General

If your dog or cat is constantly itchy, they just might have allergies. Dogs and cats suffer from allergies just like humans do, but their symptoms tend to be different. Once you know the “what” and the “why” of pet allergies, it’s easier to help your pet find relief.

Allergy basics

An allergy results when the immune system overreacts or becomes hypersensitive to a harmless and often common substance (called an allergen) that enters or comes in contact with the body. Essentially, the immune system thinks the substance/allergen is dangerous and tries to destroy it. You can think of an allergy like an oversensitive car alarm that sounds at the slightest trigger.

Signs of pet allergies

Most pets with allergies have skin issues. Itching is often the most obvious sign, causing allergic pets to:

• Scratch obsessively
• Rub against furniture
• Shake their head
• Frequently lick, chew, bite, or groom themselves, sometimes to the point of hair loss or hot spots (painful, raw, inflamed areas on the skin that may bleed)

Some pets with allergies also get bacterial or yeast infections from excessive scratching and overgrooming. These are referred to as “secondary infections” and contribute to your pet’s itch and discomfort.

Types of pet allergies

Seasonal allergies and atopy 

Seasonal allergy and atopy describe the same type of allergic skin disease. Most dogs with atopy experience itching during certain seasons. Other affected dogs will have problems year-round, which means that the allergen is constantly present or that the dog has developed multiple allergies.

• Seasonal allergies are typically caused by trees, weeds, and other plants that pollinate during a specific time of year, as well as some moulds that tend to bloom indoors and outdoors.
• In Quebec, pets may encounter pollen in the spring from trees including cedar, juniper, boxelder, and maple. Pets may also have allergies to grasses like bluegrass, hay and turf from May to October or even later in the year. Late in the summer and into the fall, ragweed may be responsible for allergy symptoms in pets.
• Common allergens that cause problems year-round include house dust mites, storage mites, and mould spores.

Signs of seasonal allergies or atopy include:

• Chewing or licking the feet, resulting in red, swollen paws or brown staining on the feet.
• Ear inflammation or infections.
• Anal gland issues.
• Irritation and itching (with or without hair loss) can also occur in the groin, underarms, ankles and around a pet’s eyes or muzzle.
• Although less common, seasonal allergies can cause nasal discharge and sneezing in pets, similar to human symptoms.

Flea allergies

When fleas bite, pets can have an allergic reaction to certain proteins in the fleas’ saliva. This is sometimes called flea bite hypersensitivity and can lead to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). FAD may be more common in warmer months, but can occur year-round because fleas can survive indoors throughout the year.
Pets with flea allergy dermatitis often have:

• An itchy rash or raw, irritated areas on their skin
• Hair loss in specific patterns
• Cats: around the head, neck, lower back, stomach, and thighs
• Dogs: around the tail, back legs, and stomach

Food allergies

Allergies to food are not that common in pets, but they can happen.

• Grains are a less common cause of allergies in pets, whereas animal proteins like chicken, beef, eggs, fish, or dairy are the cause of most pet food allergies.
• Pets with food allergies can have gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to itchy skin.

Getting your pet relief from allergies

Allergies can be tricky to treat in pets. Some dogs and cats respond quickly to treatment, whereas others may need longer-term management.
For seasonal and other environmental allergies:

• Bathe your pet after they’ve been outside to remove pollen and other allergens. Ask your veterinarian for pet shampoo recommendations.
• Wash your pet’s bedding frequently to minimize their exposure to allergens.
• We can prescribe oral and/or topical medications to give your pet relief from itching.
• Some pets might benefit from allergen-specific immunotherapy (commonly known as allergy shots), which desensitizes pets to specific allergens over time.
• There are also some newer oral and injectable treatment options (also called immune modulators) to help itchy pets. These can provide rapid and long-term relief for pets with allergies.
• Any secondary yeast or bacterial infections need to be treated, so we may run tests to make sure we’re targeting the right culprit and giving your pet the most effective treatment.

For flea allergy:

• Flea allergy can be treated and prevented by keeping pets on flea control products. We may also prescribe other medications, depending on the individual pet.

