Posts in Category: ZimmVet News & Events

As the summer starts to come to an end, many families are preparing for going back to school as apart of National Back-School Month. But many people forget that other members of their family can also go back to school – the dogs! There are many reasons to put your dog through obedience training. As you keep reading, we will go through some of the biggest ones.

Building Trust Through Training

When you attend classes with your dog, the bond between you can grow stronger. The dog will begin to look to you for guidance on what to do. You, in turn, will grow to understand more about what your dogs behaviors will be, creating boundaries for them to follow, and knowing they will listen to your commands.

Make Life Easier

Obedience classes help to address negative behaviors in dogs. Whether they are jumping on your friends when they come over, or they have destructive behaviors – training can help. You can curb the negative behaviors and gain control. Additionally, regular training sessions can help stimulate your dog mentally and physically. This, in turn, can keep them from growing bored, and looking for other, more negative outlets like chewing up your couch cushion!

Communication With Your Dog

Training your dog gives you the opportunities to get to know them better. You can learn more about their personality, and how to understand them. In turn, your dog can learn the cues you are giving, and understand the behaviors you are expecting. It can also help your dog to come out of their shell. Positive reinforcement during training can encourage your dog to interact more with not only you, but the environment around them. This can also lead to a higher level of comfort when introducing new experiences to your dog!

Every Dog is Unique

Every training course is not going to fit with every dog. Some may be done to improve specific behaviors. Or, you may attend a course designed for your dog’s specific breed and their needs. If you have a dog that has been bred to dig, they may be digging your yard up. However, you can work specifically with a trainer to address this issue, and train your dog to use a specific outlet for digging – like a sandbox!

There is also a choice between group trainings and one-on-one trainings for you and your dog. Group sessions are typically a course you attend with your dog, training alongside other humans and dogs. This type of training will normally follow a specific curriculum for the training that is designed to cover a variety of tricks and behaviors.

One-on-one training is often used to address specific behaviors, or for dogs that have behavior and aggression issues when exposed to other dogs.

Take the time to look into training for you and your pup today! You can find local classes by checking out your local PetSmart Training Courses, or you can check out a variety of trainings offered by the Animal Humane Society. For tips on training with a brand new puppy, and how to start, you can check out our blog Training Talk: Bringing Home a New Puppy!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

Microchips are becoming more and more common. You may have been asked by your veterinary team about microchipping your cat or dog last time you visited. But you might be asking – why? There are a number of reasons to get your pets microchipped. Keep reading to learn more!

Microchips Help Lost Pets get Home

Accidents happen. In this case, we are referring to a cat who slips past you to get outside, or a dog who who gets off their leash. You might see your pet disappear down the road. Even if you begin looking for them immediately, you may not find them. They may even be found by someone else before you.

This is where a microchip comes in! If your pet is microchipped, then they can be checked by an animal shelter or veterinarian and identified. Microchips hold your contact information, and some providers even send out lost pet notifications on your behalf. Microchips make it more likely to have your lost pet come home. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association references a study of over 7,700 shelter pets, which found that microchips make you more likely to be reunited with your pet! Dogs with microchips were returned to their owners at double the rate of dogs without microchips. For cats, the return rate was even more dramatic with microchips, at over nineteen times more likely to be returned to owners if they had one.

Do Microchips Harm Pets?

Microchips are able to be placed during a routine visit with your veterinarian. They are placed using a hypodermic needle, and don’t hurt any more than normal vaccines and injected medications for your pet. If your pet is already going under anesthesia, such as for neutering or spaying, the microchip can be placed at that time as well.

What about your privacy?

Don’t worry. While microchips store your contact information, it is only used in the event that your pet is lost and someone scans it to then contact you. Some manufacturers offer additional communication, such as newsletters or lost pet alerts, but you can typically opt out of these. Overall, the only information found in the microchip database is the information you choose to provide. It is important to make sure you register the microchip so it will have correct information to reach out and contact you.

Do Microchips replace ID and Rabies tags?

