I frequently see cases of dog aggression to children. Often it seems sudden but almost always it isn't. Most often families have missed the warning signs.
When a baby is born, dogs might appear neutral or disinterested, but this doesn't always mean they're comfortable. They might just be avoiding interaction. Initially, when babies are immobile, dogs can maintain a safe distance. But as children start crawling, running, and climbing, it becomes harder for dogs to escape, and that's when stress signs can escalate into aggression.
Parents often misinterpret a dog licking as affection when it might be a "kiss to dismiss," signaling discomfort and a desire to create space or just investigating the environment. It's crucial to recognize early stress signs in dogs, such as lip licking, yawning, whale eyes, and a raised paw, to avoid reactive situations.
Dogs should be presumed to be UNSAFE not safe when a baby comes into the home. By preparing for the worst, everyone will be safer and happier. A nice side effect is that less kids will be bitten and less dogs will be relinquished or euthanized for preventable aggression.
More info on dog/baby and child safety link in comments.
#kidsanddogs #kidsanddogs❤️ #kidsanddogssafety #kidsanddogssafetymatters #veterinarybehaviorist
I thought that it might be nice to see what one of the most famous scientists
in the field of psychological research and neuroscience, Jaak Panksepp wrote about using shock on animals. A direct quote from his book: The Archaeology of Mind is below.
"Physical pain is often used in fear conditioning experiments because it's so easy to inflict on laboratory animals. Most commonly through the application of electrical shocks. In fear conditioning, animals learn to become afraid of conditioned, previously neutral stimuli, such as an auditory tone or a light, when the presentation is paired with an unconditional stimulus, like an electric shock, that always arouses the animal's fear system, just as it does in humans.
Quite rapidly, animals learn to fear the tone or the light, even when it's not accompanied by the shock. In other words, cues that predict painful events always begin to generate fearful responses. In practically all animals that have ever been
studied, such rapid development of fear responses to conditioned stimuli is the hallmark of successful fear conditioning.
In addition to becoming afraid of the conditioned stimulus, rats easily become afraid of a variety of contextual or extraneous stimuli that happen to be present during conditioning experiences. For example, rats readily learn to become afraid of tones that are paired with shocks, but they also become afraid of the walls of the conditioning chamber and perhaps of the unique smell of the sawdust used in those test cages. The rats may also become afraid of the sight, sound and smell of the experimenter who puts them into the test chambers. These are all contextual stimuli that are also brought under the conditioning umbrella during systematic fear conditioning experiments."
Yes, Dorothy shock hurts and causes fear. No, it isn't reversible and the tone can be just as bad as the shock because of the conditioning that occurs. Just say no.
#positivereinforcementdogtrainer #fearfreepets #Veterinary
Part 3 of my pain series.
I have three tips for you to help you detect pain and discomfort in your dog or cat, even if they aren’t showing obvious signs like crying or limping.
🛋️ Changes in Activities
📌 Types of Activities: Pay attention if your pet stops doing activities they used to do. Is your dog avoiding the stairs or no longer jumping on the couch? Has your cat stopped getting up on the counter? These changes are often due to pain rather than fear.
🔍 Look for Asymmetry
📌 Size and Symmetry: Just like with humans, your pet's body parts should generally be symmetrical. Check if one paw, leg, or side of their body looks different from the other. Check your pet's nails. They should all be wearing at the same rate. If not, your pet may be shifting weight from one side to the other or on one side of the foot. Asymmetry can be a sign of underlying pain or discomfort.
🚶♂️ Movement and Posture
📌 How They Sit and Stand: Notice any changes in your pet’s posture. Dogs and cats should generally sit and stand in a square, balanced way. If your dog sits with a leg kicked out or your cat shifts weight to the front limbs, it could indicate pain in specific joints like the knees, hips, or ankles.
📝 Take Action
📌 Document and Visit the Vet: If you notice any of these signs, take a video or picture and bring it to your veterinarian. Visual evidence can help your vet diagnose the problem more accurately.
#fearfreepets #VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarian
To complete a good pain evaluation, your vet will most likely want to see your pet move a bit. Unfortunately, the clinic environment can be challenging for accurate assessments due to slick floors, fears or external noises that might stress your pet.
One effective way to help your vet find pain in your pet is to record videos at home.
Why Videos? Your pet's natural environment is the best place for us to see any limping or discomfort. Videos taken at home can reveal subtle signs of pain that might not be visible in the clinic. Keep the videos short, ideally 30 to 60 seconds.