For food allergy:

• The only reliable test for food allergies in pets is a two- to three-month hypoallergenic diet trial. This is a diagnostic test in which the only food the pet eats is the hypoallergenic food /ingredients prescribed by your veterinarian. Your pet cannot have any other food, treats or flavoured medications. By strictly controlling what your pet eats, the ingredient(s) that trigger an allergic reaction can be identified and/or ruled out.
• Your veterinarian will recommend the best diet for your pet for a diet trial and if needed, for long-term management of a food allergy.

If your pet is showing signs of allergies or you’re concerned about your itchy pet, give us a call, or schedule an appointment with a veterinarian at Vet Mobile Plus today. We’ll rule out other potential causes of your pet’s symptoms and work with you to tailor therapy to your pet.

The veterinary team at Vet Mobile Plus will help your allergic pets get the relief they deserve!

You’ve arranged your time off and booked your hotel, but are you fully prepared to travel with your dog? Some vacations are well-suited to include your furry friend, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind when travelling with a pet, so your trip is memorable…in a good way!

Pre-trip research: Are they welcome?

Once you decide your pet will be travelling with you, the first step is to determine what the pet health regulations are for your travel destination. Pet travel requirements may be updated often, so even if you’ve visited an area before, double-check that nothing has changed. And this isn’t just for individual provinces, states, and cities; airlines, hotels and camping sites update their rules regularly. Also, check whether your dog will be welcome at any specific tourist destinations you plan on visiting, such as national parks or popular hiking trails. Even if you’re planning to stay with family or friends, let them know that your dog will be accompanying you so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Vet visit: Are they healthy?

As soon as you’ve got your trip planned, schedule a visit with Vet Mobile Plus. One of our excellent veterinarians can examine your dog to confirm that they are healthy enough to travel and provide the necessary documentation. We’ll also make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention specific to your travel destination. If travelling internationally, research the requirements of the country you’re entering and will be travelling through. Each country has specific requirements for health certificates, vaccinations, and possibly test results and treatment records to allow your dog entry. Some countries require certain tests or treatments be performed a good deal of time before you plan to travel, so it’s important that you start your research early so your dog is ready to go!

Concerned your dog will have travel-related anxiety? There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for pet anxiety so we may need to try several options to find the best one. Please let us know well in advance of your trip (ideally, at least a few weeks to a couple months) so we have time to work out a personalized solution for your dog.

Ready to ride: Are they safe?

Road trips can be exciting for dogs that enjoy car rides but daunting for those that get carsickness or anxiety.

Some general tips for road trip travel include:

• Use a pet restraint device or keep your dog in a crate while travelling.
• Stop frequently for exercise breaks at rest areas or parks where your dog can be leash-walked to stretch his legs and go to the bathroom. Remember to build time into your schedule for these stops and always leash your pet BEFORE you stop for an exercise break.
• Make sure your dog has effective identification in case he becomes separated from you. Microchipping is a permanent way for your dog to be identified, but it’s also a good idea to have an ID tag attached to his collar which includes your cell phone number. Be sure that the contact information associated with the microchip is up to date.
• Never leave your dog alone in your vehicle, no matter the outside temperature. Cracking a window does not make a significant difference. The interior of a vehicle can heat up very quickly, even in relatively mild weather, and cold temperatures can make a vehicle feel like a refrigerator.
• Take time to rest. Vacations can be hectic, so schedule some “down time” for you and your dog.

Ready to fly: Are they ready?

When it comes to travelling by plane, here are a few tips:

• Check with your airline on their requirements for pet travel. If you have any questions, contact the airline as soon as possible.
  • Air Canada Pet Policy
  • WestJet Pet Policy 
• Purchase the airline-recommended carrier/kennel well in advance of your flight so your dog has time to get used to the size and smell. Make it part of your home with comfy blankets and toys; it should be a place where your dog feels safe. The team at Vet Mobile Plus can provide guidance on training your dog to feel comfortable in the carrier.

Travelling in cargo can be stressful, so you may want to consider a different option if possible. Dogs with certain chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, as well as short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians, may have a higher risk of respiratory failure during plane travel and should not be flown in cargo (or, in some cases, not fly on an airplane at all).

