Veterinary Behavior Solutions

20/06/2024

😺 While cats are atypical hosts for heartworms, they can still cause significant health problems.

Heartworm larvae typically don't mature into adulthood in cats, but the cat's immune system responds by creating a strong inflammatory response. This causes lung disease, called heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD), which can result in signs including coughing, increased respiratory effort, and vomiting that resemble feline asthma. 🚨

Providing year-round heartworm prevention is an important part of your pet’s health care plan. If you would like to discuss the various preventives, contact our team by calling (877) 203-5973, so we can determine what protocol would best fit you and your pet’s lifestyle.

18/06/2024

🐱😿 Has your cat been sneezing or having discharge from their nose or eyes?

They might have feline herpesvirus type I, a common viral infection that affects cats. This virus is spread through contact with an infected cat's saliva, nasal discharge, or ocular secretions.

😷 Common signs of infection include sneezing, conjunctivitis, and nasal and ocular discharge.

💡 To protect your pet from feline herpesvirus, call (877) 203-5973 to consult with a veterinarian today.

13/06/2024

Encouraging your dog to bark on command might seem counterproductive, but it can be a useful tool in training them to be quiet.

Speak up — First, find a stimulus that naturally makes your dog bark. It could be a knock on the door, a doorbell sound, or someone saying “Speak.” When your dog barks, reward them with praise and a treat.

Shut it down — Next, say “Quiet” or another cue you choose, and offer a treat when your dog stops barking. Gradually increase the amount of time between barks before you give the “Quiet” cue.

Combine the cues — Finally, practice the “Speak” and “Quiet” cues together until your dog can bark and then stop on command. This will give you more control over your dog’s barking and help them understand when it’s appropriate to bark and when they should be quiet.

11/06/2024

🚨 ATTENTION PET OWNERS: Onions, garlic, and chives can be HARMFUL to your furry friends!

🐶🐱 These herbs contain compounds that can cause red blood cell damage and lead to serious health issues. If your pet ingests them, they may experience vomiting, weakness, nausea, and collapse. So, watch out for these symptoms and seek help immediately!👀

06/06/2024

👨‍⚕️🐱 Spaying or neutering your pet is a simple and safe procedure that can prevent unwanted behaviors such as aggression and urine-marking.

💓 Your pet will still be the same lovable, mischievous, devoted companion, but without the desire to search for a mate.

📞Call (877) 203-5973 to talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet.

04/06/2024

🌿🐾 Pet owners, be cautious when using w**d killers in your lawn or garden!

👀 While most w**d killers are safe when used correctly, your pet can experience myotonia, vomiting, and weakness if they consume an extreme quantity of certain products. Roundup® is not particularly dangerous, but ingesting large quantities of undiluted product can be harmful. If your pet is presenting these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

👍 Keep your pets safe and healthy by using w**d killers responsibly!🙏

30/05/2024

🐶🐱 Good oral health is essential for your furry friend's overall well-being!

To prevent dental problems and expensive surgeries, start taking care of their teeth at home. Brush their teeth daily with special toothpaste and consider using VOHC-approved dental products.

And don't forget about dental diet food to prevent plaque and tartar buildup!

29/05/2024

If your furry friend freaks out when you get their crate or carrier, they know what’s coming next—the dreaded veterinary visit! Check out our latest blog post, where we offer tips to decrease your pet’s anxiety and encourage a positive, stress-free vet experience.

Visiting the veterinary clinic can be a stressful experience for your furry friend—and, sometimes, for you, too. The unfamiliar smells and presence of other cats and dogs can make your pet feel anxious and stressed during these visits. However, wellness exams are vital to maintaining your pet's he...

28/05/2024

🐾 Did you know that heartworms can grow up to 12 inches or longer inside a dog's heart and lungs?

😢 Several hundred worms can inhabit a single dog, causing inflammation and scarring in the vessels supplying lung tissue. Over time, this can lead to heart failure. Initially, most dogs don't exhibit any symptoms, but as their condition worsens, they may experience coughing, panting, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. In severe cases, heartworm blockage can result in sudden death.

