Five big fat lies about puppy behavior Over my career, I have learned much about normal and abnormal behavior. My focus is the cat and dog, blending the knowledge of health, and behavior over all life stages helps me understand animals better. Veterinary education often lacks integration of normal young animal behavior development. Often…
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Why pets benefit from anxiety-reducing meds before anesthesia For many years, veterinarians advised pet owners to withhold all food and water for 12 hours before anesthesia. This common recommendation was based on the concern that food or water would reflux up the esophagus, and create a choking risk. Skipping oral medications were often advised. New…
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Cats, disease, nutrition, and behavior The connection of physical health with behavioral health has often been considered by a veterinarian in practice. It makes sense when an animal is in pain, they will act aggressively when touched or approached or perhaps act "off" - less social, more anxious, or aggressive when there are biochemical changes…
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What is going on with my old dog? As a primary care veterinarian, I have often had the bittersweet pleasure of caring for a furry family member from puppyhood to the end of life. At times, I would see a sweet, friendly dog show behavior changes that seemed out of place and confusing to the…
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I wanted a cuddle, jogging, or therapy buddy, but he is nothing like that. Many people adopt or purchase a companion pet with a vision of the fun and love they will receive from this pet. Long hikes in the woods, fun at the dog park, cuddles on the couch as you watch Netflix are…
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Introduce cats to each other When you add an additional cat to your home, your existing cat may not accept this cat easily. Many cats need a formal introduction plan to learn to accept each other. Preparing the home for the introduction, and addition of the new cat needs to happen before the big meet…
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First Time Dog owners need support - and so do repeat dog owners! I just read the Merck Animal Health Survey results about first-time dog owners, who acquired dogs during the COVID pandemic of 2020. I was alerted to this survey, and upon reading felt is imperative to have everyone read. Here is the…
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Pain in animals has been addressed as a result of injury, aging, or surgery. There are many references to managing acute pain caused by trauma or surgery. It is easy in a sense to assume and acknowledge an animal who was hit by a car is in pain. The day after a tooth extraction is…
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From Cat fights to calm cats Calm Cats are happy cats. It is possible to stop cat fights now, when you work with your veterinarian to provide the medication and plan to create calm cats. Cats are interesting. They are affectionate, independent, and intelligent. Many homes have at least two cats, according to the AVMA…
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5 Essential Steps to Stop Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety can be one of the most frustrating behavior problems of dogs. The problem may begin gradually, starting with a little pacing or whining when you leave then escalating to digging at the door or breaking out of crates. As a veterinarian with behavior expertise, I am…
read more Growls lead to bites I learned this catchy phrase “A growl is a bite that hasn’t connected – yet” during a veterinary behavior seminar. That statement has stuck with me and served me well to inform people about the meaning of a growl. The growl is a vocal warning indicating that the dog feels threatened.…
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Preventing Pet Problems During COVID-19 Isolation In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states and countries are containing spread through self-isolation. In my small town of Tuscola, Illinois, the schools closed March 17th, and classes are now being taught online. The University of Illinois switched to all online courses for the remainder of the…
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How the Calmer Canine tPEMF device improved my dog Bella's reactivity My dog Bella is an 11-year-old, mixed-breed dog. She was a rescue, who by 9 weeks of age was no longer able to easily socialize easily. Despite meds, supplements, training, low stress handling and reward-based training, she is reactive at windows. Her triggers…
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The drug resistant client - understanding why clients would refuse medications Advances in animal behavior has helped veterinarians provide less stressful care to many patients, both large and small. The ability to correctly read the body language of stress before it reaches aggression, and then respond to this by changing the exam room, treatment and…
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Separation anxiety can show up in various ways. When school starts up again, you can may see your dog and cat acting up in naughty ways or showing signs of anxiety. Dogs and cats live by routines. They feel the secure and happy when feeding time, walks and play time are all on schedule. When…
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