Packing the bag: Are you ready?
Here is a packing checklist for your dog:

• Bring enough food and water for the entire trip. Changes in diet often lead to gastrointestinal upset. If feasible, take an ample supply of water for your dog to avoid any problems with local water supplies.
• Carry the proper paperworkfor your dog and ensure you know the regulations for travelling across provincial/state/national borders. Keep a copy of your dog’s health certificate (i.e., verification that your dog will not carry infectious diseases/parasites to other regions) and bring a copy of your dog’s medical records in case of an emergency.
• Be sure to bring your dog’s routine medication(s),including flea, tick, and heartworm preventives that will be needed during your time away from home.
• Any medications or supplements your veterinarian has prescribed for carsickness, anxiety or GI upset.
• Collapsible water dish
• First aid kit. Ask the team at Vet Mobile Plus what we recommend in your dog’s kit.
• List of veterinary clinics (and their contact information) near your travel destination that can look after your dog in case of emergency.

Finally, consider whether taking your dog with you is the best idea. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in museums or galleries, your dog is going to spend a lot of time alone in your hotel room. If you decide to leave your dog behind, rest assured, he can enjoy his own “vacation” at a boarding kennel or staying with a pet sitter.

Several veterinary associations sponsor Pet Dental Health Month every February to raise awareness of the importance of oral health.  Good dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans. However, it is one of the most disregarded areas in pet health despite being the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. It is often referred to as “the silent killer” and has been linked to numerous problems including heart, lung and kidney disease.

Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that starts when food particles and bacteria attach to the teeth and along the gum line and form a bacterial film called plaque. Plaque becomes calcified by the saliva, which forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus, which in turn leads to further plaque build up. Initially, plaque is soft, so brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. If not removed, plaque will eventually lead to gingivitis and cause the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. Calculus eventually builds up under the gum and separates it from the teeth and, at this point, professional cleaning is needed to remove it. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, infection will develop. In its final stages, the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket anchoring the tooth erodes and the tooth becomes loose. This is a painful process, but can be prevented with proper dental care.

There are a number of products that help to reduce plaque and tartar build up, but daily brushing is ideal and one of the best preventative measures you can take. It is best to use a pet dental toothpaste containing enzymes that help soften the plaque, thus facilitating its removal. You can use a tooth brush with soft bristles, a finger brush or even wrap your finger in gauze. When brushing, be careful to not irritate the gums, so you want to rub away from the gums. If you are using a gauze, you can use a small circular motion. Since the most tartar builds up on the tooth surfaces that touch the cheek, concentrate there.

Not all pets will be cooperative at first with brushing. You would want to acclimate your pet gradually. You can start by applying a small amount of tooth paste to your finger and quickly/gently rub along the top teeth and gum line. Ideally, you should habituate puppies and kittens when they are young, so that it isn’t a stressful intervention when they are older. The AVMA has put together a great video to show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and address the issue of acclimation.

You can combine a number of preventative methods to further reduce plaque and tartar build up. There are water additives or diets that help clean teeth as your pet chews. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) has put together an extensive list of products that have been shown to reduce plaque and tartar. Look for the VOHC seal on the product’s package.

You can give chew toys that help massage your pet’s gums and keep their teeth clean. However, pets who are prone to swallowing large pieces of chew toys should be monitored during their use, to avoid an obstruction or choking. In addition, you will want to avoid chew toys that are too hard and that can possibly damage the teeth. Many commercial chew toys are far too hard and can break the chewing teeth. There are two guidelines recommend by Dr. Brook Niemiec, a veterinary dental specialist:

1. If you cannot make an indentation in it with a fingernail, the treat or toy is too hard.
2. If it would hurt to hit yourself in the knee with it, the treat or toy is too hard.

An added benefit of chew toys is their ability to reduce your dog’s stress level, eliminate boredom, and give pets an outlet for their desire to chew.

You should still have your pet’s teeth checked by a veterinarian. Dental work done under anesthesia has the advantage that a very thorough examination of the mouth can be done.