Providing year-round heartworm prevention is an important part of your pet’s health care plan. If you would like to discuss the various preventives, contact our team by calling (877) 203-5973, so we can determine what protocol would best fit you and your pet’s lifestyle.

23/05/2024

Your dog's body language can tell you a lot about how they're feeling. When evaluating their non-verbal messages, it's crucial to observe their entire body, not just one part. Remember to also consider the context, including their environment and recent events. Understanding your dog's communication style can help you build a stronger bond with them.

21/05/2024

🐾🚫 As a pet owner, you do your best to keep your furry friend safe and healthy, but sometimes danger can be lurking around your home or garden.

👀 Each year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives thousands of calls from worried pet owners about their pet's potential toxin exposure.😿 Be vigilant and take extra precautions to keep your pets safe from harm!🙏

16/05/2024

Identifying and eliminating your pet’s trigger is an effective way to reduce excessive barking. To do this, observe your pet’s behavior and determine what environmental stimuli prompt them to bark.

Then, try to change or eliminate the trigger. For example, if your dog barks at people walking by your house, consider blocking their visual access to the window or door, or move their bed to another room.

Similarly, if your dog barks at the sound of the doorbell, try placing a sign on your door asking visitors to text instead of ringing the bell. By eliminating or changing the trigger, you can help your pet feel calmer and reduce their barking.

14/05/2024

👉 Are you concerned about the rising threat of tick-borne Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a year-round concern.

But don't worry, we are here to help! Contact us at (877) 203-5973 to learn how to protect your furry friend and yourself from this debilitating condition. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your pet healthy! 🐾

09/05/2024

🥘🐾 Want to make sure your furry friend is getting the right amount of food? It's not always easy to know how much to give them.

The best way to determine their daily food intake is to calculate their caloric needs using a dog or cat calorie calculator.

🐶🐱 Divide that amount into two or three meals and limit their treat consumption to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. And remember, measuring their food with a cup isn't always accurate.

Want help figuring out your pet's daily calorie needs? Call (877) 203-5973 to talk to your veterinarian.

07/05/2024

🐾🧠 Pets need mental stimulation throughout their entire lives, not just when they're young. Encourage your adult pet to learn new tricks, solve food puzzles, and sniff out treats to keep their cognitive function strong.

🐶🐱 As pets age, they can suffer from cognitive dysfunction, which can cause anxiety and stress if they forget familiar faces, how doors open, or the location of their food bowl.

👍👵 Help your senior pet maintain their mental health by providing plenty of enrichment activities. Call (877) 203-5973 to talk to your veterinarian for more information.

02/05/2024

🐾🦊🦝🦡🐺 Did you know that wildlife like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes can transmit dangerous diseases like rabies and distemper to your pets? Protect your furry friend by getting them vaccinated!

30/04/2024

🦷🐕🐈Did you know that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets?

We encourage all pet owners to bring their furry friends in for routine dental exams. Regular exams can help prevent dental disease, catch any issues early on, and ultimately improve your pet's quality of life.

Don't let your pet suffer in silence. Schedule their dental exam today! (877) 203-5973

26/04/2024

If you’ve recently lost a pet, your feelings of grief and pain may be unbearable at times. However, healing is possible. In our latest blog post, we offer tips on how you can cope with pet loss and honor your cherished pet.

Losing a pet is challenging and heartbreaking for any loving pet owner. Whether you've said “Goodbye” to a faithful dog, a cherished cat, or another beloved pet, you can be overwhelmed with grief. After a loss, you will need to navigate a range of emotions and find ways to honor your pet's memor...

25/04/2024

👉🌱 Pet owners, keep your furry friends safe from fertilizer exposure!

🐶🐱 While most fertilizers are generally safe, your pet may experience skin irritation or mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they come into contact with or ingest the product. If you suspect your pet has been exposed, remove the product from their skin using warm water and monitor for any symptoms.

👀 Follow instructions carefully and keep your pet away from fertilized areas to keep them happy and healthy!🙏

23/04/2024

👉🌿 Pet owners, keep your furry friends safe from w**d killer exposure!

