How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet

How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet

Does your normally docile, friendly pet turn into the Tasmanian Devil the moment you pull into the veterinarian’s parking lot? It’s not unusual for pets to feel a little stressed by a visit to the vet. When your dog or cat is anxious or behaves aggressively, a simple checkup can become a difficult experience for both of you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your pets handle the visits a little better.

Don’t Hide the Carrier or Crate

If your pet’s carrier or crate only comes out when it’s time to visit the vet, he or she may develop a negative association with it. As soon as the carrier makes an appearance, your pet might just decide to curl up under your bed or find another hiding place.

The next time you schedule an appointment for your pet, immediately dust off the crate or carrier and place it in the family room or kitchen with the door open. Add a new toy or tempting treat to convince your dog or cat that the crate or carrier isn’t such a bad place to spend a little time. The more time your pet spends in the carrier, the less scary it may become.

Go for a Drive

Pets may also associate your car or truck with veterinary visits if they only ride in your vehicle when they have an appointment. As soon as your dog or cat enters your vehicle, he or she may become fearful or anxious. When pets are already stressed before they even leave your driveway, just walking through the doors of the veterinary clinic can be overwhelming.

You can help your dog or cat relax during car rides by taking him or her for short rides. The first time you go for a drive, you may only want to travel around the block. Gradually increasing the duration of these trips offers a simple way to help your pet adjust to riding in a car or truck. During one of your car rides, you might want to stop by the vet’s office for a social call. When your pet realizes that a trip to the vet can be an enjoyable experience, he or she might not be quite so reluctant to get out of the car the next time you visit.

Make Sure Your Dog Knows Basic Commands

Sit, sit and stay, down, come, leave it and other basic commands can help you remain in control of your dog during a visit to the veterinarian. If your pet doesn’t know or respond to commands, set aside a little time every night to help him or her master these helpful commands, or enroll your dog in an obedience training course.

Pretend You’re a Veterinarian

Performing your own examinations on your pet allows you to identify any strange lumps or bumps and also helps your dog or cat adjust to being handled. Mimic the actions you’ve seen your pet’s veterinarian perform, such as feeling the abdomen and paws and examining the ears and teeth so your pet becomes more accustomed to being touched all over their body.

Try Pheromones

Pheromones, natural chemicals produced by the body, can calm your cat or dog and make him or her feel less anxious or fearful. Pheromone diffusers available in pet stores or online send a steady stream of the chemical into the air. For best results, plug in the diffuser an hour or two before your pet’s veterinarian visit. Although pheromones aren’t effective for every pet, they’re worth a try if veterinary visits are difficult for your furry friend.

Make the Waiting Room Experience More Pleasant

When you enter the waiting room, sit as far away from other pets as possible. If your pet reacts very negatively to the presence of other animals, ask if you can wait in your car until the staff is ready to see your pet. A simple call or text can alert you when the staff can see your dog or cat. If that’s not possible, place a towel from home over your cat or small dog’s crate or carrier to decrease exposure to troubling sights or smells

Make sure you use a leash and a collar or harness when bringing larger dogs to the vet. In the event that another animal becomes aggressive toward your pet, you’ll want to be able to quickly pull him or her back from potential trouble.

Decreasing your pet’s stress level will make veterinary visits a much more pleasant experience and help ensure that he or she receives needed care and screenings. If it’s time for your pet’s checkup, or you’re concerned about a health issue, give us a call.

Sources:

Animal Planet: 5 Tips to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/less-stressful-vet-visits/

Veterinary Practice News: Dogs and Going to the Vet, 12/28/15

https://veterinarypracticenews.com/dogs-and-going-to-the-vet/

Cesar’s Way: Did Somebody Say ‘V-E-T’?

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/choosing-working-with-a-vet/did-somebody-say-vet

Keep Your Pets Calm During the Holiday Season with These Tips

Keep Your Pets Calm During the Holiday Season with These Tips

Although the holidays may be an exciting time of the year for you, your pets may find the festivities a little overwhelming. Even normally well-behaved pets can experience a little anxiety when their usual routines are disrupted. These tips will help you ensure that your furry friends truly enjoy the holiday season.

