Dr. Lisa Radosta

17/11/2025

Can your dog’s gut bacteria affect their behavior?

A 2025 critical review from the University of Lincoln looked at every study so far on the canine gut microbiome and behavior—and what they found might surprise you.

Researchers found early evidence that gut bacteria may be linked to behaviors like aggression, fear, anxiety, and learning ability. For example, some studies suggest aggressive dogs have more Firmicutes and fewer Fusobacteria, while fearful dogs may have higher Lactobacillus (a GABA-producing “calming” bacteria).

But here’s the catch: most studies are small, inconsistent, and lack controls for factors that shape the microbiome—like diet, age, breed, environment, or neuter status. The authors stress that correlation doesn’t mean causation, and there’s no proof yet that changing gut bacteria changes behavior.

What this means for clinicians and owners:
• The gut–brain link is real but immature.
• Diet and gut health matter, but they don’t replace evidence-based behavior care.
• There is only one probiotic on the market at this time labeled for anxiety that has a double blinded-placebo controlled study in dogs. Calming Care from Purina.

Future research needs larger samples, longer study times. validated behavioral tools, and standardized microbiome methods to uncover whether the gut truly shapes the canine mind.

📖 Crisante et al., 2025. “A critical review of research concerning the gut microbiome in dogs and its relationship with behaviour.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Get link in comments.

14/11/2025

🐕What is your dog or cat thinking when they get the zoomies?

That wild burst of energy is called a Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAP)—better known as the Zoomies. Both dogs and cats do it. FRAPs are normal ways for pets to release built-up energy or tension after a transition, a time of stress or a time of excitement.

Common situations:
1. Your arrival home
2. Letting them out of confinement
3. Bathtime
4. Waking up in the morning
5. Visitors
6. Arriving home after a walk

Zoomies can be a form of displacement behavior, where your pet releases from excitement, frustration, or anxiety. Some scientists think that it is one of the ways that dogs and cats reset their stress system.

So, what should you do?
👉 Let them zoom. It’s healthy, short-lived, and can be self-soothing.
👉 Join in if it’s safe! Some dogs love when you play along.
👉 Give space if needed. If your pet tends toward aggression, step back until the energy passes.
👉 Assist with soothing. If your pet is anxious, you might try to soothe them by encouraging them to go to their safe zone. Be careful about reaching for pets who are anxious to soothe. This often ends in a bite.

For my own pets, I let my cat zoom alone—he’s done in seconds. My dog? I join the fun. Every pet is different.

12/11/2025

Finding a Trainer Tip #1: This is the first in a series of tips for finding a reputable dog training professional.

All too often, I hear people saying that their dog trainer has guaranteed that their methods will work or has guaranteed their dog’s behavior. If someone tries to guarantee your dog’s behavior, run in the opposite direction.

It just isn’t possible to guarantee the behavior of any living being. Think about it, you can’t even guarantee that your car will start or that your computer will work properly. How could you possibly guarantee the behavior of another living being who has emotions, drives, and motivations which are unique to them?

What a great dog training professional will tell you is that their methods are based in science. They might tell you that their methods generally work for most dogs or a certain type of dog or a certain type of problem. Look for dog training professionals or any professional for that matter that will speak honestly with you about your pet’s behavior and will offer multiple ways for you to change the target behavior with positive reinforcement methods based in science.

📽️ BONUS: Watch more on my YouTube! Link in comments!

10/11/2025

🐾🐶Not every dog wants to meet your child—and that’s okay.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Even friendly dogs can become overwhelmed, anxious, or scared when approached by children. Some dogs simply don’t have the social skills or confidence to handle unpredictable movements, loud voices, or sudden hugs.

Sometimes other pet parents will allow your child to pet their dog because they think it is safe when it really isn't or they are training their dog using your child as part of the training.

Either way, these interactions are frequently unsafe for the child and for the dog.

As adults, it’s our job to advocate for both dogs and kids:
👉 Always think about what is at risk before you ask if your child can pet an unknown dog. Is it worth a bite?
👉 Teach children to respect a dog’s space.
👉 Watch for signs of stress—lip licking, turning away, yawning, stiff body language.
👉 Keep interactions short, calm, and positive.

Let’s protect children and dogs by setting them up for success—not stress. ❤️

05/11/2025

❤️🐶Does my dog love me, or just the food I give them? Here’s the answer: Who cares?! 🐶❤️

Your dog loves food and you give him food so he loves you for that. Does a grandparent ask why their grandkids love them so much and refuse to go back to their homes with their parents? No! But we all know why grandkids like grandma’s house. They get anything they want when they want it and there are no rules. Those kinds of experiences foster love and there is nothing wrong with that.

Your dog is choosing to hang out with you. Whether it’s belly rubs, treats, walks, or just the way you smell when you come home—your dog is in it for the whole package. Food is just part of the relationship. There is a reason why the phrase food is love is true for so many of us.

So the next time your pup is snuggled next to you, don’t overthink it. 💕 You’ve got love—and that is what matters. 🐾

03/11/2025

🩺🐶🐱If you became a veterinary technician because you care about behavior, teamwork, and evidence-based medicine—this one’s for you.

I’m hiring a Veterinary Technician for my behavior practice in South Florida. You’ll be part of a team that believes in compassion without chaos, science without ego, and care without compromise.

If you love learning, can assist with physical examinations, conduct rechecks and intakes, guide clients through their pet's treatment, and know how to calm both pets and people—you’ll fit right in.

