Situational medication

These medications are prescribed for particular events, such as veterinary visits, grooming, nail trimming, travel, visitors, thunderstorms, fireworks or departures.

Timing matters

Many work best before the stressful event begins. Use the timing in your treatment plan; onset and duration differ between medications, preparations and animals.

Test only when instructed

If your veterinarian included a home trial in the plan, observe onset, duration, sedation, coordination, appetite and behavioural response. Record what happens and discuss the results with the clinic. Do not arrange extra trials or change the dose yourself.

Sedation is not always the goal

The objective is generally to reduce fear, anxiety, arousal or reactivity enough to improve welfare and coping. An animal that moves less may still be frightened.

Do not change the dose yourself

Keep the environment manageable

Medication can reduce fear, anxiety, arousal, impulsivity, or other factors that interfere with learning. Behaviour modification and environmental management remain important parts of treatment.