Fear, Anxiety, and Stress: How Your Pet’s Emotions Shape Their Care

Did you know your pet’s emotions can impact their physical health? Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) not only affect their behavior but can also trigger internal changes and limit our ability to provide care. 

In this article, we’ll explain how observing your pet’s behavior and nonverbal cues helps us provide a better veterinary experience and more comprehensive care.

What is the FAS spectrum?

The FAS spectrum or scale is a tool that helps our veterinarians and team members identify and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. By observing your pet’s behavior and body language in the animal hospital, we can determine their current FAS level. Each level is color-coded, similar to a stoplight, directing the team on how to proceed. 

• FAS 0–1 (green) — These pets have low to mild FAS and may be slightly anxious or excited. They’re generally easy to handle and cooperative. 
• FAS 2–3 (yellow) — These pets are experiencing moderate FAS, displaying visible signs of uncertainty and stress. They may avoid interactions, fidget, or seem conflicted. The veterinary team must slow down and assess their actions to prevent further stress.
• FAS 4–5 (red) — These pets are experiencing severe distress. Like a red light, this signals the veterinary team to pause and adjust their care plan.

Why do we measure FAS?

The FAS spectrum allows us to continuously gauge your pet’s emotional comfort, ensuring that our actions and decisions align with their needs. It also provides our team with a simple and universal language, ensuring everyone recognizes and adapts to each pet’s FAS level.

Identifying and addressing FAS provides a better experience for pets and pet parents. Minimizing or preventing fear, anxiety, and stress isn’t merely compassionate—it also enhances the quality of care. When pets are calm and comfortable, they’re more likely to receive the full benefit of their treatment plan.

Recognizing your pet’s FAS

The animal hospital isn’t the only place where pets feel fear, anxiety, and stress! Knowing how to measure FAS helps you better understand and support your pet. Here is a brief overview of common behaviors pets may display at each FAS level.

• FAS 0–1 (low to mild) — Dogs are relaxed, with a wagging tail, and are willing to take treats. Dogs at level 1 may show mild signs of anxiety, like licking their lips or turning away. Cats are calm, with their ears forward and their body relaxed, and they accept petting and treats. Cats at level 1 may avoid eye contact or shift away.
• FAS 2–3 (moderate) — Pets at this level are visibly uncomfortable and concerned about their environment. Dogs may be restless, look away, and take treats quickly or roughly. Cats may breathe faster, rest in a low or crouched position, and keep their tail, ears, and whiskers close to their bodies.
• FAS 4–5 (severe) — These pets are in flight, freeze, or fight mode. Dogs and cats at level 4 may try to escape (flight) or become uncharacteristically still (freeze). They are visibly distressed and may display dilated pupils, pinned ears, rapid breathing, a tucked tail, and a low or crouched posture.

Pets at level 5 are extremely fearful and anxious. They may show aggression (fight) by trying to move toward or away from a perceived threat. These pets require careful handling to avoid harm.

Tips for easing FAS

Managing FAS in pets takes patience, planning, and empathy. While we focus on creating a stress-free experience at the animal hospital, there are many simple steps you can take at home to help ease your pet’s FAS any time they may experience fear, anxiety, or stress. These include:

• Using calming products — Pheromone sprays and collars can ease anxiety.
• Maintaining a routine — Predictability helps pets feel safe. 
• Fasting your pet before their visit — Motion sickness can worsen stress, so withhold food before your visit.
• Socializing and desensitization — Gradually exposing your pet to different places and situations (handling, their carrier) builds confidence.
• Bringing comfort items — Your pet’s favorite treats, toy, or blanket can make the animal hospital less scary.
• Asking about pre-visit medications — Anxiety-relieving medications and supplements can help calm pets with moderate to severe FAS.

Your pet’s FAS score offers valuable insight into their emotional well-being and guides us in providing the best possible care. By making FAS assessment a standard part of every visit to our animal hospital, our veterinarians and team can address your pet’s needs more effectively, fostering a calmer, more positive experience. Together, we’ll build a future of trust, comfort, and well-being for your pet.

Want to learn more about pre-visit medication or FAS-reducing strategies? Contact our team.