Dr. Lisa Radosta

Yes, we know that cats like clean boxes, but how clean is clean? Does it matter if there urine? Feces? What if the last cat in the box was their friend? Enemy? 🧻🐾 A 2017 study explored how previous use, odor, and the identity of the previous user affect litter box preferences. Researchers found that: 😼 Cats strongly preferred clean litter boxes—regardless of who used the dirty one before. 👃 Cats weren’t repelled more by a certain odor (urine, feces). They were repelled equally by both. 👀 BUT the sight of urine did! Cats avoided boxes with faux urine clumps, even if odorless, but didn’t seem to mind a faux fecal log as much. So what’s the takeaway? You know it. Cats like a clean box AND even the SIGHT of urine in the box is enough to repel your cat. That means scooping your cat’s litterbox a minimum of twice daily isn’t just polite, it’s vital to keeping your kitty happy (and avoiding accidents). You can’t get mad at your cat for urinating somewhere else (often a normal behavior), if you don’t keep a clean bathroom for him. One catch: this study used colony cats in a calm, controlled environment where cats that get along are together and there is plenty to do and lots of spaces to hide. Real-life homes are more chaotic—more cats, different smells, territorial drama… so when in doubt: scoop more often 🧽 and add an extra box or two for good measure! 🐱✅ Ellis, J.J., McGowan, R.T.S., Martin, F.,DOES PREVIOUS USE AFFECT LITTER BOX APPEAL IN MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS?, Behavioural Processes (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2017.02.008 #litterbox #LitterBoxTips #catbehavior

You are your pet’s voice, and advocating for their care starts with communication. Communicating with your vet about how you prefer to have your pet handled can be prickly. First of all, pets need to be positioned in a way that the procedure can be done. There is certainly variability in positioning, but if you are trying to draw blood for example, you have to be able to visualize the vein. Next, it is hard to speak to someone who may know more than you (a doctor or technician) about a certain subject, even if you have strong feelings about it. How many of us have a plan and then leave the doctor’s office having NOT said what we intended to share? Nerves take over and we just forget what we had wanted to say. Tabitha Kucera CVT, VTS, CBCC, KPA-CTP helps us out with some good advice. Building a relationship with your veterinarian before an emergency can make a world of difference. Not only will your pet feel more comfortable, but you’ll also have the confidence to speak up about their needs. If your pet has sensitivities, anxiety, or past trauma, let your vet know ahead of time. Share what handling techniques work best, what triggers to avoid, and what helps keep them calm. If something feels wrong—whether it’s excessive restraint or a stressful experience—you have the right to say stop and ask for a different approach. Your vet or the veterinary healthcare team member should then stop as long as it is not a dire emergency for your pet and be able to explain to you what is happening. Then, you can work on what to do next as a team. Veterinarians want what’s best for your pet, and open conversations help them provide care that’s both effective and compassionate. If your vet doesn’t listen and can’t explain why the way that they are doing things is absolutely necessary, you may be at the wrong vet for you. #fearfree #fearfreevet #fearfreepets

Taking cat to the vet for most cats is really stressful. The carrier is a big part of that stress. Most cats have a negative conditioned emotional response to the carrier. My amazing friend and colleague, Tabitha Kucera RVT, VTS (Behavior) CCBC, KPA-CTP lays it out for us. What can we do to help our cats to hate their carrier less?? Start with the right carrier—one that’s spacious enough for your cat to be comfortable. Carry it from the bottom, not the handle, to prevent unnecessary jostling. Think about it—your cat doesn’t want a roller coaster ride on his way to the scariest event of the year-the vet! 🎢 Covering the carrier can help reduce visual stress, and playing calming sounds, like a purring app, can make the journey feel safer. Before leaving, prep your car—adjust the temperature and place the carrier in a stable position, like behind the front seat or secured with a seatbelt. Reducing loud noises and sudden movements can help your cat stay calm. Timing matters! 🕒 If your cat gets anxious, ask your vet about quieter appointment times. Early morning or right before lunch may be less hectic. And don’t forget familiar comforts—bring their favorite blanket or treats to make the visit more positive. With gentle handling, thoughtful planning, and a little training, your cat can learn to feel more comfortable at the vet. Every small step counts! #fearfree #fearfreevet #cattraining