The simple answer is: No! While microchips are great as a permanent method to identify your pet and provide your contact information, nothing can fully replace a collar with tags on it. Tags on a collar are usually the quickest way to identify a pet and return it to it’s owner. Additionally, the rabies tag should always be displayed on your pets collar. It allows people to confirm your pet is vaccinated against the dangerous illness. Plus, the rabies tag numbers can be another way to trace your pets identity and return them to you.

For additional information on what to do in the event of a lost pet, you can check out our blog covering lost pet resources.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

We are in the peak of summer, which means trips to the beach and trips to the campground. Bringing your dog along to the campground with you is always fun. But there is a big safety hazard when your dog comes with you: the camp fire pit. Here are some things you can do to keep your pet safe during your camping trip.

Camp Fire Pit Training

The first step in camp fire safety is to teach your dog that the fire pit is not a place they are allowed. By teaching them to steer clear of the pit, they are less likely to approach it. Even when the fire pit is empty and unlit, your dog should not be allowed to touch it. There are many tempting things that go into a fire pit that a dog might want, especially if your dog loves playing with sticks! Your kindling and large sticks placed in the pit may be attractive toys to your dog. Setting a clear, off-limits boundary can prevent them from approaching to take the sticks, especially when the fire is lit!

Food at the Camp Fire

One of the best parts about camping is cooking over the open flames of a fire pit. Cooking can be a big temptation for dogs to get close to the fire. Avoid giving them pieces of food while cooking or sitting around the camp fire. Doing so cause the dog to feel comfortable approaching the fire with or without you. The same goes for tossing food scraps in the fire. The smells of good, especially anything left over after the fire is put out, can attract your dog. They may dig in the pit to try and get the food, which could be covered in chemicals from other burning trash nearby. Worse still, there may be hot embers buried in the ashes that could burn and injure your dog.

Stay Aware of Your Dogs Presence

Many pets are able to roam around the campsite freely on long leashes, which isn’t a bad thing. It lets them stretch their legs and enjoy the trip as much as you are. Being close to the fire is dangerous though, even if it’s a few feet away. A gust of wind can pick up embers and drop then in the area surrounding the fire. If your dog is too close, these embers could land on them and hurt them. The wind can also carry the smoke to your dog. If you’ve had camp fire in your face before, you know it can burn the eyes and make it difficult to breath. The same thing happens to dogs. Some exposure is inevitable, but you should be aware off the signs that your dogs has breathed in too much.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• coughing
• wheezing
• loud or difficult breathing
• disorientation
• fatigue
• reduced appetited or thirst
• red, watering, or irritated eyes

To much smoke can cause these symptoms in senior and younger pets commonly. However, the most at-risk breeds are brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with scrunched noses. Try to keep your dog upwind of the fire whenever possible to avoid possible complications.

Equipment Hazards

Like at home, you will need to be smart about the storage of your camp fire equipment. It’s important to be aware of and properly store anything that gets hot, is sharp, or toxic chemicals for the fire when not in use. Be sure to keep sharp objects, like axes, put away after use. Keep items hot from being placed into the fire, such as cooking equipment, out of reach of your dog while they cool. When it comes to lighter fluid, put it away after you get a fire going to prevent your dog from getting exposed to it.

For information on safety for your pets with other fires, such as home or wild fires, check out this article by the ASPCA. For some summer treat ideas for your dog, check out our blog post here.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses

This year, Pet Poison Prevention Week Runs from March 17^th to March 23^rd. To help you learn more, we have listed some common hazards that come around every year in the springtime. From gardening materials to plants, there are many things to be aware of!

Fertilizers

As things warm up, people will start prepping their gardens with various fertilizers. Most only cause mild symptoms, like upset stomachs, but there are some that are toxic and can be fatal if ingested by a pet. Here are a few!

