The Family Companion

06/26/2025

Been saying this for years!

When working with fearful dogs, it's important to remember that they may not find physical touch comforting.

Instead, give them space to feel safe and approach you on their own terms.

By reducing pressure to interact, you'll help them build trust at their own pace, leading to quicker relaxation and deeper connection.

06/25/2025

https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2025/06/14/if-your-dog-afraid-fireworks-contact-vet-today/

The best single thing you can do to help a dog who is afraid of fireworks is to see your veterinarian. Do it now, before the noisy holidays arrive.

06/24/2025

06/23/2025

If you work or live with dogs that are scared of thunderstorms or other noises outside or inside the home, don't miss this Live from The Ranch with Ken Ramirez and Debbie Martin where they explore how to minimize or alleviate a variety of noise phobias through behavior modification strategies.

If you work or live with dogs that are scared of thunderstorms or other noises outside or inside the home, don't miss this Live from The Ranch with Ken Ramir...

06/22/2025

**WARNING: Heat Advisory**
It’s already a very hot day so please be aware of your animal in the heat! Only let them go outside for short potty breaks and provide them lots of water. If your pet presents with any of the symptoms below, call your vet or an emergency clinic ASAP!

06/21/2025

⚠️🚙⚠️ Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the U.S. die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️

SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.

• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.

• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.

• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.

• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.

• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.

• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.

• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.

Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.

Please don’t risk their safety.

If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

06/18/2025

Marcia is enjoying the Animal Behavior Symposium in Louisville. Yesterday was Scientific Paper Sessions. She especially enjoyed the research being done by Dr Hecht at Harvard on Nature and Nurture in the Brains and Behavior of Domestic Dogs. This morning she is learning about pain & behavior and GI disease, nutrition & behavior. As always most enjoyable to network and spend time with the veterinary behavior community too!

06/17/2025

Our inaugural LOOSEN THE LEASH CLASS is just incredible! We even took the challenge of cooling off and everyone was awesome!

06/13/2025

THEY’RE BACK FOR 2025!
See comments for prior year photos!