Animal Progress - Dr Sally Nixon

04/04/2025

🐾 When an animal starts to behave in a way that is a problem or seems strange, people often disregard that there may be a medical issue underlying the cause. Behaviour can be influenced by many factors; for example, the behaviour exhibited can be a response how the pet perceives the surrounding environment or how comfortable the animal is in him/herself.

https://animalprogress.com/why-is-it-important-that-your-pet-is-vet-checked-if-its-behaviour-changes/

07/03/2025

🐱Stress in cats🐱

Stress plays a significant part in most common cat behaviour problems and some disease. For this reason, it is important to be able to recognise the signs of stress in your cat and act accordingly.

🫵Click on the link below to learn more about stress in cats.
https://icatcare.org/articles/stress-in-cats

☎️If you are worried that your cat could be suffering from stress, contact your veterinarian for help.

28/02/2025

🐈Teach Your Cat to Love the Carrier🐈

Visits to the vet clinic for regular health checks are an important part of caring for your cat. However, the process of travelling to the vet clinic can be a very stressful experience for many cats.

👆Click on the link below to learn more about how you can help make a trip to the vet easier for your cat.

Visiting Your Vet https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-taking-your-cat-to-the-veterinary-clinic-.pdf

20/01/2025

🐈🐾Cats are loving companions with unique needs that go beyond food and shelter. To truly keep them happy, it's essential to understand their behaviours, preferences, and natural instincts. Here are some ways to ensure your feline friend thrives.
Meeting a cat's needs https://animalprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Meeting-a-cats-needs.pdf

13/01/2025

🐩🐾Dogs are more than just pets; they are loyal companions who depend on their caregivers for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Meeting a dog's needs is essential not only for their happiness but also for fostering a strong, trusting relationship.

Meeting a dog's needs -https://animalprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Meeting-a-dogs-needs.pdf

30/12/2024

🎆Happy New Year🎆

New Year's celebrations can be such a fun and happy time, but for many dogs, cats, and other companion animals it can be a very distressing and scary time 🐶🐱🐰🐴

Here are some tips to help your pet cope with tonight's celebrations:
👉Let your pet be in the place where they feel most comfortable.
👉If your pet comes to you appearing to need attention, then give your pet the reassurance they need.
👉For some pets massage and long strokes along their back can help them to settle.
👉Block out the noise and lights of the fireworks as much as possible by closing blinds and windows.
👉Use calming music such as classical, reggae, or soft rock to drown out the noise of the celebrations.
👉Avoid taking your dog out to the New Year's celebrations.
👉For cats who have access to the outdoors, keep them safely indoors.
👉For those hosting parties, give your pet a safe place where they can retreat to without being disturbed. Strangers and change can be very distressing for some pets.
👉Offer your pet a treat such as a food filled KONG, Lickimat, or long lasting treat to help distract them from the celebrations.

🩺If you have a dog, cat or other companion animal who is fearful of fireworks, loud noises, and/or thunderstoms, we recommend that you speak with your veterinarian. Appropriate treatment for your pet’s problem early is so important to stop further progression of the behavioural illness.

Happy New Year and we hope that you all have a safe and fun 2025 🎉🎊💙

Thunderstorm and fireworks fears https://animalprogress.com/thunderstorm-and-fireworks-fears/

24/12/2024

🎄🎁Merry Christmas🎁🎄

We want to thank all of our wonderful clients and their pets for another year of trust and support, and to all the veterinary clinics for your continued support and referrals.
We wish you all a safe and relaxing season filled with joy, love, and of course plenty of tail wags and purrs! 🐶🐱

♥️Sally & Bec

16/12/2024

Collaborative Care - Help your pet enjoy their veterinary care 🧑‍🦱👩‍🦰🐱🐶

🤷‍♀️What is Collaborative Care? Traditionally, animals have been restrained for their veterinary care. Although some animals tolerate restraint, many become fearful. Collaborative care is about teaching animals ways that they can consent to their own care. Restraint for treatment becomes unnecessary.

🤔Why use Collaborative Care? When an animal feels that they can say “no” and move away, the animal is less likely to become fearful. With collaborative care, animals are less likely to say "no" when they have choices and predictability.

🧠Learning with Animal Progress
Work with a veterinarian and veterinary nurse with many years of general practice experience. We understand the practicalities and difficulties associated with providing health care to fearful animals.

🤓Skills
Develop important skills so that you can teach your animal consent-based behaviours. Learn about species-specific behaviours that help you understand your pet’s individual needs.

Benefits for all!
⭐️Fun for the animal
⭐️Increased bond between pet and owner
⭐️Fun for the pet owner
⭐️Confidence building for pet and owner
⭐️Improved safety for veterinary staff

IMPORTANT POINTS
📌For those animals who are not already fearful of the veterinary clinic, taking a trip to the vet to learn these new skills can be fun and rewarding, and can be a great way to learn that the veterinary clinic is a fun place.
📌Unfortunately, it can be a lot more complicated for those who are already fearful of the veterinary clinic. Animals need to be calm and engaged to learn new skills that can then later be taken to the veterinary clinic, when the animal is ready. Animal Progress is a quiet and calm place where animals can find it easier to learn these new skills.

