tbe_admin, Author at Fear Free

Gabapentin Reduces Stress in Feline Patients, Study Shows

Julie Liu, DVMNo sooner do you read the alert, “Caution, will bite!” on your next patient’s chart when you hear him enter the building: loud yowls in the waiting area, followed by hissing, growling, striking, and screaming when you dare to peek at him through the carrier in the exam room. Is it a scene from a veterinary horror movie? Nope, just a senior cat who’s been losing weight for a couple of months, is overdue for rabies, and oh by the way, can you also trim his nails?

Fear of the veterinarian is a common finding among our feline patients and unfortunately, left unaddressed, can often escalate to aggression and worse veterinary care. Cat parents may put off bringing their cat to the vet due to the stress involved, and veterinarians are often unable to perform an exam, diagnostics, or treatments due to risk of injury. If you’ve ever attempted to “examine” one of your feline patients by observing them solely from the carrier, a recent JAVMA study¹ may bring hope.

In the double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, two groups of healthy cats at least 6 months of age were given either gabapentin or a placebo capsule two hours before the first of two veterinary visits. One group had a history of fear-based aggressive behaviors (FAB), and the other did not.

During the vet visits, the cat parent was present but did not interact with the cat, and the vet attempted to go through the following steps with a standardized clinical exam, corresponding to a compliance score of 0 through 9: no handling; removing the cat from the carrier; cardiopulmonary auscultation; abdominal palpation; intraoral exam; ocular exam; otic exam; rectal temperature; and finally, return of the cat to the carrier. The exam was stopped if the cat tried to bite or scratch the vet, but the exam continued if the cat hissed or growled. On the second of the two visits, performed a mean of about 15 days after the first visit, the cat received the opposite treatment of either placebo or gabapentin and the steps to attempted clinical exam were repeated.

The results suggested that the compliance scores of cats in the FAB group that received gabapentin were significantly higher (median, 9) than the same cats with FAB that received a placebo (median, 0.5). Forty-two percent of the cats receiving gabapentin did experience some side effects, most commonly drowsiness and myorelaxation. However, all adverse effects had resolved after approximately 10 hours, which is a reassuring point to make with concerned cat parents. In addition, most cat parents in the study rated the gabapentin and the placebo as being fairly easy to administer with regular food.

If you’re not using gabapentin routinely for your feline patients to reduce stress, now is a great time to start. An easy way to get cat parents on board is to send home a “Fear Free goody bag” that includes two free doses of 100 mg gabapentin (a trial dose and a day-of dose), an individually packaged Feliway wipe, and the Fear Free handout “How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit.”² Cat parents who balk at having to pay a dispensing fee for a gabapentin prescription may welcome a sample, and gabapentin is so inexpensive that the cost vs. benefits of actually being able to handle and treat your feline patients will pay off a thousandfold. Just make sure you discuss potential side effects and recommend that they give the gabapentin in a tasty treat such as Churu to avoid causing a food aversion with their regular canned food.

If the cat parent does their part by administering the gabapentin to their fearful cat, we as Fear Free Certified Professionals must do ours and use feline-friendly handling. A perfectly mellow cat floating away on a cloud of gabapentin is going to come crashing to earth if they’re scruffed or dumped out of their carrier. While removal from the carrier was the second step in this study’s standardized physical exam, if a cat doesn’t want to come out of the carrier on their own, they’ll often become much more stressed when they’re removed from the familiar environment of their carrier. Try removing the top of the carrier and allowing your feline patient the option of hiding in the towel–you’ll find that you can often do an entire exam, vaccines, and sample collection this way without the cat escalating to FAB.

For more info on feline-friendly handling, check out the updated, amazing, and free AAFP webinar by Dr. Ilona Rodan.³ Even experienced cat people will learn some great tips on ways to keep their feline patients as relaxed as possible.

Kruszka, M., Graff, E., Medam, T., & Masson, S. (2021). Clinical evaluation of the effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on fear-based aggressive behaviors in cats during veterinary examinations, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(11), 1285-1291.
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https://catvets.com/education/online/webinars/feline-friendly-handling-interactions

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Julie Liu is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. In addition to advocating for Fear Free handling, she is passionate about felines and senior pet care. Learn more about Dr. Liu and her work at www.drjulieliu.com.

Parrot Prep: How to Set Up Avian Training and Behavior Classes

Rachel Lees, RVT, KPA CTP, VTS (Behavior)Behavior problems are a common cause of relinquishment and euthanasia in most domesticated species, including parrots. When obtaining a new pet, clients have specific expectations and ideas about what normal behavior looks like for each species. Whether they have a dog, cat, bird, or guinea pig, these choices are most likely made from a positive experience the client had in the past.

But what happens when things do not go as planned? What if expectations are too high and the pet obtained is unable to live up to the client’s expectations? Biting, screaming, and feather picking are parrot behaviors that many new owners are not prepared for when they acquire their pet. In the avian world, euthanasia is much less likely as most veterinarians are hesitant to end a bird’s life due to the client’s convenience, but this makes it more likely that the bird will be rehomed multiple times.

What if we were able to prepare our avian clients for behavioral problems before they start? What if avian rescues could work to teach birds specific cued behaviors to help eliminate aggression in some of these pets?

Psittacine preparatory programs or avian prep programs can be life-changing for birds and a great resource for owners to understand normal bird behavior, create realistic long-term expectations, and work toward creating an environment that is mentally and behaviorally enriching. They also help teach cued foundation behaviors used to eliminate and replace unwanted behaviors (just as we do with dogs and cats). Avian prep programs can help to strengthen the human-animal bond, keep birds in a home long-term, and increase the bond between client, bird, and clinic. Bonus: offering such programs also increases revenue through fees and the sale of products and treats.

Creating the Course

Who will teach the courses? What are the most important topics to teach? What foundation behaviors are most important and why? These are all great questions and we will break them down below:

Educator/Instructor: An avian veterinarian or veterinary technician with a special interest in birds should instruct this course. The individual should be knowledgeable in avian communication, body language, forms of enrichment, and use of positive reinforcement for training. An exotic-animal trainer may be an ideal instructor if one is in your area. This trainer should use and recommend positive reinforcement. Avoid use of aversive training techniques, which can increase fear, stress, and anxiety in all species.

