What impact does a stressful visit have on animal healing?

A stressful visit can significantly impair healing and increase aggression in animals. Stress triggers a physiological response that releases hormones, such as cortisol, which can negatively affect immune system function and wound healing. When animals are subjected to stressors during a veterinary visit, they may also exhibit signs of anxiety and fear, which can exacerbate their overall condition and complicate their recovery.

Additionally, this heightened state of fear or anxiety can lead to increased aggression, particularly if the animal feels threatened. Such aggressive responses may not only endanger the animal but can also pose a risk to veterinary staff and other pets in the clinic, adding further complications to the healing process. Hence, it’s crucial to create a calming environment and use fear-free techniques to minimize stress, as this contributes significantly to more successful healing outcomes for the animals in veterinary care.