Merry Christmas to you and your furry family!
From all of us at Quantock Veterinary Hospital, we hope you have a paw-some day full of festive fun!
Don't forget, we are here throughout the Christmas period if you have a pet emergency or need some advice. We are available 24/7, so please do not hesitate to call us.
#MerryChristmas
We try and accommodate the needs of our patients above all else. Rabbits form tight bonds with their friends and that is something we don’t want to break by them comming to the hospital. Having their friends can reduce stress and help their recovery.
We always recommend bringing bonded animals together to the vets whether that is for a consult or an operation.
Today we had the wonderful Hercules in for a dental and he brought with him his 8 friends!
Not our usual request but we made it work by setting them up a penthouse suite in our isolation kennel.
We strive to provide the best care for rabbits and we hope next year to go for our Gold status RAWF award 🥇 assuming building work goes to plan 🤞
Christmas came a little early for Tropiquaria Zoo we have been collecting to buy some non perishable food items for the animals. For a smaller zoo they do so much for conservation and animal welfare. Please consider donating to their cause either with food and consumable donations or their go fund me:
https://gofund.me/2ebd2393
Usually we are posting about lost animals but this time we have had a walking stick left in our reception room! If you think this maybe yours please get in contact. We have it stored safe for now
Age is just a number!
True or False?
"Old dogs can't learn new tricks; it's too late to teach them!"
Fact Check: Age is just a number when it comes to dog learning! That said, learned behaviours like reactivity can be challenging to extinguish nut they can always be improved.
Here's the truth:
1️⃣ Brain Plasticity Persists: While brain plasticity (ability of the brain to change) decreases with age, it doesn't mean dogs can't learn. They may just need a bit more patience and positive reinforcement.
2️⃣ Teaching is Possible: If your adult dog is pulling on the lead, teaching them to walk nicely is absolutely possible! Engage in various exercises and games to make the learning process enjoyable for both of you.
3️⃣ Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Older dogs can benefit from patient and positive training methods. Use treats, praise, and consistency to encourage the desired behaviour.
4️⃣ Tailored Exercises: Tailor your training to suit your dog's needs. Mix up exercises and games to keep it interesting and engaging.
Remember, it's never too late to enrich your dog's life with new skills and behaviours. Age is just a number; the joy of learning is timeless!
True or False: Independence
True or False?
"Wait until they're 6 months old before leaving a puppy alone."
Fact Check: Early independence training is key! Here's the scoop:
1️⃣ Start Young, Start Gradual: Waiting until 6 months can make this training more difficult. Begin teaching your puppy to stay alone early to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Gradually build up the time.
2️⃣ Short and Sweet Sessions: Leave them alone for short periods initially. It can be as simple as stepping into another room for a few minutes. Gradual exposure is the key.
3️⃣ Chews and Comfort: Provide distractions like chews or toys to keep your pup occupied. Make the experience positive, associating alone time with enjoyable activities.
4️⃣ Listen to Cues: If your puppy is distressed, start with very short intervals, even as brief as 10 seconds. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable.
5️⃣ Seek Professional Help: If leaving your puppy is a challenge, don't hesitate to reach out to an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist for personalised guidance.
Building independence early fosters a confident, well-adjusted pup!
True or false? Guilty look
True or False?
"That guilty dog look means my pup knows they did something wrong!"
Fact Check: The 'guilty dog look' is often misunderstood! It's not guilt; it's stress signals. Here's the scoop:
1️⃣ Dogs are master readers of body language. They pick up on cues that signal our reactions. That 'guilty look' may just be their way of anticipating our response and trying to avoid a strong reaction.
2️⃣ Dogs don't experience guilt; it's a higher-order emotion. They can't discern right from wrong. Instead, they've learned that certain behaviours lead to a less severe response when they display stress signals.
3️⃣ When your dog counter surfs, it's not thievery but a natural scavenging instinct. Understanding their behaviour helps foster a positive relationship.
Let's replace guilt with understanding and build a positive connection with our furry friends!
True or False: Stubborn dog?
True or False?
"My dog is stubborn; they just won't listen!"
Fact Check: Dogs aren't stubborn; they're just trying to figure out what works for them! Training challenges? Let's break it down:
1️⃣ Your dog might be enticed by something in the environment more than your offered reward. It's all about finding the right motivation!
2️⃣ If the surroundings are overwhelming or scary, your pup might struggle to focus. Creating a comfortable, safe space is essential.
3️⃣ Clear communication is key. Your dog might not understand what you're asking and doesn’t know how to respond. Give them clearer instructions for success.
4️⃣ Is something punishing the behaviour? Identifying and removing negative associations is crucial.
5️⃣ Previous cues might be linked to alternative behaviours. Reinforce the desired actions consistently.
If you're still facing challenges, reach out to an accredited and qualified dog trainer. They're the experts in tailoring solutions for a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend!
True Or False: Socialization
True or False?
"Your dog needs to play with dogs when they are young to prevent them from being reactive."
Fact Check: While letting your puppy interact with other dogs is crucial, it's not just about quantity, but QUALITY! Socialisation goes beyond playdates – it's about introducing them to a wide variety of safe dogs and to new experiences like novel objects, sounds, smells, and surfaces.
So why not just endless play with furry friends? Socialisation is a well-rounded approach and many older dogs will not want to play with them. Controlled and positive interactions with dogs, humans, and diverse environments are key.
Remember, it's about setting the stage and putting in the time for a well-adjusted, friendly companion.
Pro Tip: When seeking socialisation opportunities, look for trainers promoting controlled and positive based learning in their classes. Your pup will learn how to focus and thrive in various situations.
Quantock Veterinary Hospital based in Bridgwater, Somerset, offers outstanding standards of general