Curriculum Breakdown

I recommend creating a four-week course. The first two weeks can be taught virtually or in person without the client’s bird present. The goal in the first two weeks will be to review the basics of avian communication, enrichment and environmental set up, learning theory and use of positive reinforcement (with a marker), and answer client questions. The third and fourth classes will focus on teaching cued behaviors with the birds present in the hospital. (See the chart below)

To prevent potential disease transmission or other risks for birds brought to class, take the following measures:

Waiver (indicating risk to client, bird, etc.)
One owner per bird
Clients should bring their own equipment and reinforcers (carriers, towels, etc.)
Birds will need to have a current examination by a veterinarian, complete blood cell count, and Chlamydophila screening in the past year.
- Old World parrots such as African greys, lovebirds, and cockatiels must have a negative test for circovirus
All unwanted behaviors (feather picking, etc) should have been medically worked up prior to working solely on behavior.

Class	Topic and Discussion Points
Class One (Humans Only)	· Introduction and Client Problem Behavior Discussion (Why are they here and what are they seeing at home?)· Avian Communication · Environmental Enrichment/Management
Class Two (Humans Only)	· Environmental Enrichment/Management (cont.)· Learning Theory and Using Marker Training · Marker Mechanics and Preparing for Birds in Class
Class Three (Humans and Birds)	Break down into 5- to 10-minute training sessions with short breaks in between.· Name Orientation · Target · Step to Me · Off · Station Training
Class Four (Humans and Birds)	Break down into 5- to 10-minute training sessions with short breaks in between.· Name Orientation · Target · Step to Me · Off · Station Training

Foundation Behaviors to Teach

The following behaviors can be useful to have trained and generalized prior to problem behaviors starting. Response Substitution is a term used when we want to replace an unwanted behavior with a new behavior. Teaching and creating strong cued behaviors can help to eliminate and give alternative responses in situations involving attention-seeking or aggression.

Name Orientation: Teaching birds their name can help with obtaining their attention to interrupt unwanted behaviors and ask them to offer a different behavior.

Target Training: This behavior can be used to teach the bird to move from one place to another by teaching them to place their beak near the target.

Step to Me: Cue a bird to move to handler’s arm or hand to be transported from one place to another.

Off: Cue bird to move off of handler during periods where conflict may occur.

Station Training: Teach bird to go to a specific location on cue. This can be used as an alternative behavior.

Avian prep programs and training classes are currently scarce but ideally courses like this will become as routine as dog training classes. Pet birds deserve just as much of a chance to be successful in the home environment as dogs or cats. If you or others you know are teaching a course like this, please update us on the Fear Free for Professionals Facebook Group. We would love to see your photos and ideas for these courses as well as your feedback!

Resources

Luescher, Andrew. Manual of Parrot Behavior. Blackwell Publishing. 2006

Shaw, Julie K. and Martin, Debbie. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2015.

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Rachel Lees, an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, is a veterinary technician specialist in behavior, a KPA certified training partner, and veterinary behavior technician at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She loves helping people create and maintain a strong human-animal bond.

Fear Free Success Story: Hanover Veterinary Hospital

Sandra ToneyHanover Veterinary Hospital in Cedar Lake, Indiana, has the distinction of being the first veterinary hospital in the Northwest Indiana region to become Fear Free Practice certified.

Lindsay Pollard, FFCP (Veterinary), the hospital’s practice manager, says they began trying out some Fear Free methods after hearing about the concept. “A few of our staff members obtained individual certifications,” Pollard says. “After learning more and attending a few conferences where Fear Free was highlighted, we decided to go all the way.” Hanover Veterinary Hospital completed the program to become Fear Free certified in December 2018.

When deciding to become a Fear Free Practice, the biggest difference has been in the way he interacts with the animals after certification, says owner Jeremiah Bieszczak, DVM. “The biggest change has been reading body language and emotional state/stress level and addressing that instead of pushing through it. We are better able to read pets and have more tools and knowledge to deal with these situations.”

Many long-term clients are delighted with the constructive visits they’ve had with Fear Free, and new clients are thrilled with the difference between them and their previous veterinarian, says Pollard. Oftentimes they mention the care and compassion used when handling their pets. Pollard feels they’ve made much progress with many of the patients since becoming Fear Free certified.

Fear Free helps all pets, but scared pets often need Fear Free much more to turn their lives around. Pollard has one patient in particular whom she’ll always remember and says Fear Free methods changed everything for this dog.

The pet was a 14-year-old female shepherd mix. Sally, who has since passed away, desperately needed help. “Prior to our Fear Free certification, both Sally and her owner, Sara Zilz, dreaded coming to the vet. She also had some fear aggression and anxiety issues at home. She had a very high FAS and was fearful to the point of aggression,” says Pollard. “Our exams with her were very limited at best and it took several staff members to accomplish anything with her at all.”

Sally had been adopted by Zilz from the humane society when she was 9 weeks old. She didn’t notice any problems with Sally until she took her for training and Sally became spooked by large signs in the store hanging over her head. Then she began showing other fearful behaviors. Zilz says Sally disliked smoke from the grill and even hated when someone blew out a candle. She started having food-guarding issues and was even afraid of shadows on walks.

Zilz says she never thought about potential problems at the veterinarian’s office. “I had her boarded at Hanover. Dr. Bieszczak came out when I picked her up and nicely said something along the lines of ‘She needs to be medicated before we will take her for another boarding.’ This broke my heart. I did not realize she was that bad.”

A veterinary technician named Bobbi became Sally’s best friend when she was boarded. Bobbi would sit in her kennel with her and try to get her to come out. She wouldn’t even go outside to potty. Bobbi called Zilz several times and asked if she could do some things to help her. After that, Bobbi became Sally’s veterinary technician of choice.