🐶 For Dogs:
Out and Back: Record your dog trotting away from you and back towards you. Make sure the entire dog is visible in the frame.
Side View: Capture your dog trotting perpendicular to the camera.
Sitting and Rising: Record your dog sitting down, getting up from a sit, lying down, and rising from lying down.
😺 For Cats:
Jumping: Capture your cat jumping up and down from furniture.
Walking: Record your cat walking and going up and down stairs.
📌 Recording Tips:
Whole Pet in Frame: Ensure the entire body of your pet is visible. Avoid zooming in too close.
Natural Movements: Capture natural, relaxed movements. Avoid activities like chasing a ball which might not show their typical gait.
The next time that you head to the vet, don't forget your videos!
#veterinarybehavior #dogbehaviorproblems #catbehaviorproblems #fearfreepets
I often talk with pet parents about the impact of pain on their furry friends' behavior. Many assume their pets aren’t in pain if they aren't limping or crying out. However, pain can manifest in different ways, such as noise phobia, aggression, or self-destructive behaviors like licking, biting, or chewing.
Clients frequently believe their pets are pain-free if they don’t show obvious signs. To illustrate this, I often ask them if they can tell whether I’m in pain. Most assume I’m not, despite the fact that I deal with pain daily from running more than my body can handle. The point is, just like humans, pets can experience pain without showing it in obvious ways.
🐱 Cats are particularly adept at hiding their pain. Even veterinarians can sometimes miss subtle signs of discomfort in cats. They can’t tell us when they’re hurting, so we need to be vigilant and proactive in looking for signs.
🧩 Recognizing Pain in Pets
This post is the first in a series where I’ll discuss how pain affects pet behavior and provide tips on how you can help your vet identify pain and discomfort in your pet. Stay tuned for more insights and advice on ensuring your pets live pain-free and happy lives.
#VeterinaryBehavior #PetBehavior #dogbehaviorproblems #catbehaviorproblems
I just had the most amazing experience at Mount Laurel, and I can't help but share it. The behavior service was getting ready to sedate a dog outside.
A technician was walking another dog towards the corner where the scared dog was. I said, "Hey, there's a really scared dog around the corner." She looked at me, gave a warm smile, and replied, "I appreciate you." Then, she simply turned the other dog around and went in the opposite direction.
In my 24 years as a vet, I’ve rarely encountered such understanding and empathy. Usually, I’d get a grimace, a smirk, or an eye roll, as if to say, "Oh, it's just a behavior issue." But this technician got it. She understood that avoiding that encounter was better for both dogs.
This doesn't happen because one person decided to care about the behavioral well being of animals. Technicians come up to me all the time at lectures and ask how they can implement behavior into their practice when the leadership doesn't support it. Unfortunately, if the leadership isn't on board to create a culture of caring about the complete animal then it is very hard to make a change.
What Dr. Gilbert-Gregory and the leadership team at Mount Laurel have achieved is real. If you are interested in creating a culture of caring about the entire animal including the well being of animals, get your leadership on board and get started!
#veterinarian #veterinarytechnician #fearfree #VeterinaryBehavior
My trip to Mount Laurel
People have been asking me about my summer plans— Am I lounging by the pool, drinking champagne? While I am enjoying a bit of relaxation, I'm also using this time to visit friends and learn as much as I can about different ways to practice behavioral medicine. This way, when I return to the clinic, I'll be even better at my job!
🐾 **Learning from Dr. Shana Gilbert-Gregory** 🐾
This summer, I'm visiting my friend of 20 years, Dr. Shana Gilbert-Gregory, who runs the Behavior Service at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital. I think that people forget that to pass the board exam and be a competent veterinary behaviorist, graduates should understand physiology, endocrinology, and medications for sedation and anxiety relief, both oral and injectable.
Dr. Shana has seamlessly integrated her Behavior Service into the hospital, a model I haven’t seen elsewhere. She works on the ICU, internal medicine and ECC floors assisting animals who are either newly admitted or staying for extended periods due to serious diseases. She helps reduce their stress by guiding doctors on how to prescribe the right medications as they enter the hospital and helping techs to restraint. I'm thrilled to learn from her expertise.
During my visit, I met Margie, a behavior technician and ICU wards tech at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital. I am not sure how many other hospitals have a ICU/Behavior Tech position like this one. Margie and her team support other technicians by handling behaviorally challenging cases and communicating with doctors during overwhelming situations.
