Dr Nan's Veterinary Visits

04/02/2025

Might your cat benefit from pill-taking "training"?

04/02/2025

February is ! Let's kick off the month by sharing our dental health recipe.

What's the secret ingredient? Talking to your veterinarian, of course! Find out more important facts about pet dental health ➡️ http://bit.ly/2uZLWQk 🦷🐶🐱

25/01/2025

Are you fluent in dog/cat body language?

Terminology Tuesday ~ Learned Helplessness 🐶

As trainers who work closely with families, we are often asked the question of “will they just get used to the baby/ toddler over time?”

Something we always take into consideration is avoiding something called learned helplessness at all costs… But what does that mean?

Learned helplessness in dog training happens when people intentionally or unintentionally put their dogs in situations that the dogs are uncomfortable in repeatedly until they seemingly stop reacting.

This lack of a reaction doesn’t mean that they are comfortable, it means that they feel that no matter what they do, they will be forced into the situation so they begin to shut down emotionally. They feel as if they don’t have any other choice.

This is very dangerous as it can result in bites or reactions that people often describe as “out of nowhere” - which we know there is often no such thing as an “out of the blue” bite

To avoid learned helplessness in our dogs, we want to actively watch their body language for clues to how they might be feeling and respect their boundaries when they tell us that they are uncomfortable by adding in success stations and space!

We want to provide choice, not force 💚

25/01/2025

There are likely more than veterinarians who "suffer" from this affliction:

19/01/2025

I recently took a survey regarding the disposal of veterinary medications. To answer some of the questions, I had to search a few sites regarding Idaho's rules and regulations (not much there) and the American Veterinary Medical Association's recommendations. Here's what the AVMA has to say:

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help people and animals. But when used, stored, or disposed of wrongly, they can become harmful.

19/01/2025

Yup, they can learn too - but mine only learned to misbehave.

Although January is Train Your Dog Month, we shouldn't forget the cats. These wonderful animals can be quick to learn and training is just one form of enrichment to make their lives more fulfilling. Sign up for the self-study course and begin the fun! Link in the comments below.

19/01/2025

Continue building the bond with your pet

The January Behavior Byte® is out now and it's all about making nose targeting fun again! Practice this essential, easy skill in just minutes a day.
https://hubs.ly/Q032T9qM0

19/01/2025

Viruses and bacteria do not necessarily discriminate between species

U.S. Government releases first national One Health plan to protect from shared health threats.

19/01/2025

FYI:

The FDA has released a request for information soliciting comments from veterinarians related to the use of cannabis-derived products (CDP) in animals.

19/01/2025

We all can continue learning to help our pets in their environments

A reader recently asked the Low Stress Handling® team if management for their boisterous dog could be done long term since it's working well for the family. Find out the answer in this month's Ask LSH, out now.
https://hubs.ly/Q031tJKk0

19/01/2025

Not all pet pharmaceutical companies follow the rules. Know where your pet's medications come from.

Today, the FDA posted warning letters sent to six firms selling unapproved drugs that claim to treat and control seizures in dogs and cats.

19/01/2025

Continue to be vigilant about the food you provide for you pets - both those that are manufactured and those which may come from a raw base or homemade:

FDA has determined that it is necessary for manufacturers of cat and dog foods to reanalyze their food safety plans to include HPAI virus (H5N1).

19/01/2025

Bird Flu and your cat:

A new source of exposure highly pathogenic avian influenza is affecting cats: raw diets containing poultry such as duck, turkey, or chicken that were contaminated with the virus. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness from H5N1, often resulting in death.

06/01/2025

Animal behavior - or rather for people learning about their pet - loses another champion

06/01/2025

Things to consider when your pet is your co-pilot and traveling companion.

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! Hitting the road with your pet this year? Here are 6️⃣ tips to keep in mind if you're planning on traveling with your pet in 2025.

06/01/2025

Always use care when feeding your pet a raw diet - both in the potential for pathogens in the meal a pet receives and in the prep surface and utensils you may use for your own food.

ALERT: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food sold at several farmers markets in California due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples.

Residents who fed their pets Monarch raw pet food products or other raw meat or dairy products and notice their pet is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.

Additionally, residents should avoid consumption of all raw milk and raw meat products and not feed these to their pets. LA County Public Health recently confirmed H5 bird flu in four house cats from a separate household that consumed recalled raw milk and became sick and died, which is part of an ongoing investigation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/49ZYWVz

31/12/2024

This time of year, colder weather can make our old dogs feel stiffer and less comfortable. Let’s be mindful of their needs by keeping them warm with a cosy coat and adjusting walks to their comfort level—shorter and gentler if they’re not up for long outings. Their comfort comes first.

29/12/2024

A thought for the New Year - welcoming in 2025:

❄️🧊🧑🏻 🎨An Italian artist surprised with an impressive exhibition titled "Life is short, enjoy it before it melts," where he used ice blocks as the protagonists. The sculptures, created in elaborate and ephemeral forms, were designed to melt slowly, symbolizing the fragility of existence and the need to cherish every moment. The exhibition sought to generate reflection not only on the impermanence of life, but also on the impact of climate change, showing how something seemingly solid can disappear over time.

Credits Conocimientum