Dr Christina Nosotti

With the exception of winter sports enthusiasts, a great number of us tend to be less active in the winter compared to the summer. I, for one, am less motivated to go for walks in icy conditions. This could reflect in shorter and fewer walks for our dogs, in particular, but outdoor cats will also tend to stay inside more due to extreme weather conditions. However, their needs for exercise and mental stimulation remain the same so they too can have cabin fever, which can potentially lead to behavioral issues due to boredom. There are a number of simple ways you can engage your pet with indoor activities to compensate for an otherwise decreased activity level.
Getting new toys is always fun, but just rotating the toys your pet already has can help keep things interesting. Choose different toys to play with each day, even if for only a few minutes at a time. Interactive toys or food puzzles can keep your pet busy and entertained for long periods. They mimic hunting or scavenging for food. You can put canned food in a Kong and freeze it, which will make it last even longer, or you can place kibble in special hollow toys designed to release only a few pieces of kibble at a time.

It may be possible to play fetch or catch inside with soft toys if there is an areain your home where it is less likely to break things and you will also want to be careful about slippery floors. Hiding treats or kibble for your pet to find can be great fun for both cats and dogs and many will get a charge out of playing hide and seek with you. A quieter game is the three-cup game where you hide a piece of kibble under one of the cups and get your pet to select the right one. Teaching new tricks is interactive and mentally stimulating, more particularly for dogs, but some cats enjoy that kind of interaction with people.

Some cats and dogs are actually intrigued by the TV, while others may be completely indifferent to it. Watching DogTV and YouTube videos is a modern way to entertain some of our pets.  DogTV is aimed at stimulating, entertaining, relaxing and habituating dogs with shows that are filled with different sounds, objects and movements, all seen from a dog’s point of view. There aren’t any studies that have proven DogTV’s effectiveness, but the American Veterinary Medical Association states that any form of relaxation and stimulation is good for your pet. On YouTube, you can find a multitude of videos aimed for pet viewing.

Obviously, the activities you and your pet will engage in will depend on both your personal preferences, but staying indoors doesn’t have to be boring. I’ve only mentioned a few suggestions to get you started.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is the passage of unformed or loose stools, usually in increased volume and/or increased frequency. Diarrhea is not a disease but rather a symptom of many different diseases. Diarrhea associated with minor conditions can often be resolved quickly with simple treatments.

“Diarrhea may be the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses…”

However, diarrhea may be the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses such as organ system failure or cancer. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become serious if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea is the result of increased speed of passage of fecal material through the intestine, combined with decreased absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes. If the main symptom of illness in your dog is diarrhea, a relatively simple problem such as an intestinal infection from bacteria, viruses, coccidia or intestinal worms may be the cause. In dogs, dietary indiscretion (such as a change in diet or eating garbage or other offensive or irritating materials) is a common cause of acute (sudden) diarrhea. Stress, especially following travel, boarding or other changes in environment, can also cause acute diarrhea.

However, diarrhea can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying disorder such as allergies, bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory intestinal disease, organ dysfunction, or other systemic illness.

How serious is diarrhea in dogs?

The seriousness of diarrhea depends on how long the diarrhea has persisted and how many other symptoms accompany the diarrhea. If your dog has severe bloody diarrhea, or is showing more generalized signs of illness such as weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain or loss of appetite, or if dehydration accompanies the diarrhea, the cause may be more serious. For example, diarrhea is one of the first symptoms seen in parvovirus, a viral infection that can cause life-threatening illness in susceptible dogs.

How is the cause of diarrhea determined?

The nature of the diarrhea, such as its color, consistency, smell and frequency, are important in helping determine the cause. Your veterinarian will usually ask you to bring a representative sample of fresh fecal material with you to your appointment. You may also be asked to provide answers to a series of questions (see the handout “Diarrhea, questionnaire”).

“Diarrhea is the only symptom, a minimum number of tests are performed…”

If diarrhea is the only symptom, a minimum number of tests are performed to rule out certain parasites and infections. If diarrhea is severe or associated with several other clinical signs, your veterinarian will perform a series of tests in order to reach a diagnosis and to determine how sick your dog has become as a consequence of the diarrhea. These tests enable your veterinarian to treat your dog appropriately.