After they became Fear Free certified, Bieszczak started Sally on fluoxetine, an anti-depressant. This medication was a game-changer for her. Pollard says they also started doing happy visits with Sally, using treats with her during exams and treatment, and including calming pheromone products during her happy visits and exams/treatment. They also tried to keep the same staff member working with her all the time, and kept detailed notes on her likes and triggers, constantly adapting their plan and approach to better suit Sally individually.

“She made more progress with each happy visit and regular visit until eventually she was happy to see several staff members,” Pollard says, “and she was happy coming into the building. Sally would readily accept most treatment from us with the help of some treat distractors and enforcers.”

“At one point, I felt everyone wanted to give up on Sally. Once I saw the Hanover Veterinary Hospital staff was not giving up on her, I knew things would be okay,” says Zilz.

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Sandra Toney has been writing about cats for over 25 years and is an award-winning member of Cat Writers Association and Dog Writers Association of America. She has written for many print and online magazines about cat health and behavior as well as authoring eight books. She lives in northern Indiana with her cat, Angel.

Words on Birds: Collecting an Avian Behavior History

Rachel Lees, RVT, KPA CTP, VTS (Behavior)To successfully identify behavior concerns and recommend a treatment plan, a veterinary professional should be proficient in collecting a thorough behavioral history. It’s essential to gather information on daily routine, environment, training history, and other lifestyle and behavior facts.

With feathered companions, this is especially important, as many avian behavioral issues may be related to lack of environmental stimuli; specific relationships with members of the household; the owner’s behavior; and daily schedule and routine, to mention a few key pieces of behavioral history taking. Most veterinary behaviorists require a client to complete a behavioral questionnaire prior to the pet’s appointment, but even with this information, they must act as detectives, sifting through the information and asking further questions in the examination room.

This article will discuss four aspects of collecting an avian behavioral history. Having a thorough understanding of the situation can help the veterinary team reach a diagnosis.

Gaining Client Trust

This first step is an important factor in taking a history, even though it doesn’t relate to the bird’s behavior. Veterinary professionals should present themselves in a way that promotes and creates an open and honest relationship with the pet owner. If the client feels judged, the history obtained may not be accurate history, leading to misdiagnosis.

Humans communicate visually and verbally. Actively listening and appearing open, sympathetic, and relaxed are important when entering the room to evaluate the patient and meet the owner. When in an exam room with clients, I mention specific behaviors that may be challenging to ignore and tell the client that everyone makes mistakes and we all lose our tempers. I evaluate the client’s nonverbal body language and based on that, I may state that there is zero judgment in this space and that we are a safe zone. We support owners and understand that they are in the office to help their pet. It is not our job to judge, but to help the owner and pet move forward.

Abnormal vs. Normal Behavior

Clients who obtain parrots may or may not fully understand normal parrot behavior. Many clients bring their bird in for behavioral evaluation only to learn that the behavior is normal for that species. Parrots, for instance, are inherently loud, destructive, and messy. The parrot walking into the consultation is going to be the same parrot walking out. Giving the client clear expectations can be informative for clients and help them understand long-term goals for modification of unwanted behaviors. Communicating that some of these behaviors are normal can educate the client and lead to a discussion on how to manage the behavior moving forward.

Observing Behavior

This can be the most challenging part of obtaining the behavior history. It is important for the veterinary professional to witness typical behavior for the bird. With birds, the majority of behavior is going to be displayed in their home environment where they feel most comfortable. Most birds will alter their behavior in the presence of unfamiliar people. While using video to evaluate the behavior is valuable, it may add new, potentially “scary” stimuli to the situation, and this may influence the bird’s behavior.

To help to counteract this, have the client bring the camera or tripod into the environment a few days prior to collecting video and data. This should help the bird habituate to the camera and reduce or eliminate behavior changes. In the text Manual of Parrot Behavior, edited by Andrew Luescher, DACVB, it is recommended that clients film the following prior to the consultation:

Interactions with each household member (or members of the home who routinely interact with the bird)
Interactions with owner during:
- Meals/eating
- Playing
- Snuggling
Routine behavior in the cage (with owner in the room)
Routine behavior in the cage (without the owner present)
Film a “Bird View” video of what the bird sees from the cage
- Full circle view

The goal of these videos is to give the veterinary professional insight to how the bird interacts at home. The veterinary team can then read and understand the animal’s body language as it is displayed during each circumstance or situation. Caution the client against purposefully eliciting aggressive behavior or frightening the bird. The goal is for the videos to provide a glimpse of the bird’s everyday behavior and comfort level with interactions and surroundings.

Evaluating Physical Environment

The bird’s environment can play a large role in normal or abnormal behavior patterns. This can become a concern when diagnosing a behavior condition. When evaluating the pet’s physical environment, look at the following:

The bird’s cage
- Size
- Construction
- Cleanliness: A dirty cage space can cause increased stress and anxiety
- Location: Where is the cage located? In the common room with the family and or owners? Is it in an isolated space away from human interaction? Is it in the center of the room? Certain locations can increase stress and anxiety.
- Stimuli and surroundings near the cage: The cage is where the bird spends a large amount of time. Since parrots are a prey species, certain sounds, objects, or conditions may be more concerning to them, causing increased fear, stress, and anxiety. Specific objects such as clocks or portraits may increase stress and anxiety (“Why is the scary portrait staring at me?”). Loud sounds, cigarette smoke, and air quality are other factors that can make the parrot uncomfortable.
Toys and enrichment:
- Are perches and play gyms present in a social gathering space? This may suggest that the bird is able to loosely and comfortably play and interact with the equipment in the presence of people and other unknown stimuli.
- Assess the type of toy, size, construction materials, and suitability. Toys that are too challenging become uninteresting. Each toy should match the preference of the bird. Variation and rotating toys can be a useful tactic to keep toys as “fun” as possible. Some birds may not know how to play with toys, and for this reason may be more dependent on and bonded to the owner.

Veterinary professionals may also request that the client submit a video tour of the home. This can aid them in knowing what the pet may be experiencing based on human movement, placement of items, and daily routine.