Sometimes, making a vet visit easier for your dog means using medication—and that’s okay! 🐶💊 If your dog experiences stress at the vet, sedation can be a game-changer. It’s not about overdoing it; it’s about ensuring their well-being. For some dogs, no amount of training will make them waltz in for a blood draw without worry. Their trauma has been too great. And that’s fine! Cooperative care and behavior modification can help, but some dogs will always need extra support. If a bit of medication makes their experience less scary and prevents trauma, it’s worth it. Sedation isn’t about giving up—it’s about setting your dog up for success. It is about having empathy for your dog’s trauma. Remembering the big T and little t trauma in your life and how hard it is to NOT be triggered. Work with your vet, find the right combination, and create a plan that keeps your pup comfortable. And yes, sometimes a vet visit is just peanut butter and baby food to build positive associations! 🥜🐾 Your dog deserves care without fear. Advocate for them, meet them where they are, and don’t be afraid to use the tools that make their life (and yours) a little easier. ❤️ #fearfree #fearfreevet #veterinaryvisit

When pet parents turn to shock collars, it often comes from a place of fear and desperation. 😔 They worry about their dog’s behavior, about safety, about being evicted for barking, about the embarrassment they feel walking their dog or having visitors over—maybe they wonder even about their own ability to handle the situation. And we get it. The first step isn’t judgment—it’s a conversation. 🗣️ Let’s talk about what led you here, what challenges you’re facing, and what alternatives exist. There’s no instant fix, but there are solutions that won’t harm your dog or damage your relationship like using a shock collar can. Once the WHY is identified, we can meet that WHY with other solutions which will not breakdown the trust bond that people have with their pet nor will they do harm, but are equally likely to give people the end result that they want-the problem solved. We have to make sure that every step forward strengthens trust between ourselves and our dogs instead of breaking it. Shame doesn’t help people change—support does. 💛 If you’re struggling, know that you and your dog can move forward without pain-based tools. You’re not alone, and there’s a better way. Thanks Monica Crowley for your insights. @mocapaws #dogtraining #forcefree #forcefreetrainer

Thank you Monica Crowley from Moca Paws for the top 3 mistakes you see people making with their dogs. Here are 3 common mistakes pet parents make—avoid these for a well-socialized, confident dog! 1️⃣ Keeping puppies indoors too long – Many people don’t take their pups outside before vaccinations are complete (around 16 weeks). While safety is key, socialization during this critical window is just as important! 🌍🐾 There are safe ways to expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences without risk. 2️⃣ Not letting dogs sniff on walks – Walks shouldn’t be military drills! 🚶‍♂️🐕‍🦺 Allowing your dog to sniff and engage with their environment reduces stress and may help with behavioral issues like reactivity. A walk is for them—let them enjoy it! 3️⃣ Forcing fearful dogs into situations – If a dog is scared, pushing them forward isn’t the answer. 💔😟 Exposure alone isn’t socialization—quality matters more than quantity! Instead, create positive, neutral experiences to build confidence. What is the biggest mistake you ever made with your dog? #puppybehavior #puppysocialization #dogtraining

There are several ways that we approach behavior modification in dogs with separation related disorders (SRPs) 🦴 Distraction: Provide a food toy before you leave! -Use value and low fat foods. -Use dog safe toys. -Give the food toys before your dog gets upset. -Ensure they last as long as possible for your departure -The most recent study looking at the use of food toys for SRPs demonstrated that the dogs were calmer when eating and also for 20 minutes after they were finished. 🧘‍♂️ Desensitization & Counterconditioning: This involves gradually exposing your dog to short departures while reinforcing calm behavior either with or without food. -These techniques take 6-12 months. -The latest study looking at DSCC without food showed that after 90 missions the most improved dog could be left for 5 minutes. -Using food for DSCC is tried and true. It generally is effective. -It is helpful to train dogs to relax first or to stay comfortably in a sanctuary space. -Only attempt DSCC with a highly qualified trainer. It is very easy to mess up. 📱 Tech to the Rescue: Devices like Furbo or Go Dogo can reinforce calm behavior remotely, helping dogs adjust much faster than traditional methods. -These are super easy to use and some (Go Dogo) work without lifting a finger. The behavior modification for separation related problems is probably about the most tedious of the behavior modification that I recommend. Always find a highly qualified dog training, professional before you attempt treatment. You can start treatment with a SRP course and then follow up with a trainer to check your work. Mundell P, Liu S, Guérin NA, Berger JM. An automated behavior-shaping intervention reduces signs of separation anxiety–related distress in a mixed-breed dog. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2020 May;37:71–5. Kong toys-Kang OD. Effects of Environment Enrichment on Behavioral Problems in Dogs with Separation Anxiety. J Environ Sci Int. 2022 Feb 28;31(2):131–9. Bu