I have more posts from what I learned from my time at Mount Laurel. Stay tuned!
#VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarian #veterinarytechnician @mountlaurelanimalhospital
🌱 Dr. Radosta joined Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Pike recently for a discussion of CBD.
Listen to the entire podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Look for The Behavior Buzzzzz with 2 Amys
#cbddog #VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarian
Today, I am talking to Monica Crowley CPDT-KA about why she is committed to positive reinforcement training:
💡Some trainers will tell you that because your dog is large or giant breed dogs, that you can only manage their strength and behavior with force methods, pinch and shock collars as solutions.
😒 Nope, not true. No matter the breed or size of dog, you can train as effectively with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training is not only humane but also incredibly effective across all breeds, including those stereotypically labeled as "hard to train."
💡For Monica, discovering positive reinforcement training was a turning point. Learning the science behind dog behavior and the effectiveness of reward-based training opened up a new, compassionate path. Additionally, witnessing the transformation in dogs that have been trained with kindness and understanding is profoundly rewarding. It proves that love and patience can achieve remarkable results.
What is your positive reinforcement story?
#dogtraining #dogtraining101 #dogtrainingtips
Sometimes, as loving pet parents, we might find ourselves expecting our furry friends to follow commands like little robots 🤖. Let's apply some gentle common sense in training and living with our pets.
🐶 While having a chat, a friend shared her frustration about her dog, who is generally well-behaved and knows commands like "drop it." However, there's one specific toy he just wouldn't let go of inside the house.
🤔 After a bit of discussion, it turned out there was no real issue with the toy itself—no dirt, no aggression, and no danger. My friend simply wanted obedience for the sake of it.
💡 Here's a thought...Let the dog enjoy his toy! If it's not causing any harm, why not? This isn't a challenge to your authority but rather an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors in a stress-free way.
🍪 Easy Dog Training Tip: Ignore the toy. When your dog eventually drops it, that's your cue to reward him with a treat. This way, he'll learn that letting go can lead to good things, naturally encouraging him to drop items on his own.
In summary, before turning a situation into a big deal, let's ask ourselves:
Is it really that important?
Often, understanding and a bit of patience can make life much easier and happier for both you and your pet.
#dogtraining #dogtraining101 #dogtrainingtips
Gabapentin in Vet Behavioral Medicine: What You Need to Know, Part 3 🐾
😺 Before starting gabapentin, it's crucial to know your pet's overall health. Always run baseline blood work including CBC, serum chemistry, thyroid, urinalysis, and fecal tests.
🔍 Gabapentin is special because it is excreted exclusively through the kidneys. This doesn't mean that it harms the kidneys, but the kidneys need to be healthy to process the medication effectively.
💡 For pets with compromised kidney function, gabapentin should be used with caution or not used at all. In cats with chronic kidney disease, blood levels of gabapentin can be double the expected amount.
🩺 Besides the kidneys, gabapentin doesn't significantly affect other organs like the liver, making it generally safe for use.
📋 Always evaluate the total health of your pet before starting any medication. Discuss with your vet and provide a list of any supplements or medications your pet is already taking to avoid potential interactions.
Your veterinarian is your best resource to ensure the health and safety of your pet while on gabapentin or any other medication. 🐕🐈⬛
#VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarian #veterinarytechnician
🩺 Second post on gababpentin...
Gabapentin is a valuable tool in veterinary behavior medicine, particularly for managing anxiety in dogs and cats.
💊 For optimal effectiveness, gabapentin should be administered every 8 hours due to its absorption and excretion patterns. However, maintaining this schedule can be challenging, so always consult your veterinarian for the best approach for your pet.
🐶🐱 Gabapentin is versatile and can be prescribed for various anxiety-related situations, including:
Noise phobia
Storm phobia
Separation anxiety
Fear of the veterinarian's office
Generalized anxiety
🌟 While gabapentin is effective at reducing anxiety, it's important to note it may not completely eliminate severe panic responses.
🔄 Gabapentin is often used for specific events, but some pets benefit from long-term use, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
Always speak to your veterinarian to determine if gabapentin is appropriate for your pet and how to best incorporate it into their care routine.
#VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarybehaviorists #veterinarian
I received a question about how gabapentin is used in veterinary behavioral medicine. It's a complex topic, so I've decided to create a series of posts on this subject. Here's the first one:
🐾 Gabapentin Basics:
- Gabapentin slows down impulses in the brain, calming the system.
- It's an anticonvulsant, neuropathic pain reliever, and anxiety reliever.
