Dr. Lisa Radosta

  • Home
  • Dr. Lisa Radosta

Dr. Lisa Radosta Dr. Radosta is one of only 100 Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB).

21/03/2025
21/03/2025

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.

20/03/2025
18/03/2025

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!

The first few months of a puppy’s life can shape their entire future! 🐾 Puppies exposed to new sights, sounds, and exper...
16/03/2025

The first few months of a puppy’s life can shape their entire future!

🐾 Puppies exposed to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a positive way without trauma before 14 weeks have been shown in research studies to grow into more confident, well-adjusted dogs. Early socialization can help to them learn faster, solve problems better, and reduces fear-based behaviors. Who would deny a no cost way to help their fur baby be smarter, more resilient, and a better problem solver? Yet, people everyday do not take this essential step.

Every interaction counts! Safe (to the puppy, not you) introductions to people, other dogs, and different environments build resilience and emotional stability. A well-socialized puppy is less likely to struggle with anxiety and reactivity later in life. 🐶💡

Don’t wait—give your pup the best start possible. Whether it’s puppy classes, positive experiences at the vet, or fun adventures outside, every moment matters.

What new experience will you introduce your puppy to today?

❤️

14/03/2025

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. ❤️

13/03/2025

If you haven't seen these livecams of the Eagles in CA, you have to watch them. Amazing birds. They have a live cam of a nest with babies up now.

The Truth About Why Dogs Have Accidents in the House  https://youtu.be/mdAHLtAEPxYHouse training a dog is pretty straigh...
10/03/2025

The Truth About Why Dogs Have Accidents in the House

https://youtu.be/mdAHLtAEPxY

House training a dog is pretty straightforward, right? Yet so many dogs are still being surrendered to shelters due to accidents in the house. I break down the science of house training—why dogs develop elimination preferences, how to create the right habits early on, and why punishment never works.

I also bust common myths, like whether dogs p*e out of spite (spoiler: they don’t!) and explains how stress, anxiety, and even medical issues can lead to house-soiling. If you’re struggling with potty training, this video is your go-to guide!

🔹 Key Topics Covered:
✔️ How puppies develop potty preferences
✔️ Why early experiences shape adult behavior
✔️ The right way to train a dog to eliminate in a specific location
✔️ Why accidents happen—and how to prevent them
✔️ The role of stress and anxiety in house-soiling
✔️ When to seek help from a trainer or veterinary behaviorist

House training a dog is one of the easiest things we can do as pet parents, yet so many dogs are still being surrendered to shelters due to accidents in the ...

08/03/2025

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.

06/03/2025
05/03/2025

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?

26/02/2025
This month's deep dive video is on separation related problems. Enjoy!!There is a veterinarian version here:https://yout...
11/02/2025

This month's deep dive video is on separation related problems. Enjoy!!

There is a veterinarian version here:

https://youtu.be/sRewMnom1GA



Dr. Lisa Radosta dives into everything you need to know about separation-related problems (SRPs) in dogs, breaking treatment down into four key areas: wellne...

10/02/2025
If your PET has been given compounded meds or if you are a vet team member and you PRESCRIBE compounded meds, this is a ...
10/02/2025

If your PET has been given compounded meds or if you are a vet team member and you PRESCRIBE compounded meds, this is a must listen. Dr. Boothe had been THE leader in vet med regarding compounding for 2 decades. She knows her drugs.

I prescribe compounded meds all the time but I don’t take it lightly.

Podcast Episode · Clinician's Brief: The Podcast · 10/17/2024 · 56m

03/02/2025

315 Days Waiting for Home

The Character: GERTIE! A fully vetted, 4 year old, orange tabby, lovely lady located in Savannah, GA.

The Setting: Gertie was living outdoors in a trailer park, but was not thriving. Her skin was irritated, and she was losing a lot of fur. A rescue started providing food and medical care for her fellow cats. When it was Gertie’s turn to get fixed and vaccinated, she had lost so much hair, the vets could barely tell she was orange! Instead of being released back outdoors, she was taken in by Red Clay Animal Rescue.

The Plot: Gertie has allergies. Severe allergies! To her food and outdoor environment. No wonder she was feeling so itchy and had lost her fur. But the best news? It’s JUST allergies, and they are treatable with an inexpensive ($1 a day) medication, special food, and an occasional bath. Oh wait, there is even better news: she takes her medication like a champ in a treat! Gertie LOVES the indoor life and does great with the litterbox (so much more civilized), as well as cat scratchers (so much easier on the paws). She has also discovered that playing with toys, spying out of windows, and exploring high perches are amazing ways to spend the day.

The “Perfect Ending”: Gertie will never look perfect and needs her special “someone” to realize she may always have patchy spots in her fur. She may need more than her annual vet visit to keep her allergies in check, and she may need to switch up foods. In other words, she leads an exciting life, and you have to be OK with that. She lived with many other cats in the trailer park, so she’s totally open to a home with other cats, as well as respectful dogs and kids who know how to do proper introductions. She loves people (older kids, adults) and adores getting pets. Gertie says she may look “different”, but she will be that cat who greets you with joy every time you enter the room!

***All adoption inquiries should be made directly with Red Clay Animal Rescue: https://www.facebook.com/redclayanimalrescue . Gertie’s adoption fee is $75, and, as a bonus, she wants to remind you that the rescue owner is an accomplished veterinarian who can answer any of her medical needs questions in detail. How amazing is that?!***

02/02/2025

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.

Butler R, Sargisson RJ, Elliffe D. The efficacy of systematic desensitization for treating the separation-related problem behaviour of domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2011 Jan;129(2–4):136–45.

Tiira K. Digital Dogsitter® reduces vocalization in dogs suffering from separation-related problems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2021 Oct;243:105460.

31/01/2025

The is hosting an Advanced Psychopharmacology for Dogs and Cats: A Case-Based Panel Discussion on Friday, Feb 21. Experts aim to help educated and grow understanding around the behavior and pharmacology topics - submitted by you!

Visit mvcinfo.org/psychopharm for more info and be sure to register!

Address


Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Website

https://linktr.ee/drradostadogresources, https://linktr.ee/drradosta, https://linktr.ee/d

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr. Lisa Radosta posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Dr. Lisa Radosta:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Opening Hours
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share