🫵Click on the link below to book a session, or feel free to email [email protected] or call 0432 670 582 for more information.

Collaborative care consultations for veterinary treatments
https://animalprogress.com/behaviour-modification-consultations/

What is Collaborative Care? And why should you train it?
https://animalprogress.com/what-is-collaborative-care-and-why-should-you-train-it/

03/12/2024

🐾❤️🩺Happy Vet Visits can be your pet's first step towards long-term behaviour change.

To book your session with a qualified behavioural trainer who will guide you so that you can help your pet learn to cope in the veterinary clinic, just click on the link. https://animalprogress.com/happy-vet-visits/

12/11/2024

Why we ONLY recommend Reward Based Training (Positive Reinforcement)🐶🐱🐴🐰🐮

There are many benefits that support the use of this evidence-based, humane training.

Reward based training can help to improve the animal’s welfare, improve the animal’s learning of new and useful behaviours, help to reduce the risk of future behaviour problems, and can also provide an animal with mental, social and physical stimulation. This method does not cause harm, fear or pain, but instead promotes the human animal bond and it is fun!

There is so much conflicting information out there. No wonder it can be confusing! One problem is that the animal training industry is not overseen by a government regulatory body, so you do not need a qualification to be called a dog trainer. This means that individuals can work as dog trainers and advise people about dog behaviour without any knowledge of the science of how an animal learns, and how an animal’s learning is related to their physical health and emotional state.

There are two organisations who work to provide industry-level regulation, making sure their members stay up-to-date with current evidence-based recommendations:

Pet Professional Guild Australia - https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/
Delta Institute - https://www.deltainstitute.edu.au/

26/10/2024

Bec Hogan has now successfully completed her two year course and has earned her certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. Well Done Bec!

Bec has a natural gift with animals, showing an exceptional level of empathy and compassion for both animals and their caregivers.

Now, as well as her numerous natural gifts, Bec has also learned skills in behaviour and training that help her teach animals important life skills. Bec and I share a vision of helping animals feel comfortable receiving their veterinary care so that animals can receive treatments without delay and with minimal stress.

Bec also shows a keen willingness to learn new skills and knowledge, which is so important for a better understanding of our patients to continuously improve their level of care.

I would like to thank local veterinary staff who have recommended Bec’s skills to animal caregivers. Some veterinary clinics now have animals coming into their clinic practising the fun and empowering, collaborative care exercises, building confidence in the veterinary clinic and a trusting relationship with the veterinary staff. Bec and I thoroughly enjoy hearing successful stories and seeing the results.

Animal Progress patients and caregivers, local veterinary clinics, and in particular myself, are all lucky to have Bec helping us.

21/10/2024

✈️Off she goes again to educate✈️

Yesterday, Dr. Sally Nixon spoke at the 2024 Greencross National Clinical Symposium on the Gold Coast☀️🌊

💊Dr. Nixon educated veterinary professionals on the use of behavioural medications in general veterinary practice.

👉It is important for veterinarians to understand when the use of medication is appropriate and why, which medication to select for the case and the risks involved with medicating and not medicating.

👩‍🎓Dr. Nixon is well educated and knowledgeable on this topic, hence the reason why she was asked to speak at the conference. In the future, Dr. Nixon hopes to provide presentations to help educate local veterinary staff.

🩺For those veterinarians who refer patients to Dr. Nixon, you are always welome to email her about her prescribing rationale for the patients that you have referred.

17/10/2024

🎉Welcome home, Dr. Nixon🎉

Dr. Sally Nixon is home from her incredible trip to Paris, where she was invited to speak at the European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare (EVCBMAW). Her remarkable achievements in the field of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine are truly inspiring, and we are immensly proud of the work she has done and the well-deserved recognition she has earned on an international platform.

We look forward to seeing her continue to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients and their caregivers.

Congratulations, Dr. Nixon!

01/10/2024

🚫Punishment, why is it not recommended?

Scientific research indicates that punishment-based dog training increases fear and anxiety, as well as the risk that a dog will exhibit aggressive behaviour.

One of the dangers of using punishment on an animal is that the animal being punished learns to associate the punishment with people, other animals or objects in the immediate vicinity. Punishment can reduce the animal’s relationship and trust in their human caregiver.

➡️What is a punisher?
Anything unpleasant enough that the animal stops or reduces a behaviour in future. The animal changes its behaviour to avoid being exposed to the unpleasant stimulus.

➡️Why do people use punishment?
In many cases, people do not realise they are using punishment-based training techniques. From the definition above, you can see that even using stern words and firm body language can be forms of punishment if they reduce behaviour. These interactions may seem inconsequential to the dog-caregiver. However, when viewed from the dog’s perspective, they can increase fear and anxiety. For some dogs, any form of punishment can then lead to further problems.