Diagnostic tests may include microscopic fecal evaluation, abdominal radiography (x-rays) with or without barium, blood tests, fecal cultures, biopsies of the intestinal tract,endoscopy, ultrasound and exploratory abdominal surgery.

What is the treatment for diarrhea?

Once the diagnosis is known, specific treatment will be tailored to the underlying problem and may involve medication or dietary treatment.

“Conservative medical approach allows the body’s healing mechanisms to correct the problem.”

For healthy adult dogs with simple acute diarrhea, your veterinarian may initially recommend a conservative approach rather than an in-depth diagnostic work-up. Conservative treatment will often involve withholding all food for 12-24 hours to allow the intestinal tract to rest; access to water must not be restricted during this time. After this fast, an easily digested diet will be prescribed for a few days; this diet may either be a commercial product or a bland, home-prepared combination of cooked rice or pasta and boiled chicken. This conservative medical approach allows the body’s healing mechanisms to correct the problem. As the stools return to normal, you can gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular food by mixing it in with the special diet for several days.

Anti-diarrheal or deworming medications may be prescribed in some cases, while other cases may be treated with drugs to control the motility (movement) of the intestinal tract or drugs that relieve inflammation. However, you should only give your pet one of these products if your veterinarian specifically prescribes it.

“Severe or prolonged diarrhea can result in significant dehydration and metabolic disturbances due to fluid loss and your pet may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy.”

If your pet is not improving within two to four days, further tests or more aggressive treatment may be necessary. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can result in significant dehydration and metabolic disturbances due to fluid loss and your pet may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy or other, more intensive, treatments.

In all cases, if your dog does not improve within two to four days, a change in medication or further tests may be necessary.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis depends upon the severity of the diarrhea, as well as the specific diagnosis and the dog’s response to treatment. Most cases of simple diarrhea will make a full recovery, while dogs with chronic diarrhea may require dietary management or medication to keep the condition under control.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM

© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Fears, Phobias and Anxiety

How do animals show fear?

Fear is a physiological, behavioral, and emotional reaction to stimuli that an animal encounters. The physiological reaction results in an increase in heart rate, increased respiratory rate (panting), sweating, trembling, pacing, and possibly urination and defecation. Behaviorally, an animal will exhibit changes in body posture and activity when afraid. The animal may engage in an avoidance response, such as fleeing or hiding. A fearful animal may assume body postures that are protective, such as lowering of the body and head, placing the ears closer to the head, widened eyes, and tail tucked under the body.

If the animal perceives a threat, the response can also include elements of defensive aggression. Whether an animal fights or flees when frightened depends on its genetic predisposition, previous experience (what it has learned from similar situations in the past), and the environment that it is in (see below). The emotional reaction in animals can be difficult to gauge because animals are nonverbal. However, by observing body postures and facial expressions, it is possible to conclude that an animal is afraid. On the other hand, pets may modify their behavioral responses with repeated exposure to the stimulus if the stimulus has been successfully removed by aggression or if escape has been successful. Therefore, what you see at the present time may not be the same as when the problem first began.

Is fear ever an abnormal response in animals?

In many situations, it is “acceptable and understandable” for an animal to be afraid. However, there are times when animals exhibit fear when it is maladaptive or dangerous for humans. When animals are frightened, they may become aggressive (fight), run away (flight), or stay still (freeze). The response a pet exhibits depends on the pet’s personality, the type of stimulus, previous experience with the stimulus, whether the pet is on its own property (where it is more likely to fight), whether it is in the presence of offspring or family members (where it is more likely to fight), or whether it is cornered or restrained and unable to escape (where it is more likely to fight).

“Whether an animal fights or flees when frightened depends on its genetic predisposition, previous experience, and the environment that it is in.”

What is a phobia?

This is an intense response to a situation that the animal perceives as fear inducing. The response is out of proportion to the stimulus and is maladaptive. Common phobias in animals involve noises and places. Phobic responses have physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses similar to fear, but they are extremely exaggerated.