• Blood Meal – A great organic fertilizer, blood meal can be very upsetting for your pets stomach. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in more severe cases, pancreatitis!
• Rose and Plant Fertilizers – many plant fertilizers contain a compound known as disulfoton, or other organophosphates. One teaspoon of this chemical can be fatal to a 55lb dog! Symptoms from ingesting this compound include drooling, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, hyperthermia, and more.
• Iron – Iron is a common additive to fertilizers. Iron can lead to toxicity in your pets! Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, shock, elevated heart rate, panting, and tremors.

Common Poisonous Plants

There are hundreds of poisonous plants out there, both inside and outside of the home. With more than 700+ plants out there that are a threat, it can be important to be aware of some of the common ones.

1. Autumn Crocus
2. Azalea
3. Aloe
4. Hyacinth
5. Lilies
6. Oleander
7. Bird of Paradise flowers
8. Daffodils
9. Sago Palm
10. Tulips

Household Cleaners

With warmer weather comes spring cleaning! As you start opening up your home and deep cleaning, it can be important to protect your pets from possible hazards caused by common cleaners at your home. Some products lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. More severe cases may show skin burns/lesions in their mouth, face, or body. It’s important to keep household cleaners out of their reach.

• Drain Cleaner
• Concentrated dishwashing chemicals
• Lime-removal products
• Oven cleaners
• Grill cleaners
• Concentrated toilet cleaners
• Bleach

This list is just a small collection of common hazards to watch out for with the warmer weather. For more information on toxins and poisons that can harm your pet, visit the Pet Poison Hotline. You can also learn about toxins in some of our other blog posts! Check out our blog on Lily Toxicity.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses

January is National Train Your Dog Month! With the cold outside, it makes for a great time to teach a new trick to your new puppy, or your dog. Every dog, big or small, old or young, can learn new tricks. Here are a couple tricks, as well as some tips to teach them to your dog.

Trick 1: Handshake

A classic trick, handshake, is great for beginners. Start by placing a treat in your hand, and closing it into a fist. Then, hold your hand out to your dog, palm up but fist still closed. Your dog should naturally paw at your hand to get to the treat. When they do, immediately open your hand to let them get to the treat, and begin praising them. Repeat this, giving the command “shake”, or your chosen command cue, until your dog starts to understand the command. Then, you can start phasing out the treat, offering it instead after they put their paw in your hand.

Trick 2: Speak and Quiet

A common behavior problem among dogs is excessive barking. One great way to solve this is to teach the “Speak” and “Quiet” commands.

The best place to start is with the “Quiet” command. The first step is to set up a situation that will cause your dog to bark, such as knocking or a doorbell ringing. Once barking, go to the window and look outside briefly to acknowledge their concern. Then, return to your dogs side with a treat or toy and get their attention. Once they stop barking, give them the treat or toy and say “Quiet”, or your command cue of your choice. Repeat this, saying the command when they stop barking, but gradually increasing the time between when they get quiet and when you give the treat. This can take some time to teach, and should be practiced frequently, but briefly each time.

On the other end of this process is teaching the “Speak” command. Begin by encouraging your dog to bark naturally, as with the “Quiet” command. When your dog barks, give your command as “Speak”, or the que word of your choice, in a clear and upbeat voice. Then, praise your dog and give them a treat or toy. Repeat this process until your dog begins to understand.

Once your dog learns the commands separately, you can begin using them together. Practice by starting with the “Speak” command, and getting them to bark a few times before giving them the “Quiet” command.

Trick 3: Back Up

Teaching your dog to back up can be a fun trick to show friends, or a nice way to keep your dog from crowding you in the kitchen, or at the door. This trick does have to start with the stay command first. If your dog knows stay, it will make the new trick easier to train.

To begin, start by commanding your dog to “Stay”. Then, take a few steps away and turn to face them. Begin moving toward your dog. Some dogs will take a few steps back immediately when you approach. If your dog does not back up right away, continue stepping forward until they do, leaning forward slightly. When your dog backs away, you can say the command “Back up”, or your chosen command cue. Follow the command with praise, a treat, or a toy.

Continue to repeat this process until your dog picks up on the command. Most dogs pick up on this command quickly, and just need to practice a few times a day to get this trick under their belt!