Feeling a bit fired up today 🔥 and here’s why: A client shared that their dog trainer recently recommended a supplement for their dog—a dog already on two prescribed medications and showing amazing progress. Here’s the issue: supplements, medications, and even diets can alter your pet’s health and neurochemistry. These changes aren’t something to take lightly, especially without professional guidance. In this case, the recommended supplement reduced fear by encouragint more boldness—the exact behavior we’d been carefully managing for months. While I love that particular supplement for fearful dogs, not THIS fearful dog. Dog trainers are incredible professionals who do so much to help pets and their families. But unless they’re a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, they don’t have the specialized training to make recommendations that affect your pet’s brain chemistry or overall health. If your trainer suggests a supplement, pause 🛑 and check with your veterinarian first. They can guide you or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist if needed. Working together ensures your pet’s safety, progress, and well-being. Let’s all stay in our lanes for the sake of the animals we love 💖🐾. #dogtrainer #dogtraining #veterinarian

🧠 Managing Separation-Related Problems in Dogs: what you need to know about medications supplements and foods 💊 When helping dogs with separation-related problems (SRPs), we have a toolbox of options to tailor to their needs. Here’s the breakdown: 🛠️ 🥗 Foods: The Slow & Steady Approach Certain specialized dog foods contain ingredients that help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress by altering brain neurochemistry. However: ⏳ Timeline: Takes ~2 months to see results. ⚠️ Note: Best used with short acting medications or supplements for faster relief. 💊 Antidepressants: The Long-Term Helpers In the U.S., two FDA-approved antidepressants target SRPs: 1️⃣ Reconcile (fluoxetine/Prozac) 2️⃣ Clomicalm (clomipramine) Always use the brand name whenever available. Why brand names matter: ✔️ Better quality control. ✔️ Support from veterinary professionals in case of adverse events. ✔️ Known pharmacokinetics and dynamics, known side effects. ❌ Generics may vary by 20-25% in active ingredient amounts, potentially impacting effectiveness. ❌ Unknown inactive ingredients which can cause side effects. ⏳ Timeline: Takes ~6 weeks to take effect. 🌿 Supplements: A Versatile Add-On Supplements often complement other treatments. While most take 4-6 weeks to work, some can provide immediate calming effects. 🚨 Short-Acting Medications: Immediate Relief For quick calming action during departures: ✅ Gabapentin ✅ Pregabalin ✅ Clonidine ✅ Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) 🕒 Timing is everything: Dose your dog before stress ramps up to prevent anxiety from escalating. 💡 The Strategy: 1️⃣ Start with short-acting meds for immediate relief. 2️⃣ Add long-term solutions like foods, antidepressants, or supplements to build sustained calm. Every dog is unique, and a personalized plan is key. Always consult your vet for the best approach! #separationanxietydogs #separationanxietydogowner #separationanxiety