What is anxiety?

The human definition of anxiety is a diffuse feeling of impending danger or threat. It appears that animals can exhibit this diffuse type of anxiety, often manifested as generalized anxious behavior in either specific situations (the veterinary hospital, new locations) or in a nonspecific way (anything out of the routine schedule or environment). Anxiety is manifested by some of the same physiological signs as fear but also may be displayed as displacement or redirected behaviors, destructive behaviors, or excessive vocalization and may become stereotypic or compulsive over time.

What types of stimuli might trigger fears, phobias, or anxieties?

The triggers for these behaviors are as varied as there are breeds of dogs and cats. Animals may be frightened of people, other animals, places, or things. Others may only respond with fear or phobia in one particular situation such as toward a thunderstorm.

What causes fearful, phobic, or anxious responses?

Sometimes fear is the result of an early experience that was unpleasant or perceived by the animal as unpleasant. If the fearful response was successful at chasing away the stimulus, or if the pet escaped from the stimulus, the behavior has been rewarded and therefore is likely to be repeated. Owners who try to stop the behavior by providing treats or affection may not help calm the pet or diminish the fear and anxiety. In some situations, the animal may see your actions as reinforcing the behavior the animal is performing at that time. Also, it should be noted that punishment, in close association with exposure to a stimulus, might further cause fear and anxiety toward that stimulus. If the owner is frustrated or anxious or the stimulus is threatening, this too will further aggravate (and justify) the fear. Finally, if the stimulus retreats or is removed during a display of fear aggression, the aggressive display will have been reinforced.

It does not always take an unpleasant experience for fear to develop. Any stimuli (e.g., people, places, sights, sounds) that a dog or cat has not been exposed to during its sensitive period of development, which is up to3 months of age in dogs and 2 months of age in cats, may become a fear-evoking stimulus. For example, the dog or cat that is exposed to adults, but not to children, during development may become fearful when first exposed to the sights, sounds, or odors of young children. The pet’s genetics also contribute to its level of fears and phobias to stimuli.

“The triggers for these behaviors are as varied as there are breeds of dogs and cats.”

Phobic responses can occur from just one exposure or gradually increase over continued exposure. In many cases of anxiety, neurotransmitter (brain chemical) function and levels may be altered and contribute to the overall behavior. Again, learning or the consequences that follow the phobic response (rewards, escape, punishment) may aggravate the problem.

Illness, pain, or the effects of aging may lead to an increase in fear or anxiety in situations where there was previously little or no problem. These changes may alter the way a pet perceives or responds to a stimulus. Age-related changes in the brain (cognitive decline) or in the sensory system (hearing, sight), arthritis, diseases that affect the hormonal system such as an increase or decrease in thyroid hormones or an overactive pituitary gland (Cushing’s), and organ degeneration (liver, kidneys) are just a few examples of health- and age-related problems that might contribute to increasing fear and anxiety. A full physical examination and diagnostic tests, if indicated, are warranted for any pet with fear or anxiety, but especially those that are intense and generalized, that have any other concurrent signs, or that did not arise until adulthood or older age.

“There is a phenomenon called ‘one trial’ learning, where an event is so traumatic that only one exposure can create fears, phobias, or anxieties.”

Is it possible to prevent fears, phobias, and anxieties?

A good program of socialization and exposure to many new and novel things while an animal is young can be helpful in preventing fears and phobias. However, there is a phenomenon called “one trial” learning, where an event is so traumatic that only one exposure can create fears, phobias, or anxieties.

Owner responses when their pet experiences a new situation that could potentially be frightening are important. Calm reassurances; happy, cheerful tones; and relaxed body postures of owners help pets experience new things without fear. Bringing along treats and play toys and giving them to the pet when it enters new environments (e.g., veterinary clinic, schoolyard) or when it meets new people or other pets can help turn the situation into one that is positive. However, if the animal is not calmed by these things, then removing the pet from the situation might be best. Conversely, if you show anxiety, apprehension, or frustration with your pet, or if you try to use punishment to stop undesirable behavior, you will likely make your pet more anxious. Knowing your pet and its individual temperament will help determine what situations you can and should expose your pet to. There is a phenomenon called ‘one trial’ learning, where an event is so traumatic that only one exposure can create fears, phobias, or anxieties.