- Commonly used for dogs and cats daily.
🐾 Misconceptions:
- Gabapentin is not a sedative. It doesn't make pets sedated in the usual sense.
- Pets may get sleepy from higher doses, but that’s not the primary effect.
🐾 Usage in Veterinary Visits:
- Often used as pre-visit pharmaceuticals to calm pets before vet appointments.
- Clients may notice their pets aren't sedated but more calm, social, or even hungrier.
🐾 Benefits:
- Helps pets be more comfortable and manageable during vet visits.
- Enhances the effectiveness of training by increasing social behavior and appetite.
-Alleviates anxiety and fear.
Stay tuned for more posts in this series to learn about the various ways gabapentin benefits our furry friends!
#VeterinaryBehavior #behaviorismedicine #veterinarian #veterinarytechnician
🐾 Ever wondered if pets experience grief?
🐶 Yes, pets do grieve. Although we may not have extensive research, many pet owners and veterinarians, including myself, have witnessed it firsthand. If you're feeling the loss, chances are, your pets might be too.
👀 Watch for signs of grief in your pets, especially if they had a strong bond with the pet that has passed away. They may show changes in behavior that indicate they are struggling with the loss.
🕒 Maintaining routine is crucial. If you used to walk your pet at a specific time, continue doing so. Keeping a regular schedule helps provide stability and comfort for your pet during this tough time.
🐱 My big, black cat Chewie, who always acted indifferently and sometimes in an unkind way toward my dog Maverick, displayed a pretty substantial change in behavior after Maverick's passing. Chewie became very clingy and needy, which was out of character for him.
🧐 This behavior change might be Chewie's way of coping with the absence of Maverick, who, despite their squabbles, was a constant presence in his life. Now that Maverick is gone, Chewie seems to be seeking comfort and reassurance from us more than ever.
💡 It’s important to understand that even if pets were not closely bonded, the dynamic in your household changes with the loss of a pet, and this can affect your remaining pets.
🐾 So, as you navigate your grief, remember that your pets might need extra comfort and attention during this time too. They're not just pets; they're family and they grieve with us.
#rainbowbridge #rainbowbridgepets #rainbowbridgedogs #rainbowbridgecats
Today marks a significant milestone for Dr. Daphne Ang as she completes the clinical portion of her residency at FVBS!
🩺 Dr. Ang, a mother of three with a full-time job, traveled from Singapore to see her cases and pursue her goal of becoming the first board-certified veterinary behaviorist in Singapore.
📋 Here are some remarkable highlights from her inspiring journey:
✨ 124,801 miles traveled
✨ 2,153 hours and appointments completed
✨ 548 days of appointments
✨ 182 days away from her family
✨ Completing the clinical portion of her residency in just 18 months
With her clinical training wrapped up, Dr. Ang will now continue her journey with Dr. Kelly Ballantyne to complete her research and case report. We know nothing will stop her from reaching her goal! 💪
Here's to you, Dr. Ang, for your unwavering dedication and for showing us that no goal is too distant when pursued with passion and determination. 🌍👩⚕️
#veterinarian #veterinarybehaviorist #behaviorismedicine
As a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who's been in the field for a while, I've seen how the approach to veterinary knowledge and client interactions has evolved, and I want to share how I have changed the way that I look at client interactions. To add to the discussion is my friend and client Monica Rodriguez PhD.
🤓 When I was a baby doctor, I was hesitant when clients would challenge my advice with information from the internet. Yes, the infamous "Doctor Google."
👍 Now, I say, "Bring it on!" If you've looked something up, I want to hear about it. Here's why:
1️⃣ Understanding Your Concerns: It's important for me to know what information you're finding and what's influencing your thoughts about your pet's health.
2️⃣ Staying Informed: The world of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. There might be new treatments or discoveries I'm not yet aware of. Your research can prompt me to update my knowledge.
3️⃣ Maintaining Expertise: If you bring up a new drug or treatment, I need to be well-versed in it. I should understand how it works and which organs it affects.
🙌 As a vet, embracing research keeps me us sharp and ensures that we are providing the best possible care. It also turns our relationship into a real partnership, where we both contribute to the well-being of the pet.
💬 Open Dialogue: When pet parents come with ideas, questions, or even potential treatments, it sparks a conversation where we can explore options together, weigh their merits, and discuss why they may or may not be suitable for the pet.
