Age is a blessing and a curse. Although every pet owner hopes their four-legged friend will reach their golden years, this special era is often marred by age-related physical and mental decline. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common, yet often overlooked, dementia disorder that affects roughly 28% of 11- to 12-year-old dogs, 68% of [...]
When your feline friend uses your new couch as a scratching post, you may question why your cat even needs those sharp, shredding claws. Your cat’s destructive scratching can seriously frustrate you. However, before you banish your kitty from the living room, remember that scratching is a natural and vital feline behavior. Our Veterinary Behavior [...]
Boarding can be stressful for pets and their owners. Fortunately, an increasing number of boarding facilities recognize that a pet’s emotional wellbeing is equally as important as their physical comfort and safety. Fear Free Certified professionals who staff boarding facilities have taken steps to create a positive and calming environment that pets enjoy, rather than [...]
Your pet’s internal health has a powerful influence on their behavior and personality. Something as seemingly innocuous as an allergy, which causes constant irritation, itching, and an overactive immune system, not only disrupts their skin, but also their way of life. Your pet’s recent moodiness, hyperactivity, or general misbehavior may be caused by an underlying [...]
If your pet misbehaves during grooming, hates having their nails trimmed, or hides when it’s bath time, it may not be because they’re stubborn—instead, they may be frightened, uncomfortable, or stressed. Fear Free handling and care techniques are a simple and effective way to help your pet feel safe and confident during routine grooming tasks. [...]
At a glance, your cat may appear quiet and composed, but on the inside, chronic stress may be plaguing them. Despite their cool exterior, our feline friends are highly sensitive to changes in their internal and external environments. When changes occur, stress is an automatic—and unhealthy—response. Unfortunately, cats express stress in peculiar and seemingly unrelated [...]
If your pet suffers from thunderstorm-related anxiety (i.e., storm phobia), you likely dread each time you hear an approaching storm’s distant rumble. Seeing your beloved pet suffer intense emotional and physical distress every time the barometric pressure drops likely triggers your own anxiety—along with helplessness and heartache. As you do when any storm is forecast, [...]
Much like your cat’s vital signs, their behavior can be an outward expression of an internal problem. Changes in their personality or routine can provide valuable clues about their physical and emotional health. And, because cats are notorious for masking illness and discomfort, behavior change is often the only way to identify chronic (i.e., ongoing [...]
Does your pet panic when they hear a loud, irritating, or sudden sound? Noise aversion (i.e., sound sensitivity or noise anxiety) is a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition that can affect dogs and, less commonly, cats. Left untreated, what starts as occasional nervousness or jumpy behavior can progress into severe and crippling anxiety. Fortunately, early [...]
A puppy can be a disruptive presence in your home, and while no puppy is fully trained at adoption, you want to ensure your puppy is trainable so you don’t regret your decision. Certain factors and life experiences affecting a puppy can help prevent behavioral issues. Our Veterinary Behavior Solutions team wants your puppy adoption [...]