These are just a few of the considerations to take into account when obtaining an avian behavioral history. Other areas to assess and discuss are the patient’s signalment, breed, developmental history, prior environmental information, and grooming. We will dive into other aspects of taking an avian history in a future blog post.

Reference:

Luescher, Andrew. Manual of Parrot Behavior. Blackwell Publishing. 2006

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Rachel Lees, an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, is a veterinary technician specialist in behavior, a KPA certified training partner, and veterinary behavior technician at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She loves helping people create and maintain a strong human-animal bond.

Does Misery Really Love Company?

Dr. Marty BeckerOne of my first memories as a child was of my father, R.J. Becker, walking slowly back into our southern Idaho farmhouse, supported by my mother, Virginia. He slowly turned his head and looked at me and I didn’t see my dad.

R.J. was a farmer, rancher, and dairyman. Why all three? He broke the back of our 160-acre farm to make farm payments, pay loans for seed and fertilizer, make repairs to aged farm equipment, and have enough for necessities and a few niceties. He was strong of build. There are black-and-white photos of my older brother, Bob Jr, and I holding onto his Popeye biceps as if they were chin-up bars. Athletic, he could make a baseball smoke, throw a football 50 yards, and do Herculean feats of lifting. He could carry a 100-pound haybale in each hand. Folks in our Castleford, Idaho, community nicknamed him Charles Atlas (look it up). But everyone also knew dad was weak. Weak of mind.

They knew because there were many times when he was so depressed, he couldn’t get out of bed for months at a time. My brother and I milked the cows before and after school. Neighbors pitched in to help us harvest our crops and take our steers to market. Then the switch would flip, and Dad would be manic. Mania meant excessive drinking, philandering, gambling, wanting to sell the ranch, and constant threats of splitting up our family through divorce. I remember a pastor cautioning that Dad might take his life with depression but would ruin his life with mania.

Back to when dad looked at me. When he turned his head, I could see where the hair had been cut short on the sides of his head and I could see circles burned into his scalp. I only learned later in life that he’d had shock treatments to try and jump-start his brain out of depression. To get out of the darkness, he was willing to fry his brain (this isn’t much of an exaggeration as the shock treatments of the day were not microdoses and were not done under anesthesia like they are today).

The treatments turned Dad into sort of a zombie. No short-term memory, no joy, a 1000-yard stare. Manic depression is hereditary. Dad’s father, brother, and sister all committed suicide. So did Dad. I’ve had suicidal thoughts as well. My Mom’s genetics gave me a Mensa brain, photographic memory, creativity, and a can-do spirit. Mom’s seemed to define me until my 40s when the “dark clouds,” as Dad used to call them came rolling in.

I’ve always felt that God has played favorites with me. I’ve been married for 43 years to the love of my life, Teresa. I have a great family. I love where I live, love what I do, and feel blessed. But I also have manic depression. My lows aren’t as low as Dad’s; I’ve never been bedridden or had to have shock treatments. Nor are my highs. No excessive drinking, gambling, or risky behavior; just a propensity to spend too much money or give too much money away. In some ways, mania has been a great blessing.

Mania allows you to think that nothing is impossible, and creative ideas can come at you like a summer hailstorm. I know that Fear Free came out of mania. I knew it was something that had to be successful because it helped all stakeholders. The only “no” I knew was “no problem.”

People in our community growing up were either heartbroken for R.J. Becker or scared of him. They didn’t want to see the strongman weak. They also didn’t want to see the strongman intoxicated and angry. Dad? He hated himself, even during the periods when he wasn’t depressed or manic. He was embarrassed. Felt weak and worthless. Even though through his efforts he put all four of his children through college; a physician, an attorney, and a veterinarian. His suffering and shame ended when he mouthed a shotgun just after his 80^th birthday.

I’ve taken a different route. Dad wouldn’t take his medication because he didn’t need it. I always take mine because I know I have to have it. Dad would only talk about his problems with a minister. I trust boarded psychologists and therapists. Dad covered up his mental illness. I share mine with the world because I know that I can help others be successful in treating their mental illness.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people say, “You have depression? You have everything!” Yes, I’ve got a successful relationship with God, Teresa, my family, my friends and neighbors. Yes, I’ve had a very successful career by all measures. Yes, I’ve seen the world (89 countries) and live in a beautiful log home on a drop-dead gorgeous horse ranch in the mountains of northern Idaho. Yes, I’m part of something that’s changing the world for animals, literally and figuratively, with Fear Free. I do have everything. Except for the right brain chemicals to be happy, healthy, and alive.

In 2020, at age 66, I had my first serious suicidal thought. It was right at the start of COVID, and as I drove home from the airport in Spokane, Washington, to our ranch in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, I looked over at a frozen lake I’d driven by hundreds of times and thought, “I think I’ll just drive over the railroad tracks, onto the thin ice of the lake, and sink.” Blessedly, because of my faith, family, and the mental strength I’ve developed from therapy, my next action after this sinking feeling was to stop the pickup, call my doctor, and make an appointment.

I hope that this message serves to let you know that if you’re depressed, anxious, or suffer any other mental health issue, you’re not alone. To let you know that there are dozens of crazy-happy people you know who are so sad and depressed inside. To paraphrase an old drug message, “Just Say Know.”

If you are in the U.S. and suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts of any sort, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273TALK; 800-273-8255; suicidepreventionlifeline.org). It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No matter what problems you are dealing with, people on the other end of the line will help you find a reason to keep living. You can find resources outside the U.S. here.(https://www.drmartybecker.com/this-and-that/merry-christmas-and-support-for-those-who-arent-merry/)

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” is the founder of Fear Free, which works to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. This includes veterinary and other pet professionals as well as pet parents through FearFreeHappyHomes.com and animal shelter and rescue group staff and volunteers through FearFreeShelters.com.