Tips for Teaching Tricks

1. Treats or Toys? – Every dog is different. Some prefer treats as rewards, while other prefer play.
2. Training Clickers – Many dogs do well when a training clicker is used in the training process. Giving a few clicks, followed by a command, and then a treat, can help lead to quicker training sessions for some dogs.
3. Positive Reinforcement – It is important to use positive reinforce throughout the training process. Keep your voice happy and upbeat, and never punish a pet for getting a trick wrong.
4. How often? – Training should be worked into daily life. Make it apart of your routine, spending a few minutes a day revisiting the tricks your pet knows, or beginning to train the new ones. This keeps the training fresh for your dog.
5. Consistency – the biggest part of training your dog is consistency. You must keep the training the same, especially when addressing problem behaviors. Consistency makes the training process easier throughout the process.
   

Make the best out of January, and celebrate National Train Your Dog Month by training your dog with some of these new tricks.

For more tips on training your dog, checkout this Hill’s Puppy Obedience Guide. You can also check out one of our blogs, Training Talk: Bringing Home a New Puppy, for some tips specific to puppy training.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

by Katie Meneses, HR Manager

We put out blog posts every month of the year, covering pet topics from veterinary care, to general pet topics. Let’s look back through 2023 at some of our top posts with our Year in Review!

Year in Review Number Five – Why Grooming Your Dog is Important

Number five on the list of blogs is Why Grooming Your Dog is Important. This blog covers the different aspects of dog grooming, and why each one is important to your dogs health and general wellbeing. From nail trims, to taking care of their skin and the fur coat they wear, this article covers it all!

Number Four – Leptospirosis: A Risk to Pets and People!

Number four, is our article this year about Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, or Lepto, is an illness that can effect both people and pets alike. This article warns about the ways you can get infected, typically in area’s with high levels of wildlife, and drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water and soil. Your dog can also pass it to you directly if they catch it from playing in some mud. This blog does over the symptoms of Lepto, as well as treatment and prevention through vaccination.

Number Three – Canine Influenza

Coming in at number three is our blog about canine influenza. Last year, Minnesota had an outbreak of canine influenza, centered primarily around the Twin Cities. We shared important information about how it spreads, as well as the signs and treatments through this blog post. The post also discusses prevention through vaccination, helping to protect your dog from illness.

Number Two – Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season

A big part of Minnesotan life is covered in our number two blog for this year, hunting season! Many people have dogs that they train and take out hunting with them every year. This article covers the important steps to take to keep your hunting companion protected and safe. From parasite protection, to vaccination, and exercise, this blog covers all the ways to keep your hunting dog healthy!

Year in Review Number One – Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable

Finally, our number one blog for this year, is Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable. Arthritis is a very common illness among pets. Cats and dogs alike can suffer from arthritis, starting at early ages. However, we have had new medications released in the last two years, plus pain management and other treatments available. This blog covers it all, from diagnosis to treatments.

Which of these blogs interests you the most? Keep an eye out for more educational blogs from ZimmVet in 2024!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Every year, people across the country set New Years resolutions for themselves, from getting healthier, to completing new career goals; However not many people think of making resolutions for their pets too! Use this New Years to make new resolutions about the care of your pet and their health!

A New Year’s Resolution for Your Dog

A great resolution to set for your dog is to take them on longer walks. Walks are the best source of exercise a dog can get. It helps burn off excess energy and keep their bodies healthy. It also gives you the benefit of longer walks too. In fact, longer walks can give your dog a longer life.

A 20-30 minute walk is great for healthy dogs, and shouldn’t be a problem for an already healthy dog. If your pet is obese or has health issues, then do smaller 10-minute walks throughout the day, to help build up their strength. You can also build up the length of the walk over time.

A New Year’s Resolution for Your Cat

Cats are very active creatures, even if they do appear sleepy during the day. Cats are nocturnal creatures, and are always looking for something to entertain themselves. This year, you can make a New Year’s resolution for your cat by finding more ways to enrich their life.