📍Florida Veterinary Behavior Service | South Florida | Full-time

👉 Apply now before this spot is gone. Get in touch on my website. See comment for link.

31/10/2025

💬🐶 Ever wonder why your dog barks? The reasons might surprise you. 🐶💬

Dogs may bark because:
✔️ Their breed is naturally “vocal” (think Dachshunds, Pomeranians 🐾)
✔️ They feel anxious, worried, or scared
✔️ They’re trying to communicate—“Hey, I need something!” or “Someone’s at the door!”
✔️ They’re inviting you to play 🎾
✔️ They’ve learned (often by accident) that barking gets results

Here’s the thing: barking is a normal form of communication. If it doesn’t bother you and your dog is otherwise happy and healthy—no problem. Enjoy your talkative pup! 🐕❤️

But if the barking is stressing your household, upsetting neighbors, or seems tied to anxiety, it’s time to get help. Many times, the solution is easier than you think—with the right strategies, you and your dog can both feel more at peace.

30/10/2025

🍃🐶 “Why does my dog eat grass?” 🐶🍃
If your dog eats grass, you are not alone. In one survey study, about 89% of dogs ate grass. But could your grazing dog have something serious going on? Maybe…

Here’s the truth:
👉For some dogs, eating grass is normal behavior.
👉 Some dogs nibble on grass because it tastes good or because they’re bored.
👉 Sometimes dogs eat grass to self-soothe when their stomach feels off, however it looks like from one study that only about a quarter of the dogs who ate grass vomited afterward and only about 8% looked sick.
👉 Some dogs may have gastrointestinal disease or dietary insufficiency, but it is rare if your dog is on a complete diet. Even dogs who were fed a low fiber diet were not more likely to eat grass than dogs on a higher fiber diet. In another study there was no difference between the frequency of grass eating in dogs on a commercial, home cooked or raw diets.

😟When should you worry?
If your dog eats grass excessively, vomits often, or avoids food, it’s time to check in with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

▶️Bottom line: A little lawn-snacking is usually part of being a dog. But if it feels out of control, or you’re worried, reach out to your vet.

30/10/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Manuel Wilberth Ake Maldonado, Scott Gaw, Tina Marshall, Deborah Toupin, Jami Kirkland Watson

30/10/2025

29/10/2025

🎃🐶🐱Halloween can be scary! Costumes, strange sounds, and strangers at your door. No wonder dogs and cats get stressed on Halloween. Here's 6 tricks you should NEVER play on your pet during Halloween! 🐶🐱🎃

Trick 1️⃣: Just wing it--what could possibly go wrong? Everything. Don't wait to see how your pet will handle Halloween. Now is the time to condition your pet to enjoy their own sanctuary space. Make sure that the space has a comfy bed, toys, puzzle toys stuffed with food, water and a litterbox (for cats). Turn on Zoundz music for pets at a little higher volume than you usually would not only to calm your pet but also to drown out the sounds of the trick or treaters. Make sure to condition your pet to the room and the slightly higher volume of music BEFORE you use it for Halloween.

Trick 2️⃣: Ignore the front door chaos: Doorbells, kids yelling, costumes, strangers—that’s a sensory nightmare. Each ring spikes adrenaline. Take it outside! Set up a table at the end of your driveway or ask your neighbors to participate in a trunk and treat so that your pet doesn’t have to hear or see any of the scary sights of Halloween.

Trick 3️⃣: Assume your pet wants to join the party. Don’t invite your pet to the party. If you are having a Halloween party, bring your pet to a trusted friend’s house, doggie daycare or use their sanctuary space with calm music playing for the gathering. They will be happier and less stressed.

Trick 4️⃣: Leave treats within reach. Your pet is already sweet enough, no candy required. Keep your pets away from candy by putting it in the refrigerator or a secure or high cabinet.

Trick 5️⃣: Force the cute costume. It's optional. We all love to look at cute dogs and cats in costumes. But costumes can be scary for dogs and cats. If your pet isn’t comfortable, skip the costume.

Trick 6️⃣: Take your pet out for halloween. Instead leave your pets at home. You love to trick-or-treat, but fright night is not something that your pet enjoys. Your pet will be happier at home in his or her sanctuary space.

Halloween should be fun—not frightening. Protect your pet’s emotional safety the same way you protect their physical safety. Have a happier Halloween without the tricks!

26/10/2025

🚧Most people think of “pet safety” as microchips, car harnesses, or sturdy fences. But there’s another kind of safety that matters just as much—emotional safety.

Your pet’s sense of safety doesn’t come from how strong the leash is. It comes from how predictable, patient, and kind you are.

🐈🐕When your dog or cat knows you’ll listen to their signals— instead of punishing them— their stress decreases and their brain can finally relax enough to learn.

When they know that you will keep them safe instead of putting them in scary situations, that’s where the trust is built.

When pets know how to get what they want from you and the people in your family because you are consistent, they can trust you and are more likely to do as you ask.

I see it every day in my patients. The moment a pet starts to trust that their human won’t scare, force, or surprise them, you can watch the fear melt away. Their body softens. Their eyes change. They finally exhale.

Ask yourself:
👉 Does my pet feel safe with me?

If the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s okay. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about growth.

Learning to build emotional safety is one of the most powerful things you can do for your relationship with your pet. You are your pet’s safe place. ❤️