How can these problems of fears and phobias be treated?

Each time your pet is exposed to an anxiety, fear, or phobia-inducing situation and is unable to calm down, the problem is likely to worsen. Finding a way to control, relax, calm, or distract your pet in the presence of the stimulus is needed to correct the problem and to teach your pet that there is nothing to be feared. This usually entails teaching the pet a new response when it is calm and not in the presence of the fear-provoking stimulus. A pet’s fear and anxiety will be lessened by an owner who is calm and in control. For most cases of fear, behavior modification techniques, where the pet is exposed to mild levels of the stimuli and rewarded for nonfearful behavior, are utilized. For low levels of fear or anxiety, especially when the pet is being exposed to new stimuli, many pets will calm down with continued exposure, as long as nothing is done to aggravate the fear. Consequences that reinforce the fearful behaviors (inadvertent rewards or retreat of the stimulus) or aggravate the fear (punishment) must be identified and removed. Exposure to stimuli that have an unpleasant or negative outcome (e.g., an aggressive dog, a child that pulls the dog’s tail) also serve to instill further fear. Drug therapy may be a useful addition to behavior therapy techniques and may be necessary in the treatment of some phobias.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM

© Copyright 2013 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Why should I take my pet for a behavior consultation?

With mild or minor behavioral problems, clients are often able to correct the problem by means of reward-based training, as is outlined in the other handouts in this series. However, when problems are more serious, it is easy to make the problem worse rather than improving it.

“…a consultation with your veterinarian or a referral to a knowledgeable and properly trained veterinary behaviorist helps you obtain results faster and more effectively.”

With serious problems such as severe fears or phobias, or with aggressive behaviors that represent safety risks to humans, a consultation with your veterinarian or a referral to a knowledgeable and properly trained veterinary behaviorist helps you obtain results faster and more effectively. In addition, should you require the further assistance of a trainer, both you and your trainer will have guidance on how you should proceed.

What will happen during the behavioral consultation?  

The veterinarian or animal behaviorist will ask you questions about the history of your pet’s problem, including when it began, how long it has been occurring, and what specific triggers cause or worsen the problem. You will also be asked how you have been trying to deal with the problem. Finally, the behaviorist will discuss the treatment strategy that is most appropriate for your circumstances.

The more detailed and objective your information is, the more likely that the behaviorist can reach a diagnosis or tentative diagnosis of the problem and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Who should be involved with the behavioral consultation?

It is ideal if all members of the family are present during the consultation. In this way, each member can tell the behaviorist what he or she has observed,and all of the family members can participate in the discussion. For dogs, if you are working with a trainer, check with the behaviorist to see if it might also be advisable to invite the trainer to the consultation, because some trainers may use techniques that are consistent with what you want to accomplish and others may be counterproductive.

“Veterinarians and animal behaviorists are trained to observe behavior and body language of animals and can determine whether the animal’s reactions to a situation are typical and/or normal.”

Once all the information is gathered, the behaviorist can then discuss the treatment plan with everybody involved and ensure that each family member understands how the pet will be treated.

Will I need to bring along my pet?

It is important for the behaviorist to observe the pet, as well as determine what sort of relationship there is between the pet and each family member.

Veterinarians and animal behaviorists are trained to observe behavior and body language of animals and can determine whether the animal’s reactions to a situation are typical and/or normal. The behaviorist will observe the general demeanor of the pet, as well as the pet’s response to specific test situations. Other pets within the home may also have an impact on the expression of problem behaviors and, if they can safely be brought to the consultation, they may need to be included. Please ask your behaviorist if this is necessary in your situation.

The pet’s behavior in the clinic environment may not be representative of the normal behavior when at home. Therefore, it is important for you to let the behaviorist know whether your pet’s reaction is similar to its reaction at home. In most cases, videotapes of the problem situation can be useful to help the behaviorist understand the pet and the actions within the home context. Never provoke the pet to get video footage; safety for family members and other animals must be the first priority.