Fear Free Success Story: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Sandra Toney
Animal shelters are probably one of the places that cause the most anxiety for a pet. They are confused and scared in the unfamiliar surroundings. More and more shelters are using the skills they learned from the Fear Free program for dealing with distraught and frightened animals. The more that shelter staff use what they learn from the Fear Free program, the more animals they can help to become happy and adoptable pets.

“The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has always strived to provide the best care to the animals in our facility, and by having all of our staff undergo Fear Free training, we are expanding the way we can help animals be healthier and more comfortable,” says executive director Stella Hanly. “I’ve been so excited to see how our staff has expanded upon these core principles to engage with each animal individually and help them on these next steps of their journeys.”

The Virginia-based nonprofit shelter has been a refuge for homeless pets since 1946. The shelter cares for more than 2,000 animals per year: everything from cats and dogs to iguanas and chinchillas. Five hundred volunteers provide a much-needed boost to day-to-day staff.

Gina Hardter, director of marketing and communications, first became aware of the Fear Free program several years ago when she was looking for a course on dog behavior.

After looking into the program, shelter management decided the entire staff would benefit from Fear Free certification. “We are always looking for ways to advance the level of care we can give to our animals, to keep them happy and healthy,” Hardter says. “The Fear Free approach provided structured guidance that could be used consistently by all of our teams.”

Becoming Fear Free certified gave the team direction in practices they had been considering, says adoptions manager Sean Furmage. “It was a good way for all of us to be working from the same set of information, especially about animal body language, as well as great advice on how to reduce stress in our interactions.”

The personal victories with certain animals have been another benefit of Fear Free certification. Furmage recalls a young terrier mix named Buddie, who was shy and appeared frightened of the men on staff. Furmage spent several weeks simply walking by and tossing her treats, not forcing an interaction, and eventually began to sit with her while attempting to take her outside the kennel. When two male adopters came to meet her, he explained to them what they might see with her.

“During their first meeting, she mostly just watched them from a distance. But then they came back a second time and a third time, and that time, she let them pet her and you could see in her body that she wasn’t as scared,” says Furmage. “We offered them the chance to foster her so they could get to know her even better, and I actually drove her to their house so she felt more comfortable. A week later, they adopted her and have sent us the cutest photos of how well she’s doing with them now.”

Julian Carter, animal care and behavior associate, says becoming Fear Free certified has made a difference in his awareness of animals’ boundaries and how respecting those boundaries can help each animal be more comfortable and less anxious.

“We’re lucky because we can give animals the time and space they need to feel comfortable and, by observing their behavior and reading body language, it helps to cut down on stress and injuries or actions that may result from it.”

Carter had his victory moment with a young, energetic dog named Juice. “He pulled a lot on his leash, was reactive in his kennel, and he didn’t really have any manners. We realized that he needed time to feel comfortable with people, and the consistency of a training plan so that everyone who was working with him was doing the same thing. It helped him to build expectations, which made him more comfortable around people as well as learning manners and tricks that would be helpful when he went to his new home.”

Several trained staff and volunteers worked with Juice. They took him outside so he could burn off excess energy, making his training fun. Soon, it was wonderful for staff and volunteers to see how far he had come from those days of barking and growling in his kennel. Carter says, “Juice actually just went home earlier this week because of the Fear Free treatment and training approach, which helped get him ready for a home environment.” While ultimately that home was not the right fit for Juice, the team at AWLA continues to work with the dog on his training plan to help him grow and be ready to meet his future family.

Working with sick and injured animals is certainly more challenging than healthy ones. Arianne Killen, senior manager of veterinary and foster care, has worked at AWLA for nearly four years. She says when she’s examining animals and performing standard care, she thinks more about the animal’s stress levels and what she can do to keep their anxiety levels down.

Whenever she’s in the veterinary suite, she remembers her Fear Free training. “They are already in pain and probably very stressed,” Killen says, “but by keeping calm, quiet, and moving slowly and predictably, I can help prevent that stress level from rising, which could make them feel even worse.”

A cat named Church came to the AWLA shelter after being at another shelter for about six months and not getting much attention from potential adopters. He hid under his bed when people came around.

“He was also a little shy about people being around his head because of previous medical treatments,” Killen says. “I realized he was the kind of cat that you just needed to follow his lead. If I put my finger out, he would slowly come up and sniff it, then rub his head against it. Once I did that, he was so much more comfortable with me, and then I could work with him much more reliably to provide medical attention.”

Hardter recalls an older Cocker Spaniel who came into the shelter. His leg had been amputated after an injury, and he would yelp or scream whenever anyone touched him, or even if he thought they were going to touch him.

“We could tell he was beyond stressed but did not know how to help,” she says. “We followed his lead by giving him space to be with us without forcing an interaction and soon found he was following close behind us, even though he still didn’t want to be touched. One evening when our office was empty, I just sat on the ground near his bed and started talking to him. I wasn’t looking at him but just chatting in a calm, even voice.”

She started reading him her emails because she didn’t know what else to say. Suddenly, she felt something on her arm. To her surprise, he had approached her on his own and leaned gently against her.

“Because of his location, I was able to pet him on his neck – and he didn’t scream. We sat that way for 20 minutes,” Hardter says. “He still had a way to go before he was ready to find his family, but that was our first sign that he was ready to start that journey and, because we followed his lead, I think he learned that he could trust that people were safe to be around and just wanted to help him.”

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Sandra Toney has been writing about cats for over 25 years and is an award-winning member of Cat Writers Association and Dog Writers Association of America. She has written for many print and online magazines about cat health and behavior as well as authoring eight books. She lives in northern Indiana with her cat, Angel.

Top photo: Cupcake, courtesy DeSilva Studios; Cooper (rabbit), courtesy Dirty Paw Photography

Bunny Basics: 10 Facts Clients Should Know Before Getting a Rabbit

Steve DaleWhile rabbits can be wonderful pets, they’re often acquired without much forethought or concern for their needs. The following information can help curious clients decide if a bunny is right for their family and provide the proper care these special animals need.

