The Trauma Is Real
In rare cases, a pet has such extreme FAS to be both in danger and a danger. Extreme FAS is traumatic.
Not only are we at risk of injury from an attack, the pet is injuring itself. A pet in the throes of extreme FAS is in physical duress, which causes actual trauma. The pet’s heart rate and blood pressure are at risky high levels, damaging the heart and internal systems.
If we try to get near a pet who is lunging, snarling, snapping, swiping, or hissing, we put ourselves in danger. Worse yet, if we force anything on a traumatized pet, we compound the trauma and pile on the emotional crisis. That pet will be in even more distress next time. That pet will never trust us. We’ll never be able to get anywhere near that pet again.
If your pet has extreme FAS, please don’t ask us to “just do it” or “get it over with.” As Fear Free professionals, we cannot and will not. We have a responsibility to keep both pets and people safe from harm.
The good news is Fear Free offers an extensive set of steps, including the chill protocol plus sedation at Eno, that could help your pet. If you’re willing to work with us, we’re here to help. We want to be able to see your fur baby, safely, and give the best care.