recommendations by Dr. Becker and his colleagues, these are some differences you may notice between your visits at Bayside and visits you have had in the past at other practices.
- Longer appointment times: We schedule ample time for each appointment to make sure that each of our patients has time to acclimate to his or her surroundings, have pleasant interactions with our staff before delving into the exam or treatment and not be alarmed by a rushed pace. Additionally, this gives you time to have a meaningful dialogue with the doctor and staff, which enables us to work together as a team to keep your pet healthy and happy.
- Pheromones: We employ the use of synthetic pheromones in the form of plug-ins and sprays. These odorless pheromones, which are undetectable to humans, create a state of familiarity and security in dogs and cats by reproducing the calming effects that their own naturally produced pheromones create.
- Low-stress handling techniques: Our staff has been well-trained in low-stress handling, and use these techniques to handle our patients in a safe, yet compassionate and gentle way.
- Fear-free design: We designed our hospital in keeping with the recommendations of the Fear-free Initiative. Among many of the recommendations, we utilize calming colors, natural light, a low sided reception desk, matte-finished flooring and clutter-free exam rooms. Our exam tables were designed to fold up into the walls of the exam room so that we can tailor each visit to our patient's preferences. We perform exams on the floor, on cushioned rugs, for many dogs and cats; while others prefer to be up on the table, which we line with soft fleece, rubber-backed mats and cushioned beds.
- Limited time in the waiting area: We do our best to limit the amount of time our patients spend in the waiting area. We do our best to arrange our schedule so that each patient can go directly into the exam room when he or she arrives. Similarly, we are happy to review medications, exam or lab results and perform the check-out process in the exam room after the visit is complete in order to reduce the possibility of your encountering other pets or people that may cause stress to your pet.
- Massage: We offer complimentary brief massages by our trained staff before the physical exam. This helps us reduce the surge of stress some pets experience upon leaving the house.
How can I help my pet have a fear-free vet visit?
In addition to the techniques that we implement, you can also help reduce your pet's stress and anxiety surrounding vet visits. These are some of the current recommendations by the Fear-Free Initiative:
In addition to the techniques that we implement, you can also help reduce your pet's stress and anxiety surrounding vet visits. These are some of the current recommendations by the Fear-Free Initiative:
- Bring your pet hungry: This works especially well for dogs. If your appointment is in the morning, skip breakfast (unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.) If the appointment is in the afternoon or evening, go easy on snacks during the day. This gives us the chance to share treats with our patients, which helps them associate us with good things.
- Desensitize your pet to the pet carrier: Keep pet carriers out at home and use them as cozy cat and dog retreats. This helps to decrease or prevent fearful associations with the carrier.
- Go for car rides: Many pets associate car rides only with visits to the vet or groomer. Add some enjoyable rides to the park or beach in between those visits in order to help your pet arrive at his or her appointment with us in a more relaxed state.
- Drop by for treats: Stop in to see us between scheduled appointments for a treat and a little positive attention. This will help your pet see us as friends, not enemies.
- Stay relaxed: As with children, when we are anxious or agitated, pets get anxious or agitated. Try to stay relaxed before and during your pet's visit to help him or her stay calm.
Nobody should feel like this at the vet!
Tell us what you think!
We get to know our patients very well but, as their parents, you know them best. We understand that every pet is different, and that what one finds soothing another may not. Please tell us how you think we can best help your pet have a fear-free visit.
We love to talk about Fear-free Practice; please ask us for more information anytime!
We get to know our patients very well but, as their parents, you know them best. We understand that every pet is different, and that what one finds soothing another may not. Please tell us how you think we can best help your pet have a fear-free visit.
We love to talk about Fear-free Practice; please ask us for more information anytime!