Rabbits are often an impulse purchase made for young children, but in reality they are an 8- to 12-year commitment and better suited to adults or to families with older children. Research beforehand can help ensure that they are the right pet at the right time for a family.
Rabbits have special health needs and require regular veterinary checks and wellness exams. Be prepared to refer clients to an exotic companion mammal specialist or, if one isn’t available in your area, to educate yourself about their needs.
House rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Uterine cancer rates are high among female rabbits. If the cancer hasn’t metastasized, there’s a high curative rate, but if it has, which is common as rabbits age, the outlook is not good. Females can be spayed when they are six months old. Male rabbits can be neutered when 8 to 12 weeks old. Neutering can help to prevent potential hormone-related behaviors in bunnies. That’s important, because those behaviors are often a reason rabbits are relinquished to shelters. Clients should be prepared to seek the advice of a rabbit behavior expert in case their rabbit exhibits behaviors they don’t understand. Putting a house rabbit outdoors to fend for himself is a death sentence.
Pet rabbits aren’t Bugs Bunny. People think rabbits like to eat carrots, and they’re right about that. However, carrots, apples, and other fruits high in sugar should be offered only as small occasional treats. A rabbit’s diet should consist of high-quality pellets and daily fresh hay (timothy hay, oat hay, and other grass hays). Access to fresh hay is essential to rabbit health. Note: rabbits can be great companions for vegetarians in search of a non-meat-eating pet.
Rabbits are often purchased for young children, but the two aren’t a good match. Young children are hard-wired to hug, cuddle, pick up, and carry rabbits. “Rabbits are prey animals by nature; the only time they’re picked up is if they are about to be dinner,” says Anne Martin, executive director of the House Rabbit Society. “They’re usually very fearful of being held and snuggled. Adults and older children are better aware of rabbit body language and respond to what the rabbit is ‘saying.’”
Rabbits don’t like being held, lifted up, or hugged. They may squirm when picked up, Martin says, and are easily injured if dropped.
Rabbits are easy to litter box train. They need a litter box that is large enough to give them plenty of space to move around. Advise clients to fill the box with rabbit-safe litter and fresh hay.
Rabbits are social and love having friends. Before bunny play dates are arranged, though, each bunny should be spayed or neutered and have a clean bill of health. Rabbits can be picky about who their friends are. Clients should place them side by side in cages at first to test compatibility.
Bunnies prefer predictability and aren’t fond of turmoil. They need a place where they can retreat from commotion.
Rabbits should live indoors. Rabbits kept outdoors are at risk from lawn herbicides and pesticides; predators, including neighborhood dogs; and inclement weather. They are happier, healthier, and safer living indoors.

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant) has written and contributed to many books about pets; hosts three radio shows; contributes to Veterinary Practice News, CATSTER and others; is on the Board of Directors of the Human Animal Bond Association and Winn Feline Foundation, and is chief correspondent for Fear Free Happy Homes. He speaks at conferences worldwide. His blog: www.stevedale.tv

Trainer/Groomer Sees Success With Fear Free

Sandra Toney
Jeannette Kincaid became interested in dog training over 20 years ago when she adopted a shy, fearful Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix named Lydia. Unfortunately, Lydia was terrified of the world. Kincaid says she vowed to make a better life for her dog, so she started researching how to make Lydia feel as safe and happy as possible.

“It lit a spark in me and that passion has never subsided,” says Kincaid.

Going on to live 13 years, Lydia was never a social butterfly but, with Kincaid’s love and encouragement, she enjoyed seeing people and trying new adventures.

“Near the end of her life, we took a beach trip and she settled down on the patio for dinner with us,” Kincaid says, “It was truly one of the best moments of my life.”

Kincaid has now been a professional dog trainer for 15 years and, for the past nine years, has worked at Train My Dogs Austin and Onion Creek Kennels. Train My Dogs Austin is a positive training, boarding, and daycare facility in Austin, Texas, while Onion Creek Kennels in south Austin focuses on daycare, cat and dog boarding, and cat and dog grooming – all using positive reinforcement for the pet clients.

As head trainer at both facilities, Kincaid is currently enrolled in Animal Behavior College’s Grooming Instruction program, so she will soon become a professional groomer as well.

Fear Free certified in both training and grooming, Kincaid decided to take the courses when she began having an influx of training clients whose pets had been let go from their groomers for behavior reasons and needed a new facility for their dogs to be groomed.

Since Kincaid also groomed dogs, she began working with her training clients. “The Fear Free program has been very helpful in teaching me how to work with dogs in a manner that can help them grow to like grooming as well as a good foundation of knowing when to continue grooming and when to stop.”

Her training approach was already similar with the Fear Free program’s principles and techniques, says Kincaid, but what she lacked was concrete ways to illustrate and explain to clients and colleagues why she would continue working with a dog in some circumstances, and when she would stop and step back. The Fear Free certification program gave her great handouts with clear illustrations to help clients learn how to identify FAS (fear, anxiety, and stress). It has clear illustrations laying out various levels of stress such as when to push forward and when to stop and reduce stress.

The handouts have had a huge effect on client follow-through and understanding. She loves the continuing education available. “The Fear Free program has the best webinar on how to do a nail trim that I have seen,” says Kincaid. “Becoming Fear Free certified as a trainer and a groomer has really opened up a whole new subset of clients. It is also extremely rewarding to work dogs into grooming that were not able to be groomed previously. The clients are always so grateful.”

Kincaid says one case where her Fear Free certification was crucial was in working with a 6-month-old Schnauzer other groomers wouldn’t handle. He would start biting even while being brushed. Kincaid decided to take him on as a client because he was young and would need to be groomed for the rest of his life.

“We set up a training program where he came once a week and I worked on counterconditioning him to various tools and holds needed for grooming. We only ever pressed on if he stayed in the green level on the FAS ladder. We adjusted if his FAS started rising.

“We really leaned into the idea of need versus want,” she says, “meaning we stopped frequently, and he went home only partially done. But over a few months, we were able to complete an entire full groom and he went home looking great. This dog was labeled as a dog that couldn’t be groomed and now is able to be groomed and,” Kincaid says, “he loves his groomer.”