Stay tuned for our next post which will explain a better way!

26/09/2024

What is Dr. Sally Nixon up to at the moment 🤔

Dr. Nixon has been incredibly busy over the past week, and for the next two weeks, as she continues her work in the UK and Europe. Her time abroad is centered around her residency training programme, as well as attending the 6th Annual European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare (EVCBMAW), in Paris (France) .

We’re also thrilled to extend a huge congratulations to Dr. Nixon for being invited to speak at the Congress! She will be presenting her case study on a Sumatran orangutan suffering from major depressive disorder. This opportunity is a testament to her expertise and commitment. Her knowledge goes far beyond caring for our dogs and cats—her work extends across many species, including this incredible orangutan.
🦧🐶🐱🐴🦁🐰

We're all proud of the amazing work she’s doing!

03/09/2024

✂️🐩Let’s talk about grooming!

⭐️Grooming is an essential part of pet care, but it can be a daunting task for both the pet and their owners, especially if the pet is anxious or fearful. Many pets find the sounds, sensations, and environment of grooming to be stressful, which can lead to a negative experience. However, with the right approach and techniques, you and your groomer can help your pet become more comfortable with grooming so that your pet (and you!) continue to have a positive experience.

👩‍🎓When choosing a groomer for your pet, find someone who is trained in grooming, understands pet body language and adjusts their technique so that the pet’s comfort and well-being are prioritised. Each grooming session should be as positive as possible for the pet so the pet can learn to enjoy grooming, making the task easier with every session.

🛁Fear Free™ now has an online grooming certification. Groomers who are certified learn to help your pet feel comfortable with the grooming tools and environment, including the grooming table, clippers, bathtub, and blow dryer before they start grooming.

👩‍⚕️In some cases, a pet’s fear can’t be managed using environmental adjustments and offering experiences the animal usually enjoys. In those situations, the animal may be suffering pain or another health issue. A groomer who is Fear Free certified understands that they should not force your pet to tolerate the grooming and instead contact you to let you know of the problem so that you can seek veterinary help for your pet.

❤️Choosing a groomer committed to fear-free practices is an investment in your pet’s long-term comfort and happiness during grooming sessions.

🤗If you’ve already found a groomer who practises a compassionate and gentle approach, consider telling them about the Fear Free™ grooming certification course that is available. This course is designed to further educate groomers on the best techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during grooming sessions. By taking this course, your groomer can deepen their understanding of how to create a truly positive and stress-free grooming experience for your pet. It’s an excellent way to support your groomer’s ongoing education and ensure that your pet continues to receive the highest level of care.

🐾Here at Animal Progress, we also offer collaborative care training sessions to help your pet with their grooming experience. Please visit our website to learn more about Collaborative Care.

https://fearfreepets.com/fear-free-groomer-certification-course-overview/
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/
http://animalprogress.com/behaviour-modification-consultations/

The Fear Free Groomer Certification Program teaches you how to use Fear Free concepts to ensure that the grooming experience is as enjoyable as possible.

06/08/2024

❓Question: What is the first thing you notice when your pet isn’t feeling right?

🤔 Answer: A change in their behaviour.

Our pets can’t speak to us and tell us that they aren’t feeling well or that they are worried about something, but they do show us through their body language and behaviour that something isn’t right.

When a pet has a sudden change in behaviour or a sudden escalation in a problem behaviour, then there is a reason for this. They are not just trying to be naughty or annoying.

So, before we start trying to train them out of the problem behaviour, it’s important to rule out any medical issues first. Your veterinarian can conduct a physical examination which may help to identify underlying health problems that could be causing the change or escalation in behaviour.

Remember that understanding the root cause of your pet’s behaviour is crucial to helping them feel better and ensuring their overall well-being.

Recently, Dr. Sally Nixon spoke at the Science Week Conference, on the Gold Coast. Dr. Nixon educated veterinarians about how problems with a pet’s mental health can be caused or exacerbated by physical health and/or pain related issues.

If you are struggling with your pet’s behaviour or if you feel that something isn’t right, please contact your veterinarian or contact us here at Animal Progress.

https://animalprogress.com/arrange-an-appointment/
https://fearfreepets.com/the-link-between-pain-and-problem-behavior/

27/05/2024

Hello Everyone👋

Today, Dr. Sally Nixon will be speaking at the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Conference in Melbourne. The topic that Sally will be discussing is on behaviour with chronic pain and disease. This is a subject that Sally is very passionate about, and she is eager to share her knowledge with the veterinarians at the conference.

Pet caregivers often recognise a problem in their pet due to a change in its behaviour. This behaviour change may occur because the pet is suffering from a physical health problem that is indirectly caused by a primary anxiety disorder, or what may look like a mental health disorder could be anxiety caused by a physical problem.

If your pet has had a sudden change in behaviour or if you notice your pet is struggling due to their behaviour, please book your pet in for a health check with their veterinarian. 🩺👩‍⚕️