Emotional support during your dog’s veterinary visit
A stay at the vet can be difficult for many dogs. The familiar surroundings change, the smells are different, there are new noises, they are separated from their owners, and sometimes they have to undergo procedures that are uncomfortable or painful.
At Balmesvet, a leading veterinary hospital in Barcelona, we view hospitalization as a multifaceted process: we treat the medical condition while also attending to the dog’s emotional well-being. This is part of our Fear Free and Low Stress Handling approach, in which canine pheromones serve as a supplementary tool incorporated into a broader overall protocol.
What happens when a hospitalized dog experiences stress
Stress isn’t just about “being nervous.” Biological responses are triggered in a dog’s body that can affect recovery:
- Increased cortisol and adrenaline levels.
- Disturbance of restorative sleep.
- Decreased appetite and fluid intake.
- Gastrointestinal changes (nausea, diarrhea).
- Increased reactivity and difficulty to manage.
- Heightened pain perception.
- Slower or irregular recovery in some patients.
Reducing fear, anxiety, and stress improves well-being, makes management easier, and promotes a more stable clinical progress, especially during prolonged hospital stays or in complex cases.
What Are Canine Pheromones and How Can They Help?
The canine pheromones used in veterinary practice are synthetic equivalents of the calming pheromone released by the mother during lactation. This signal is associated with a sense of safety and calm in the animal’s early stages of life.
En perros adultos:
- They are not sedatives.
- They do not cause drowsiness.
- They do not alter their personality.
- They are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Their function is to help the dog manage its emotional response to specific stressful situations, such as hospitalization, helping it adapt better to its surroundings.
How they are used in clinical practice
For them to be effective, simply “adding pheromones” isn’t enough. The format and context matter. In a hospital setting, the following are primarily used:
- Room diffuser: useful in areas where the dog spends many hours or days.
- Spray: used for specific situations (arrival, examination, procedures), applied properly and well in advance.
- Collar (in some cases): may help dogs that are comfortable with it, although its use during hospitalization is more limited.
The goal is not to “suppress” their emotions, but to reduce the intensity of their fear and help them relax and respond calmly.
Scientific evidence on canine pheromones: what we know and what we don’t
Studies show mixed results: some dogs show clear improvements, while in others the effect is limited. Even so, there is sufficient evidence to consider them a supplementary tool, especially when combined with:
- Consistent routines.
- Respectful care and pain management.
- Calm, comfortable spaces.
- Positive interactions.
That is why we do not promote them as a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather as one component of a hospitalization system focused on canine well-being.
Stress-Free Dog Boarding: What a Holistic Approach Includes
Reducing stress in a hospitalized dog involves addressing multiple factors at once:
- Respectful clinical care, avoiding unnecessary restraint.
- Consistent routines (feeding, walks, checkups).
- Environments adapted to the dog’s size and temperament.
- Management of pain and discomfort.
- Minimizing unnecessary travel.
- Positive interactions with the veterinary team.
Canine pheromones are incorporated into this system as a supplement, not as a substitute.
Dog Hospitalization at Balmesvet
Our dog boarding is designed to minimize stressful situations and promote recovery:
- Rooms adapted to different sizes.
- A layout designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Staff trained in emotional well-being and stress management.
- Constant monitoring of the patient’s physical and emotional condition.
- Coordination with the 24/7 veterinary ICU for cases that require it.
This approach is particularly useful in:
- Dogs with pre-existing anxiety or fear of the veterinary environment.
- Prolonged hospital stays.
- Senior patients.
- Dogs that have difficulty coping with separation and change.
- Emergency admissions, where the stress level is typically high.
Clinical benefits of reducing stress during hospitalization
When a dog feels more relaxed:
- They rest better.
- They cope better with procedures and examinations.
- They have more stable behavior.
- They eat more easily.
- They cooperate better during clinical care.
- They may recover more smoothly, depending on the case.
In addition, a less stressful experience reduces the risk that the pet will associate the veterinarian with fear during future visits.
Supporting the People Who Support Their Pets
Having your dog hospitalized can cause worry, uncertainty, and occasionally a sense of feeling out of control. Knowing that your dog’s emotional well-being is being considered can help you handle the situation with greater peace of mind.
At Balmesvet, we believe in clear communication: we explain the treatment plan, the goals of the hospital stay, and how the patient is doing so that decisions can be made with complete information and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Pheromones and Hospitalization
What is the purpose of canine pheromones during hospitalization?
They can help reduce anxiety and fear during admission. They help the dog adjust to the hospital environment, improve rest, and facilitate a calmer clinical experience as part of a Fear Free approach.
Do canine pheromones sedate hospitalized dogs?
No. They do not cause drowsiness or make them feel sleepy. They modify the emotional response without altering alertness.
Do they replace medication or veterinary treatment?
No. They are a form of support that is incorporated into the hospitalization plan alongside pain management, respectful care, and medical treatment.
Which hospitalized dogs benefit most from them?
In dogs with pre-existing anxiety, fear of the veterinary environment, prolonged hospital stays, geriatric patients, and dogs that have difficulty dealing with separation anxiety.
How can they be integrated into a stress-free hospital stay?
They are combined with consistent routines, adapted environments, gentle handling, pain management, and positive interactions. They work best as part of a comprehensive approach.
Does reducing stress improve recovery in hospitalized dogs?
Sí. Menos estrés suele traducirse en mejor descanso, mayor tolerancia a procedimientos y una respuesta más estable al tratamiento, lo que puede favorecer la recuperación.
Can they be used before admission?
Yes. For sensitive dogs, it’s recommended to use them before the trip and when they arrive to help them adjust more easily.
Can cat pheromones be used on dogs?
No. They are species-specific. To be effective and safe, they should be pheromones specifically designed for dogs.
Balmesvet Barcelona: Dog Hospitalization with a Fear-Free Approach
At Balmesvet, we believe that providing care also means reducing fear. The integration of Fear Free protocols, along with a specially adapted environment and respectful handling, is central to our approach to veterinary hospitalization in Barcelona.
We look forward to seeing you at Calle Balmes 205, 08006, Barcelona. We are here to help you.
Balmesvet Veterinary Hospital
| Information | |
| Address | Carrer Balmes 205, 08006 Barcelona |
| Parking | Balmes 200 (30 min visits; up to 1 hour emergencies) |
| Phone | 931 173 173 |
| atencioclient@balmesvet.com | |
| Consultations | 8:30–20:00 |
| Emergency/Hospitalization | 24/7 |
Can we help you? Call us or make an appointment. 24/7 emergency services available.
Barcelona, C/ Balmes nº 205
931 173 173
info@balmesvet.com