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Sandra Toney has been writing about pets for over 25 years and is an award-winning member of Cat Writers Association and Dog Writers Association of America. She has written for many print and online magazines as well as authoring eight books. She lives in northern Indiana with her cat, Angel.

Feline Pheromones: The Science Behind Them

Ramona MarekIf you have a veterinary practice or manage a shelter, you’re likely familiar with pheromone products available in the form of diffusers, sprays, wipes, or collars. These products claim to stop unwanted behaviors such as scratching, spraying, litter box mishaps, hiding, and fighting. Do they really have those properties, and should you recommend them to clients or adopters? Let’s dive into the science of pheromones: what they are, how they work, and whether they can help cats.

Pheromone History

Scientists have long been fascinated by the notion of chemical communication between members of the same species. The first pheromone, a female silk moth secretion, was chemically identified in 1959 by German chemist Adolf Butenandt and his team.

Pheromones are odorless, colorless chemical signals used as a form of intraspecies scent communication. When detected they cause physiological and behavioral changes.

What Pheromones Do

Pheromones have a broad range of purposes that include alarm signaling, mating, social interactions, territory marking, and maternal bonding. Cats of all species send and receive messages via the pheromone message board.

Pheromones are secreted by specialized sebaceous or mucous glands on the body. For cats, these include facial glands (on chin, cheeks, and forehead), anal glands, paw pads, and mammary area.

When cats rub their heads against people, furniture, or objects, comforting pheromones are released from the cheek glands, marking this place as a comforting one for future feline reference.

Anal glands release pheromones in urine and feces that deliver messages regarding mating viability, expression of fear or stress, or territorial response (think urine marking or spraying). Scratching, a natural cat behavior, releases pheromones from the paw pads. Scratching delivers scent and visual cues about territorial ownership to other cats.

Mammary pheromones are activated in nursing mothers when kittens suckle. Kittens detect the pheromones, which produce a calming response. It also helps kitten and mother cat recognize each other if they become separated.

Pheromones are detected through the complex olfactory system and received via the nasal cavity, lined with millions of olfactory receptor cells. Once detected, cats tongue-flick the molecules to the vomeronasal, or Jacobson’s, organ, located on the roof of the mouth. This stimulates the flehmen response, which causes the mouth to gape open. It may look like a sneer, but this active process enhances pheromone perception. The pathway continues to the brain, which produces a behavioral or physiological response.

Natural pheromones perform a variety of important functions, but what about synthetic pheromones?

Using Synthetic Pheromones

Synthetic pheromones are lab recreations that mimic natural pheromones to help promote a sense of calm and security in stressful situations. The idea is to build a sense of confidence and prevent or alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) and related behaviors such as spraying, scratching, and intercat aggression. They are not sedatives, essential oils, or medication.

The first companion animal pheromone product, Feliway Classic by Ceva, debuted on the pet market in 1996. This product, available in spray and diffuser, is a copycat of the feline F3 facial-marking pheromone deposited when cats rub their cheeks on objects, marking the area as safe. Feliway MultiCat, based on the cat appeasing pheromone (CAP), premiered in 2016. CAP originates in the mammary region of nursing mothers and provides a sense of safety, security, and harmony. It helps to reduce conflict and social tension in multi-cat households. Feliway Optimum is the latest diffuser product. FELIWAY Optimum may help to reduce scratching, urine spraying, tension and conflicts between cats, fears, and reactions to changes.

Synthetic pheromone products can be layered and used together in the clinic, shelter, or home. For example, Feliway Classic and Feliway MultiCat diffusers can be used together in exam rooms, shelter cat rooms, and in homes. The diffusers can also be used in combination with the spray Feliway Classic on towels or mats in an exam room, shelter cat living area, or on a cat’s favorite blanket or carrier. In the home, Feliway Optimum can be used in preferred scratching areas.

Other companies have launched similar products, and there are dog versions too. Dog and cat products can be used together to promote peaceful compatibility in multi-pet homes. Because pheromones are species-specific, cat pheromones don’t work on dogs and vice versa.

Does this mean clients or adopters can plug in a diffuser, snap on a collar, or spritz a blanket and expect immediate and magical behavior changes? No. Some cats may be more receptive to pheromones and alter their behavior, but pheromone products aren’t magic elixirs. The underlying cause of the stress must also be identified and resolved.

Synthetic pheromones are an aid in a behavioral plan, not a one-size-fits-all cure. “Synthetic pheromones can be successful when a client follows the written-out behavior plan,” says Rachel Geller, Ed.D., Certified Cat Behaviorist. “Sometimes the addition of synthetic pheromones allows the cat to better access the behavior program. Alone, the products usually aren’t enough to resolve the problem but when used with behavior modification they can resolve some of the emotional part of the problem for the cat. I never put a timeline on resolving cat behavior problems. In these matters, it’s best to go at the cat’s pace!”

Whether used in veterinary clinics, shelters, or homes pheromone products are designed to bolster a sense of calm, comfort, and positive feelings in stressful environments. It’s important to assess the environment from the cat’s perspective.

Trips to the veterinarian usually induce high levels of FAS. Before the trip, advise clients to spray the carrier and a towel with the synthetic pheromone, and wait about 15 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate before putting the cat inside the carrier. Cover the carrier with the towel. The calming effect lasts four to five hours.
Scratching and spraying. “Synthetic pheromones can be used if you have a cat who is peeing to mark his territory. Cats don’t pee on territory where they facially mark, so these products trick the cat into thinking he has already marked the territory as his own,” says Dr. Geller.
Litter box avoidance. First, schedule a vet visit to rule out medical conditions. Recommend that clients set up the litter box arrangement to optimize cat-friendly preferences (size, location, number, preferred litter). Keep it clean! Owners should avoid punishing cats and add positive social interactions.

“Synthetic pheromones are especially helpful for those times where everything is completely new. Examples are moving to a new home, buying new furniture, or putting in new carpet. These products can be used on unfamiliar objects in the home to help a cat feel more safe and secure with them,” says Geller. Suggest that clients use the products in their home before bringing home a newly adopted cat to provide a sense of comfort and security upon arrival.