Create a Haven

The holidays are the perfect time to catch up with friends and family members you have not seen in a while. While you may welcome the visits, your pets may experience anxiety due to the steady stream of unfamiliar faces. Pets express anxiety in a variety of ways. Some become more aggressive, while others hide or shy away from strangers.

Creating a guest-free haven in your home will give your pets the opportunity to escape stressful situations. Add a comfortable resting spot, food, water, and a few toys to a quiet room in your home when you are expecting guests. Place your pets in the room before guest arrive, but be sure to check on them periodically throughout the visit or party. If you have cats, add a litter box to the room.

Improve Your Pet’s Socialization Skills

If guests are a regular occurrence in your home, it may make sense to help your pets adjust to the idea of strangers in their territory. Ask a friend your pet knows to visit you well before the holiday season begins. During the visit, ask him or her to pet your friend and offer a treat. Add several people that your pet knows to the next training session then add a friend your pet has never met to the mix. Every time an introduction is made, give your pet a treat so that they develop a positive association with meeting new people. If your pet doesn’t warm up to the idea, take advantage of your pet-friendly haven during holiday events.

Do Not Introduce New Pets During the Holidays

The holidays are not the ideal time to make a furry addition to your family. During the chaotic holiday period, it’s hard to give enough attention to your current pets, let alone help both new and old pets adjust to new circumstances. If you have been considering getting a new pet, postpone the new addition until after the holidays.

Help Your Pet Handle the Noise

Parties mean lots of noise, even if your pet spends the evening away from your guests. If you anticipate a noisy New Year’s Eve to be a problem for your anxious pet, consider using an over-the-counter pet stress remedy or ask your veterinarian to prescribe a sedative.

Does your pet hate fireworks and firecrackers? Gradually desensitize your furry friend to the noise by playing a recording of fireworks for a few seconds then offer a treat. Once your pet can successfully sit through a few seconds of the recording without fear or anxiety, gradually increase the length of time you play the recording. Some dogs feel calmer if they wear ThunderShirts during fireworks. The shirts apply gentle pressure and work the same way swaddling a baby does.

Protect Your Pet from Common Holiday Dangers

Holidays are a particularly dangerous time for pets. Keep your pet safe during the holiday season by following these suggestions.

  • Keep Gift Wrapping Supplies Out of Reach

Ribbon or string can wrap around your pet’s intestines if swallowed and also pose a strangulation risk. Store wrapping supplies out of your pet’s reach, and throw away discarded wrapping paper and ribbon immediately after opening gifts.

  • Prevent Tree-Related Accidents

Cats love to climb Christmas trees, but a quick scramble up the branches can knock the tree over. Prevent tree mishaps be securing it to the wall or ceiling. Surround your tree with a baby gate or pen to prevent your dog from knocking it over.

  • Use Care with Cords and Candles

Gnawing on an electrical cord can shock or even kill your pet. Place cords in PVC piping or special cord protectors. Keep lit candles out of the reach of pets or use battery-operated versions instead.

Could you use a little assistance helping your pet handle holiday disruptions? Call us today to schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

Cesar’s Way: Keeping Your Dog Safe When the Fireworks Start

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/hyperactivity-overexcitement/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers: Dog Safety Tips for the Holidays

https://apdt.com/resource-center/dog-safety-tips-holidays/

Drs. Foster and Smith: How to Keep Pets Calm During the Holidays

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/PIC/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=148

ASPCA: Holiday Safety Tips

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips

ThunderShirt: Home Page

http://www.thundershirt.com/thundershirt/for-dog-by-variation.html

Is Your Cat’s Personality Influenced by Coat Color?

Is Your Cat’s Personality Influenced by Coat Color?

Can you tell if a cat will be friendly, aggressive or laid-back simply by taking a quick look at its color? That question has perplexed cat owners and scientists alike for years. Although it’s possible that coat color may play a role in personality, it’s also important to consider other factors when you’re considering adding a new kitty to your home.

