Calming Pack

Does you pet get nervous visiting the vet?

Ensure your pets remain calm with our Vet Visit Calming Packs.

Stress associated with transportation, examination, and diagnostic procedures often deters owners from bringing their pets to the clinic to receive regular veterinary care. As part of Sydney Animal Hospitals stress-free training and accreditation, the “Vet Visit Calming Pack” or VVCP has been introduced.

Speak to one of our staffs about the Vet Visit Calming Packs for your pet.

Speak to our staff

What is a VVCP?

Prescribed medication for your cat or dog to reduce the stress placed when travelling, examining or getting procedures done at our clinics.

The pack consists of 2 doses of Gabapentin at 50-100mg. Gabapentin is an oral medication, with a proven record of being safe and effective, it blocks the flight or fight response in those cats who are likely to demonstrate fear or aggression in a veterinary environment.

Cats are to be given a dose the night before, as well as 2 hours prior to their visit. Capsule form is preferable, clients simply twist to open and mix with their cat’s favorite treat to administer. Not to be given on a full stomach, as this will significantly reduce its effects.

Cerenia may also be added to the pack if the cat suffers from travel sickness. In such instances, Cerenia is administered 1-2hours prior to their visit at 2mg/kg.

Dogs

The pack consists of a single dose of Trazodone at 3-12mg/kg to be given 2 hours prior to their visit. 8mg/kg is considered most effective according to BSAVA guidelines.

Trazodone is a serotonin modulator that has sedation and anxiolytic effects and is commonly used to treat behavioral disorders, especially those anxiety or phobia-related. Avoid use if the patient is on any monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs such as Selegiline.

OR

A single dose of Gabapentin at 20mg/kg to be given 2 hours prior to their visit. Dose rate is recommended according to Clinician’s Brief. A lower dose may be administered to start off with if concerned. It is worth having the owner test at home first.

Gabapentin is preferred for dogs that also suffer from travel sickness. Trazadone at 5-12mg/kg can be added if Gabapentinis insufficient on its own.

Gabapentin 20-25mg/kg administered the evening before the scheduled appointment.

A combination of Gabapentin 20-25mg/kg and Melatonin (small dogs 0.5-1mg; medium dogs 1-3mg; large dogs 5mg) administered 1-2 hours before the scheduled appointment.

Acepromazine 0.025-0.05 mg/kg administered oral transmucosal 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment.

For more information, please contact your closest Sydney Animal Hospital today.

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