There are many ways to enrich your cat’s life. You can place a bed in front of a sliding glass door, or put up a window cat cot perch. The window should be in front of a tree, or a bird feeder so the cat can watch. Food and toy puzzles are also a great option to keep your cat mentally stimulated, and gain a little exercise Scratching posts and cat trees are also beneficial, giving your pet a place to climb and dig their claws in, instead of doing so on your furniture.

A New Year’s Resolutions for All Pets

There are many New Year’s resolutions that you can set for any type of pet. The first of these is to spend more quality time with your pets. Social animals, like cats and dogs, can benefit greatly from some down time with you, or from some play time.

Another important resolution to make is to keep up with regular wellness checks. Annual and bi-annual  visits are very important for your pets. Talking regularly with your veterinarian can help to catch the early signs of illness. It also gives you a chance to talk about a healthier diet for your pets, and keep up on your pets dental care.

Add one or a few of these resolutions as we enter the new year.

For more idea’s of new habits for yourself and your pet, check out AVMA’s suggestions here. Or, check out another of our blog posts on Improving your Pets Lifespan.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Snow is on its way

As winter settles in around us, we are going to see increases in cold weather, snow and ice. It is important to protect your dogs paws when the cold is here. Here are some things to do to protect your dog this winter!

Protect Your Dog From Snow

The first, and perhaps the most obvious hazard your dog will face in the winter is the ice and snow that builds up on the ground. Just like a person’s hands and feet, a dog’s paw pads are sensitive to hot and cold. Walking on top of cold snow can put them at increased risk, and as a result they can develop frostbite and dries out their paw pads.

Check your dogs paws for build up of snow, which can easily get caught between their paw pads and toes. Additionally, keep their feet well groomed, to minimize the amount of extra fur the snow may stick too. Another option you can also purchase products to help protect your dog, such as paw pad balm. Balms can both moisturize and protect your dog’s paws from cold and the build-up of snow between their toes. The image below is a paw with balm applied

Protect Your Dog With Boots

Another option is to purchase dog boots. It is important to purchase the correct size for your dog. They will need time to get used to them too. Once they are used to the boots, they will be safe from snow and the damage it can do to their paws!

If you aren’t able to purchase paw balms or boots for your dog, you can still help protect their feet by washing them off after a walk or time outside in the snow. Removing the cold pieces of snow and ice that build up can make a world of difference.

For more information on things you can do to protect your pets, check out this article by the Animal Humane Society. For idea’s to keep your dog entertained this winter, check out one of ZimmVet’s previous blogs here!

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Thanksgiving is a mark that the year is almost over, when you get together to have food with your family, enjoy the big game, and relax over a long weekend. Our pets can enjoy the holidays too, especially the foods and family. But, there are risks they face that don’t affect us, especially when it comes to food. Here are risks to your pets health, as well as tips to keep things safe for your pet.

Dinner and Dessert Dangers for your Pet

There are a lot of delicious foods at every holiday get together. From the Turkey, to the pies, everyone gets excited for dinner. However. our pet can be harmed by eating the same foods we enjoy, as they pose a danger for your pet.

• Fatty foods like turkey can lead to a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. The bones, although tasty, are dangerous too. They can cause GI obstruction, oral trauma from sharp shards, or even fracture teeth as the pet chews on them
• Common cooking ingredients during the holidays are also dangerous to your pet. Dangerous foods include: onions, garlic, raisins, and grapes.
• Yeast Dough is common in many households that bake bread during the holidays. If ingested, it can lead to painful gas and dangerous bloating in pets.
• Chocolate is dangerous for your pet, and is often found in desserts during the holidays.
• Artificial Sweeteners, like Xylitol used in sugar-free baking, are dangerous too. It can be deadly if consumed by cats and dogs.

Safe Foods for Your Pet

While there are dangerous foods during Thanksgiving, there are also some great pet-friendly treats you can give your pets. There are many healthy, safe foods for your pet, including raw fruits and vegetables you can share with your furry friend.