What will be involved in the treatment?

“By going to a behaviorist, your family will all become part of the solution for helping your pet become a better member of the family.”

In all cases, some sort of behavior modification program will be recommended. If your pet does not have basic obedience training, you will need to start with this step. Then, depending on the situation, the therapist will teach you how to modify your pet’s behavior by means of techniques such as desensitization, counter-conditioning, response modification, shaping, or other appropriate means. In addition, various management techniques may be used to avoid the triggers for problem behaviors and to keep people and other animals safe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary.

It is Animal Health Week from Oct 2^nd to October 8^th, 2016. The slogan to this campaign is “One Health – Animal Health + Human Health + Planet Health” and The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association will be putting the spotlight on preventative health exams and responsible pet ownership. Healthy pets are much less likely to carry diseases that can infect people.

I thought it would be fun to add a twist of my own during this campaign by looking at the health benefits of pet ownership to people. There is an increasing amount of research and anecdotal evidence on the subject. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the NIH (National Institute of Health), the health benefits are both from a physical and psychological point of view.

The health benefits can possibly be explained by hormonal and chemical changes in our bodies associated to spending time with our pets, such as increasing endorphins and neurotransmitters in our brains and lowering cortisol levels. From an emotional point of view, we all know what great company they are and how entertaining they can be.

Petting an animal, or watching fish swim in a tank, can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The presence of pets can also lower cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, anxiety and feelings of loneliness or depression. Dr. Edward Creagan, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, was quoted saying, “A pet is medication without side effects that has so many benefits. I can’t always explain it myself, but for years now I’ve seen how instances of having a pet is like an effective drug. It really does help people.” He even writes the name of the patient’s pet in their medical file.

Scientists looked at 421 heart attack victims and found that 1 year after their myocardial infractions, dog owners had a higher survival rate. One interesting study on Alzheimer’s patients showed that they had fewer anxious outbursts if an animal is present. Another study looked at the effects of pet ownership on 48 stockbrokers who were taking medication for hypertension. The 24 who were given a pet had a more significant reduction in high blood pressure accompanying stress than those without pets.

Pets can increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities as well as opportunities for socialization and have even been coined as date magnets by some. People are certainly more likely to start a conversation with you when you are accompanied by a furry friend. According to one health magazine, dog owners were more likely to complete the recommended minimum 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Some argue more research is needed, but for those of us who have experienced the joys of bonding with an animal, whatever species it be, don’t need to be convinced of that warm and content feeling we get in their presence. That in itself is a huge benefit.

American Dog Tick

In a nutshell, some dogs just need their personal space respected for a number of different reasons.

It is never prudent to approach a dog you don’t know without asking first, but this project serves as an important tool to indicate that it is best to leave a particular dog alone. The Yellow Dog Project provides a way to identify certain dogs so that other people, including children, know to stay away or to keep their own dogs closer. This allows the Yellow Dog and his human time to get out of the way when passing them in public. The Yellow Dog Project encourages owners to put a yellow ribbon on the dog’s leash or to wear a yellow bandanna.

There are a number of reasons why a dog should not be approached. Aggression would be the most obvious reason, but there are other behavioral and health reasons to consider as well. It helps dog owners identify dogs who are uncomfortable around other dogs and people or who have medical reasons to do so. Here is a list of reasons:

• The dog may be in training
• He/she may be very nervous
• He/she may be very old and arthritic
• He/she may have health issues, such as diabetes, thyroid problems or be blind, for example
• He/she may be recovering from a surgery or medical treatment
• He/she may be a rescue dog being rehabilitated. The world can be a very scary place for these dogs.
• He/she may have had a bad experience with another dog
• He/she may simply not like other dogs
• A female may be in heat (not advisable to be walking her)

If you are out with your dog, and you see a dog wearing a yellow ribbon, please give the dog space and always be sure your dog is properly leashed unless you’re in a legal off-leash area.

This project is doing so many wonderful things for dogs and their humans in general. Let’s spread the education and help the movement grow.