🐶🐱 While most w**d killers are relatively safe, ingestion of an extreme quantity of certain products can cause myotonia, vomiting, and weakness in dogs. Roundup® is not particularly dangerous, but undiluted product should be kept away from pets. If your pet is presenting any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately
👀 Use w**d killers responsibly to keep your pets happy and healthy!🙏

18/04/2024

🐾 Did you know that when your cat kneads your stomach with his paws, he is showing his love for you?

This behavior is reminiscent of his kitten days, when he would knead his mother's ni***es to stimulate milk flow. So, when your kitty kneads you, he's feeling the same sense of comfort and warmth he felt with his mom. Be sure to keep his nails clipped short and keep an extra towel handy if his kneading is uncomfortable for you.

Give your kitty some love today! 🐱❤️

16/04/2024

Oral infections can cause serious health problems in pets, but with proper dental care, these issues can be prevented. We're dedicated to promoting pet dental health and keeping your furry friend in top shape!

Have questions? Call us, today! (877) 203-5973

11/04/2024

🐶 Did you know that heartworms thrive in the heart and lungs of infected dogs?

😔 When a mosquito bites an infected dog, they ingest heartworm larvae, which mature inside the mosquito and are then deposited in the next pet the insect bites. The larvae then travel through the bite wound and mature in the pet's heart and lungs. Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, and the larvae can grow into adulthood and cause serious health issues.

Providing year-round heartworm prevention is an important part of your pet’s health care plan.

If you would like to discuss the various preventives, contact our team by calling (877) 203-5973, so we can determine what protocol would best fit you and your pet’s lifestyle.

09/04/2024

Don't overlook your pet's dental health! The majority of pets suffer from dental disease by age 3, which can lead to significant health problems. Our team is here to help prevent oral infections and keep your furry friend healthy.

Call us, today, to book a dental check-up for your pet! (877) 203-5973

04/04/2024

🐶🐱 Did you know that your furry friend's weight and overall health are determined by what they eat? It's true! Just like humans, pets are what they eat. That's why it's important to make sure they're getting the right nutrition.

Too much food or the wrong kind can lead to health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and more. Don't let your pet's diet lead to health issues. Give us a call today at (877) 203-5973 to learn more!

02/04/2024

If your cat suddenly seems to change his mind about the petting, and appears tense, with his ears back and pupils dilated, it’s best to stop and let him be. If you ignore the signals, he may feel trapped, and his only way out may be to defend himself. Remember that cats are individuals with their own preferences and moods.

Watch for his body language and signals, and respect his boundaries. It’s better to end the petting session earlier than risk hurting your cat or straining your relationship.

30/03/2024

If you are a cat owner, you probably know your furry friend has instinctive behaviors, such as hunting, stalking, and scratching. In our latest blog post, we cover ways you can help your cat express their natural behaviors for their mental and physical health.

Anyone who has loved a cat can attest that they retain their wildish nature. Cats are natural hunters, who once depended on this skill for their survival, and they also need to scratch, climb, and stalk prey. These cat behaviors can be endearing—unless they are scratching your good furniture—but

28/03/2024

🚹🐾 Neutering your male pet can help address several problem behaviors. Neutered pets are typically less aggressive, less likely to urine-mark their territory, and less likely to exhibit mounting behavior on people and other pets.

👍 Neutering also helps reduce the risk of certain health issues, and can prevent overpopulation.

26/03/2024

🚨🤑 Life-saving treatments for viral infections like feline herpesvirus can add up quickly. By vaccinating your pet, you can save money and avoid ongoing treatment. Call (877) 203-5973 to discuss your pet's vaccination options today!

21/03/2024

Tired of your dog's barking? Try using the "incompatible behavior" training method to help your furry friend learn to be quiet. The idea is to reward your dog for engaging in behaviors that are incompatible with barking, such as playing with a toy or going to their bed.

First, teach your dog the new behavior in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Make it a game and reward them generously for a correct performance. Once they have learned the behavior, start practicing it in areas where they usually bark, such as near a window or at the front door.

Gradually increase the level of difficulty by introducing distractions and cueing your dog to engage in the new behavior as soon as they get distracted. Over time, your dog will learn to associate the new behavior with being quiet, and the barking will decrease.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. With a little effort, you can help your dog become a well-behaved and peaceful member of your household.