There are things that are unique to separation-related problems (SRPs) in dogs that you should know if you are dealing with this in your home. 1️⃣ There isn't one treatment that applies to every dog. SRP describes a spectrum of disorders related to separation and isolation. Each dog is unique, which means there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. 🛠️ A personalized treatment plan, often crafted by a vet or veterinary behaviorist, is one of the keys to improvement. 2️⃣ Treatment of SRPs almost always requires something added to change brain neurochemistry. Severe cases involve deep-seated panic or phobia, which can’t be resolved with training or environmental tweaks alone. 💊 3️⃣ Relapses are common. Dogs rely on patterns that predict safety or lack of safety. With treatment, your dog may come to feel safe with your departures. They look a certain way, and that means that you will return. Your dog is safe. A sudden change, like a vacation, can disrupt that. Even if your dog has someone that he loves with him, the picture is different. He can't be certain that the situation is safe because all of his safety cues aren't there. With quick intervention, stability can return in as little as two weeks! ⏱️ 4️⃣ Environmental management + medication can work wonders without intense behavior modification. Unlike other issues (like noise phobias or aggression), SRPs can see profound improvement with these tools alone. 💡 Takeaway: If you suspect your dog has SRPs, act fast! 🐕 Early intervention = better results. Every dog deserves to feel safe, even when you’re away. ❤️ #separationanxietydog #separationanxietydogs #separationanxietydogowner

Let’s talk about the treatment of SRPs. SEPARATION RELATED PROBLEMS (SRP) We treat SRPs with medication/supplements, foods/pheromone analogues, environmental changes, behavior modification and evaluation of health and wellness. First up, how what you do affects your dog’s behavior. There are a lot of myths out there. Some of them you might of heard from me in the past. But we know more with the most recent studies, so now it is time to bust myths. ❌ Ignoring your dog before leaving: We know now that this can make your dog more upset by making the difference between when you are home and when you are not starkly obvious. dogs need information that is predictable when you act unpredictably it just serves to increase anxiety. ✅ Pet your dog before you leave: Studies show this can actually calm them down! 🐶💖 ❌ Keeping departures and returns super low-key: Turns out, leaving or greeting your dog with excitement doesn’t appear to be associated with an increased risk of separation related problems in dogs at least in one study. I wouldn't go absolutely crazy every time that you come and go but acting like a robot isn't going to help your dog. ❌ Randomly picking up and putting down the things that signal your departure. Again, this is about information. Dogs thrive on clear signals. What information are you giving your dog? Randomly picking up and putting down objects only confuses them. I’ll talk later about how you can change your dog’s feelings about your departure cues. Teixeira AR, Hall NJ. Effect of greeting and departure interactions on the development of increased separation-related behaviors in newly adopted adult dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2021 Jan;41:22–32. Mariti C, Carlone B, Protti M, Diverio S, Gazzano A. Effects of petting before a brief separation from the owner on dog behavior and physiology: A pilot study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2018 Sep;27:41–6. #separationanxietydog #separationanxietydogs #se

People like to know the “why” of how their pet got to the vet behaviorist’s office. As for separation-related behavior (SRDs), there isn’t one singular cause. Instead some factors may contribute to the development of the SRDs. ⚠️ A PREDISPOSITION is not a CAUSE or PREDICTION that your dog will get something. The reverse is also true. If your dog has no predispositions, he may still get an SRD. Predispositions are things to be aware of and avoid if possible. Studies on SRDs ask specific questions. There is no way for a researcher to ask every single question. For that reason, even though we have published studies, we are missing much information on how these disorders develop and progress. Take everything with a giant capsule of 🧂. 🧬Genetics-There is one study in Golden Retrievers that suggested a genetic link, with some genes possibly protecting against or predisposing. 🏠Family structure-Single parent households and dogs who are left for short periods. 🐶 Adoption-Dogs adopted from shelters, rescues and pet stores are more likely to have SRDs. 🦠 COVID-19-Puppies adopted during this time. What doesn’t cause SRDs? 🐶Loving your dog-Spoiling them, feeding them from the table, or letting them sleep in your bed. 💁🏻‍♀️Your behavior does matter, even though it may not be the CAUSE. If, for example, you want to feed your dog from the table, you need to watch the nutrition of that food, and you can choose to reinforce behaviors with that food that are desirable, such as lying on a bed instead of whining, crying, and lying under the table. We will talk more next week about what you can do to prevent and treat SRDs. References below: van Rooy D, Thomson PC, McGreevy PD, Wade CM. Risk factors of separation-related behaviours in Australian retrievers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2018 Dec;209:71–7. Sherwell EG, Panteli E, Krulik T, Dilley A, Root-Gutteridge H, Mills DS. Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the