👉 If ever you feel hesitant or afraid to discuss your thoughts or research with your vet, bring it up to your vet because what you perceive may not be reality. A good vet-client relationship is based on open communication and mutual respect. You should feel comfortable and heard.
#behaviorismedicine #veterinarian #veterinarytechnician
🐾 A common question that I encounter about pet euthanasia is whether other pets in the household should be present during the process. Here are some insights to consider:
👂 First off, yes, it might be a good idea to let your other pets be present. They understand more than we sometimes give them credit for, and being part of the farewell might help them cope.
🚪 Make sure to give them the option to leave if they want. Whether the euthanasia takes place at home or in a veterinary hospital, allow your pets the freedom to come and go as they feel comfortable.
🔍 We don't have extensive research on this topic, but one interesting survey of veterinarians sheds some light. Veterinarians have observed changes in both the animals that were present and those from different households during euthanasia processes. This suggests that animals can indeed sense the passing of another and it affects them in noticeable ways.
🤔 This observation is intriguing because it suggests a deeper emotional and perhaps cognitive response among animals to the death of another, regardless of their direct connection.
🐶🐱 Giving your pets the chance to be present allows them to process the situation in their own way. It's an opportunity for closure, not just for us humans but potentially for our furry friends as well.
Let's approach this sensitive time with empathy and respect for the emotional lives of all our pets. They're part of the family, after all. 🐾
#rainbowbridge #behaviorismedicine #peteuthanasia
🐾 Today, we celebrate the graduation of Dr. Erica Grier from the clinical section of her residency in veterinary behavioral medicine. Dr. Grier's expertise and passion for learning theory and behavior modification have inspired all of us no matter our level of knowledge to strive to know more about the science of teaching animals.
As a resident, she came to us with a ton of behavior modification and learning theory knowledge as well as serious training chops. She continued through her residency to work with her own dog Kipper regularly. Excuse me, but she lays to rest that veterinary behaviorists don't know how to train animals. 🌠🎇 Quite the contrary.
She has grown into an excellent behavior clinician, empathetic, intellectual, and current on the latest science.
She is off to the next big adventure now. We will miss her, but we are certain that she will continue to transform the lives of pets and their people.
#behaviorismedicine #VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarybehaviorresident
I talked to Sandra Machado VSPDT, FFCAT, CTDI
🐾 When teaching pets, it's essential to recognize their needs and communicate effectively.
👂 Listen to the Signs: Pets communicate through their behavior. If your dog is using her mouth to communicate, she is probably trying to say that she needs space.
🔄 Frustration Management: One common mistake pet parents make is misinterpreting their pet's needs during activities. A three-hour walk might seem beneficial, but without the freedom to explore and sniff, it can lead to frustration rather than relaxation.
🚶♂️ Quality Over Quantity: Instead of long, restrictive walks, opt for shorter ones that allow your dog to use its senses fully. Letting your dog sniff around and explore can prevent destructive behaviors at home, providing a more satisfying and tiring experience.
📏 Measure Responses: After interacting with your pet, take a moment to observe their reaction. If they shake off and walk away, they might need a break.
Remember, every pet is unique, and taking the time to understand their signals and needs can make a huge difference in how they interact with you and their surroundings.
#dogbodylanguage #dogtraining #dogtraining101
Dr. Lisa Radosta and Monica Rodriguez PhD, share insights on enhancing the vet visit experience.
🐶 Understanding Your Role: It's common for pet parents to feel nervous when visiting the vet, often feeling hesitant to question the experts. Remember, your input as a pet owner is crucial!
🐱 Creating a Partnership: The best veterinary experiences come from a partnership where the vet listens and communicates clearly without being overbearing or dismissive. This approach helps make pet owners feel like valued partners in their pets' health.
🐾 Leveraging Your Knowledge: You know your pets best – their habits, preferences, and behaviors. Sharing these insights with your vet provides a more complete picture, helping them make informed decisions.
🐶 Handling Anxiety: It's natural for both pets and owners to feel anxious in new or clinical settings. Acknowledge these feelings and discuss them with your vet; they are used to handling nervous patients and can help ease the stress.
🐱 Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to learn about your pet's health. Utilize reputable resources like veterinary school websites (e.g., Cornell’s site) to understand conditions, treatments, and care. Being informed helps you engage more productively during vet visits.
🐾 Communicating Effectively: If medical jargon feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to ask your vet for explanations in simple terms. This ensures you fully understand the treatment and care your pet is receiving.
#veterinarymedicine #veterinarian #FearFree