Safe options include:

• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Apples
• Chunks of sweet potato
• Plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened, and not spiced)

Clean Up to Keep it Safe for Your Pet

Make sure to keep the trash far away. The turkey carcass is dangerous for pets. If it is left sitting out on a counter, table, or even in the trash, is a deadly temptation. Make sure to dispose of it, including bags, strings, bones, and packaging, in a secure trash bag, in an outdoor container. Alternatively, make sure it is tucked safely behind a closed and locked door.

Know the Signs

It is important to know the signs that your pet has ingested something dangerous.

 Signs include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Depression
• Muscle twitching or seizures
• Changes in behavior that occur suddenly, such as increased agitation or restlessness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move quickly to help save your pets life. Call an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. You may also choose to call the Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661) for assistance.

Prepare for Visitors

The holidays bring family and friends together. If you plan to have a full house Thanksgiving weekend, you will need to prepare to keep your cats and dogs from finding their way through the front door. Gates are a great way to keep your front door separate from your pets as people come and go. Alternatively, you can keep them on a leash, or in another room while the door is open, to prevent daring escapes.

Another precaution is to ensure your pets identity tags and microchip are up-to-date. If they do get out of your home, they are more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, contact your veterinarian about the simple procedure to get it done.

For more information on food safety for your pet, check out the Pet Poison Hotline for ways to keep your pet safe from toxins. If you plan to go hunting this season, you should also check out tips for keeping your pets safe, and how to Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Is your pet fear free at the vet?

Veterinary visits are part of keeping your pet healthy, and keeping them fear free is beneficial. With a positive attitude and a little bit of training it can be a better experience for your fluffy friend. Ask your veterinary team to find what works best for your pet. Ask for medication to make visits go smoothly.

Treats

One way to help your pet stay fear free is using treats. Round up your pet’s favorite treats and wear your training treat pouch when visiting your veterinarian. A reward of small pieces should be given regularly during your pet’s veterinary visit. Cats may warm up to catnip or a small amount of canned food fed on a spoon during the visit. Talking in a calm voice and having your pet on a comfortable harness, such as the easy walk harness, can help.

Avoid aversive methods such as jerking on the leash, using prong or choke collars, electric collars, yelling or physical punishment. Dogs exposed to these methods are 2.2 times more likely to be aggressive to people outside the home.

Come for Positive visits

Pets should be brought to the veterinary clinic for positive visits. Come to just sit in the lobby for a minute and give treats to your pet. Or practice having your pet sit on the scale while giving treats.  Try to do this at times when it is less busy. Choose a time when there are not a lot of other pets around such as mid-week during the middle of the day. ZimmVet currently has limited lobby space due to the remodel. We recommend waiting until the construction is finished for positive visits.

Medications

Medication and sedation are not reserved as a last resort. If your pet is fearful and will not take a treat at your veterinarian’s office, your pet would benefit from additional training along with anti-anxiety medications. There are different options for dogs, orally before the appointment. Dogs commonly benefit from Trazodone, an oral medication, administered 2-3 hours prior to the appointment while cats respond well to gabapentin. Discuss with your veterinarian what will be best for your pet. Pets that have high anxiety levels even with oral medication will benefit from an injectable sedative once they arrive in the clinic. There are natural options include the thundershirt, rescue remedy and pet pheromones such as adaptil and feliway that can help with mild cases of anxiety.

Know Your Pet

If your pet gets worked up around other animals, request to go immediately to an exam room. At ZimmVet we have a side entrance that pet owners can avoid the lobby completely. Slippery floors can scare pets, bring a rubber yoga mat for your pet to sit on while waiting and in the exam room. Some pets are more comfortable on their owner’s laps or on the floor vs exam table. Make sure to voice what works best for your pet.

Safety First for Fear Free

Any pet can scratch and bite. Even pets that are easy going can react when painful and sick. If your pet is too distressed, stopping the appointment and coming back at a later time along with using medication therapy if needed.

For more tips on how to help your pet be fear free, you can check out the fear free website. If you’d like to learn about how fear and anxiety are related to behavior issues, check out our blog post here.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.