Does Color Play a Role?

Since cats are never going to answer that question, scientists turned to pet owners for their input. University of California, Berkeley researchers surveyed 189 cat owners in a study published in the October 2012 edition of Anthrozoos. Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much “attitude.”

The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys. The surveys asked cat owners to rate their pets’ level of aggression at home, while being handled and during veterinary visits.

The most aggressive cats in all three settings were females with gray-and-white, black-and-white or orange coats and calico cats. Gray-and-white cats exhibited the highest levels of aggression during visits to the vet. The survey also revealed that black-and-white cats were most likely to react negatively when handled, while calicos were more likely to become irritated. Black, white, gray and tabby cats were rated lowest on the aggression scale.

Although these studies offer some interesting information, they don’t provide a definitive answer regarding whether certain personality traits are associated with specific coat colors. Respondents provided answers based on their particular experiences. It’s possible that what one person viewed as aggressive behavior was regarded as playfulness by another.

You probably noticed that cat owners in the University of California, Berkeley study thought orange cats were the friendliest, while respondents in the University of California, Davis study added the felines to the “most aggressive” category. Because cats have distinct personalities, just as people do, it’s not surprising that there were differences in opinion between the two studies.

What Factors Influence Personality?

Your cat’s early life plays an important role in the development of his or her personality. Kittens don’t develop a fear of humans if they interact with people between the ages of 3 and 9 weeks, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. If socialization with humans is delayed, kittens can become fearful or timid cats. In some cases, they’ll eventually overcome their fears, but may still be a little uncomfortable around strangers.

Cats also inherit traits from their parents. If one or both parents are laid-back and friendly, their kittens may also possess those traits. Similarly, cats that are timid or jumpy, despite socializing with people when they were kittens, may have inherited the behavior from a parent.

Other factors may also play a role in the perception of a cat’s personality. For example, some of the white cats labeled “aloof” by University of California, Berkeley survey respondents may actually have hearing problems. Sixty-five to 85 percent of white cats with two blue eyes are deaf, 40 percent of white cats with one blue eye are deaf, and 17 to 22 percent of white cats without blue eyes are deaf, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Some white cats affected by hearing loss may only be deaf in one ear. Although cats with partial hearing loss may seem perfectly fine, they may have difficulty hearing you when you call to them from a different room or might not respond if you speak into their bad ear. If you’re not aware that these cats have hearing problems, you might assume that they aren’t very friendly.

Whether your pet’s disposition is related to coat color, socialization, inherited traits or other factors, you’re probably glad that your furry friend has his or her own unique personality. We help cats of all colors stay happy and healthy. If you’re concerned about a behavioral or health issue, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science: The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat, 10/14/15

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820?journalCode=haaw20#abstract

Tech Times: Cat Color May Hint How Aggressive It Is: Felines with Black, White or Gray Fur Make Best Pets, 10/26/15

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/99474/20151026/cat-color-may-hint-how-aggressive-it-is-felines-with-black-white-or-gray-fur-make-best-pet.htm

Berkeley News: Don’t be so fast to judge a cat by its color, study warns, 10/13/12

http://news.berkeley.edu/2012/10/23/cat-color/

American Association of Feline Practitioners: Feline Behavior Guidelines, 2004

https://www.catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/FelineBehaviorGLS.pdf

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Ask Elizabeth

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ask-elizabeth-white-cats-and-blindnessdeafness

Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats

https://books.google.com/books?id=HHoK9PKpqn4C&pg=PA319&lpg=PA319&dq=how+lack+of+nutrition+as+a+kitten+shapes+behavior&source=bl&ots=7u1iAUnIZt&sig=3h0_pXD6iwFIuxo2E2KgyF3yTIs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjNiNTH_LTXAhWb14MKHfFYBnsQ6AEINzAD#v=onepage&q=how%20lack%20of%20nutrition%20as%20a%20kitten%20shapes%20behavior&f=false

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Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

Service dogs help thousands of disabled Americans become more independent. The first service dogs guided visually impaired people, but today, the dogs assist people who have a variety of disabilities, ranging from hearing loss to seizures to cerebral palsy. Before a dog can become a service animal, it must complete an extensive training program that includes several components.