When a cat’s sense of wellbeing is disrupted, they can become stressed. Stressors can be environmental, physiologic, or social. Stress can be mild, moderate, or severe, temporary, or chronic.

Stress has a profound effect on emotional and physical health and behavior. Stressed cats may refuse to eat, become ill, or develop serious behavior problems. Minimizing stress is crucial to the health and wellbeing of cats. Synthetic pheromones can help to make cats feel safe and secure in their environment.

“Many times, cat behavior is 100-percent fixable and solvable through consistent behavioral interventions that are developed by looking at what is happening from the cat’s point of view. There is always a reason! If there is more going on, such as an emotional issue, stress, or anxiety, pheromones and even a pharmacological approach can be considered,” Geller says.

Pheromone products are versatile and easy to use, and they can be used in combination with a behavioral plan and medical treatments. While not magic, they may be the essential element your feline patients or shelter cats need to ensure a healthy, happy life.

Sources

Rachel Geller, Ed.D., Certified Cat Behaviorist

Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM (CA). Fear Free webinar. The Science for Pheromone Therapy: Show Me the Evidence.

American Scientist. How Animals Communicate Via Pheromones. Tristam Wyatt.

https://www.americanscientist.org/article/how-animals-communicate-via-pheromones

Tristram D. Wyatt, Pheromones, Current Biology, Volume 27, Issue 15, 2017, Pages R739-R743,

ISSN 0960-9822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.06.039.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982217307765

Prior, Miriam Rebecca, Mills, Daniel Simon. Cats vs. Dogs: The Efficacy of Feliway FriendsTM and AdaptilTM Products in Multispecies Homes. Frontiers in Veterinary Science Volume 7, 2020, Pages 399. ISSN 2297-1769, DOI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00399.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00399/full

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed, is an award-winning writer and 2017 recipient of the prestigious Fear Free Pets Award. She writes about pet care, health and behavior, and cats in the arts. She’s also the author of “Cats for the GENIUS.” Her feline muses are Tsarevich Ivan, a joie de vivre silver tabby Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a full-time diva dressed as an “anything but plain” brown tabby. You can read more about Ramona and her work at www.RamonaMarek.com.

Veterinary Profession Burnout: A First-Person Account

Editor’s Note:Alyson Evans is a Fear Free Certified veterinary technician, a certified Compassion Fatigue coach, and the hospital manager at Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This first-person piece is part of an email to Fear Free Education team staff describing her own experience working in the field, in the currently overwhelmed veterinary industry. We thought that many of you might relate to it, so we asked if we could share it.

I thought I was happy and handling my stress well, but I wasn’t. I was hiding stress from my team and taking it out on my husband and son. Not a healthy way to cope. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

I received some personal coaching about burnout and had some one-on-one time with a coach. It was eye-opening to me and confirmed that I was suffering from burnout. “Suffering” is a difficult word to stomach, especially when talking about yourself.

Here is perhaps an even harder pill to swallow: As women, we let ourselves get into a position of burnout. Men don’t typically experience burnout as much as women do. We are raised and taught to be the primary caregivers for our children and family. We put ourselves last and think that we need to be more like men to succeed.

Once I realized I had allowed myself to take on all of these roles, I said right then: “No more.” I set boundaries at home with my 3-year-old son and my husband. I want to raise my son to know that women are not just caregivers; they are individuals who need boundaries and that he needs to be a partner in any relationship he is in, work or personal.

I told my team that although I seemed happy and upbeat at work, I would go home and keep thinking about all of them. How would I get them pay increases if we didn’t hit our quarterly goals? How could I show more appreciation? Would more of my team quit? How would I find replacement team members given the national shortage of veterinary professionals?

One of my exercises was to fill out a pie chart. Out of 100 percent of the day, how much of that time was spent thinking about work? How much was spent caring for my son? How much time did my husband receive? Then, how much for me? Out of the time spent with my son and husband, how much time was I actually present: No phone on me, not multitasking, but actually engaging with them? This was so difficult, and at this point I burst into tears.

I spent 80 percent of my day thinking about work, from the time I woke up to hours after I had left. I gave 15 percent to my son and 5 percent to my husband, leaving 0 percent to myself.

Having the visual of the pie chart led me to set new rules or boundaries in my home. When my son and I get home from school and work, we spend 30 minutes outside together listening to children’s music and drawing with chalk on our driveway (both adults and kids need to be able to transition from work/school to home). Once we do that, we go inside and I call my husband to see when he will be home so I can make dinner or start prepping dinner for him to make. (We make a weekly dinner menu to take that added daily stress off our plate.) When he arrives home, we each have 30 minutes to send any necessary texts and then phones go on chargers in our bedroom so we can engage, be present, eat together, and talk during dinner. Once our son is in bed, we take 30 minutes to check Facebook or do whatever we want before spending quality time together.

A big part of combating burnout is owning your share of it and how you got there. If there have been a lot of euthanasias, speak up and let your supervisor know that emotionally, you need a break. (I just did four in two days and needed to tap out for the last one of the day). It is okay to admit that and to speak up when it is to the point of emotional breakage, but if you are someone who just dodges euthanasias and puts that strain on your co-workers, then that is not fair to your team members. We must own what is happening to us and reflect on what we are allowing to cause the burnout.

Support staff should check in on doctors who have done multiple euthanasias, as they should with each other. Management needs to do so as well. If management is also a trained tech, have them take a euthanasia or two if they can, to lighten the emotional load that their team carries.

For management teams: When you hear a team member say “I’m so burned out,” take that seriously and pull that member aside to talk. Have that conversation, because if it really is burnout, they need some time to be away from work to focus on themselves, talk with a coach or therapist, and get support. Having wellness conversations with team members is important in this field and is the only way we can keep our team mentally healthy.

Alyson Evans, CVMA CVA, RVT, CVT, CCFP, Hospital Manager, Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Check out our Fear Free on the House page for resources on wellness, quick tips, and more!

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

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