Have you ever wondered why your pet acts the way it does at the vet? A dog might be all tail wags and happy licks, or it might cower behind your legs, avoiding eye contact. A cat might explore the room with its tail high, or it might hiss and hide in its carrier. These behaviors aren’t just quirks; they’re clear signs of your pet’s emotional state, indicating its fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).
At our clinic, we use the FAS scale to assess and score your pet’s comfort level from 0 to 5. This helps us understand their emotional well-being and adjust their care plan accordingly. By tracking their score before, during, and after an exam, we can ensure they have the most positive experience possible. A pet with a high FAS score may need a slower approach or even a rescheduled visit with anti-anxiety medication.
Understanding the FAS Scale
A pet’s FAS score can change throughout the visit. Some pets might be nervous on the scale but fine during the exam, while others might tolerate a check-up but get stressed during a blood draw. Here’s a breakdown of the scale and what each level means:
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Level 0-1: Your pet is relaxed, accepts treats and attention, and is easy to handle. We can proceed with the exam with no issues.
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Level 2-3: Your pet is fidgety and hesitant to take treats. They might show some signs of anxiety but are still manageable. At this point, our team will try to comfort them with different treats or handling techniques, or take a break. If they continue to struggle, we may recommend sedation or rescheduling with medication for a future visit.
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Level 4: Your pet is trying to escape and won’t participate. They may be in a “fight, flight, or freeze” state and won’t accept treats or attention. We will likely recommend sedation or rescheduling with pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs)—anti-anxiety medications prescribed to ease their stress.
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Level 5: Your pet is showing aggression, such as growling, snapping, hissing, or lunging. They will not tolerate procedures and will most likely need sedation for any handling. We will prescribe PVPs for future appointments.
Our Commitment to Low Stress Care
We understand that every pet has different needs, and our goal is to meet them with our specialized low stress techniques. We are always working to improve our skills in recognizing and addressing FAS in our patients. This allows us to provide care that benefits both your pet’s physical and emotional health.
As a low stress Omaha veterinary practice, we have integrated this philosophy into every part of our business—from our leadership and client education to our facility and patient visits. We provide calming pheromone distributors in every room of the clinic, including the waiting areas. We also provide calming music to relax pets while in the room and block out background noise. We’re dedicated to making your pet’s vet experience as calm and stress-free as possible.
To learn more about FAS and how it affects your pet, please call our specialists at 402-389-3356.