Temperament Evaluation

Plenty of dogs that make good pets are not cut out to be service dogs. Dogs that are easily distracted, uncomfortable being approached or touched by strangers, or are aggressive are not good candidates. Evaluating a dog’s temperament is the first step in determining if it will make a good service dog. These characteristics will help a dog become a successful service dog:

  • Calm temperament
  • Energetic
  • Doesn’t react negatively if strangers pet him or her or if children pull on a tail or ear
  • Enjoys being with people
  • Anxious to please
  • Can focus on a task and ignore distractions

During temperament screening, dogs are exposed to a variety of noises. Since these dogs must be able to assist their owners during thunderstorms or in other noisy situations, it’s important that they do not cower in fear when they hear a loud noise. Trainers also test the dog’s reaction to pain, as owner’s never know when the dog will be accidentally bumped or jostled in public. Dogs that will make good service dogs may yelp if hurt, but will not run away or attack the person responsible for causing pain.

Testers also evaluate how well prospective service dogs fetch. Although not all dogs will need to retrieve items for their owners, the test is also helpful in determining how easily a dog can be trained.

Training Begins

If a dog passes a temperament evaluation, training will begin. The training regimen varies depending on the type of tasks that the dog will perform. Service dogs provide a variety of services for their owners, including:

  • Pulling wheelchairs
  • Providing stability for people who are unsteady on their feet
  • Alerting diabetics when their blood sugar levels are dangerously low
  • Guiding visually impaired people
  • Retrieving items an owner cannot reach
  • Calming owners who experience post-traumatic stress problems

Trainers not only train dogs to perform specific tasks but also expose them to a variety of situations their owners might experience, such as taking public transportation, shopping, riding in elevators, and crossing busy streets.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

Many people get their service dogs from organizations that train the dogs for a year or two before turning them over to their new owners. Others obtain dogs and then work with an organization that trains both them and their dogs. Some people even train their service dogs themselves, although this method is much more likely to be successful if you have had significant experience training dogs.

Breeds That Make Good Service Dogs

Many breeds are well-suited to working as service dogs, including:

  • Labrador retrievers
  • Golden retrievers
  • Shelties
  • Newfoundlands
  • Terriers
  • Poodles
  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Lhasa apsos
  • Collies
  • Mixed breeds

A dog’s temperament and the type of work it will perform are more important than the breed. It’s also crucial to consider the breed’s average lifespan. Dogs that have longer lifespans are obviously a better choice. In addition to the emotional toll involved with a dog’s death, training dogs with short lifespans means that a disabled person must adjust to working with a new dog multiple times throughout their lives.

A breed may not be a good choice if a disabled person will not be able to handle its care or if it was bred for hunting or herding, as those traits may make training more difficult. Breeds that can be aggressive or territorial usually are not recommended for service dog work.

What Is the Difference Between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Animal?

Service dogs perform tasks that disabled people cannot perform themselves, while emotional support animals offer support and comfort to people who suffer from mental health or emotional conditions. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not usually receive any special training.

Service dogs are considered medical equipment and can accompany their owners anywhere the public is normally allowed to go, according to the American with Disabilities Act. Emotional assistance animals are not given the same access under the law, although many businesses still allow owners to bring their animals with them.

Whether your dog is a service dog or a cherished pet, regular veterinary examinations are essential to its good health. Call us today to schedule a checkup for your pet.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Justice: Service Animals

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Service Dog Central: Frequently Asked Questions – Laws

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/faq/62

Paws Training Center: Service Dog Training

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners: Finding a Suitable Candidate for Assistance Dog Work

http://www.iaadp.org/type.html

Assistance Dogs International: Dog Breeds & Behaviour

http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/faq-category/dog-breeds-behaviour/#what-breeds-of-dogs-make-good-service-dogs