February 2024 Newsletter
Call to Action:
One of our very own LVTs, Alyssa, is working on obtaining her MS in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare and will be performing a study on stress in dogs having their blood drawn in the veterinary hospital this fall. She is looking for 40 dogs to participate and needs some dedicated volunteers who meet the following criteria:
Dogs aged between 2-10 years
Generally healthy and living in the current home for at least 6 months
Due for bloodwork during the study period (roughly September 2023 through January 2024)
Not currently on any medications (other than flea/tick/heartworm preventative) and does not require pre-visit medications for stress and anxiety in the hospital
Chronic Apoquel or NSAID use is also okay!
The purpose of this study is to assess dogs’ physiological and behavioral responses to stress experienced in the veterinary hospital when having blood drawn and also to assess the validity of the Fear Free(™) Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale.
If you are interested in volunteering to participate in this study and want more information, please complete this consent form and Alyssa will be in touch with more detailed information and scheduling options!
**As extra incentive, Alyssa is able to offer $20 off heartworm tests - with the tech appointment fee waived if the heartworm testing would’ve otherwise been performed during an annual visit**
Cats & Cars… The Secret Battle
Most of us have experienced being in the car with an unhappy cat - whether for a quick trip to the vet or a longer ride - it’s clear they want to be anywhere but in the car. So, is it just an aversion to new spaces? Change of routine? Scared of the movements? Maybe! But it could also be the unfamiliar motions making them feel sick! Whether through vocalizing their uncomfortable, vomiting, diarrhea, or even drooling there are several signs to look out for!
Check out this article for some more information and recommendations - as always, please contact your Veterinarian for any medical advice or prescriptions to help assist with nausea!
Say No to Hello! (It’s Not Rude)
Proper socialization, spatial awareness, and time limits are lessons that both our kids and our dogs have to learn - that despite maybe wanting to be a friend to everyone, not everyone is at your level of friendliness or availability. Boundaries are important - setting them or respecting them! Check out this article that explains how to assess situations, your pet’s signals, the importance of not having to socialize, and having the ability to be both told and to be able to say “no” to “Hello”…
DVM Blog Post Highlight: CAC in the Community
In this month’s DVM Blog post, Dr. Ungerer spends time reflecting on how CAC has been supporting the community in special relationships with local rescues, businesses, and low-cost clinics! These events have a lasting impact on not only the pets and community but the participants and volunteers as well!
CAC is honored to be able to provide a courtesy initial examination to pets adopted from these shelters or rescue groups within 14 days of adoption:
Fear Free Tip of the Month
As both a medical and Fear Free clinic, there are definite struggles in performing procedures, vaccines, or even getting blood work in a way that isn’t stressful or harmful to the pet, owner, or staff. While PVPs (Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals) or sedation can be extremely useful for highly anxious or stressed pets, there are others whose anxieties could be eased with proper training, patience, and prep work! Check out this article, for tips and tricks on how to train your dog to volunteer (still maybe not enthusiastically) for their needed blood work - these trained behaviors are helpful across the board in administering vaccines, medications, and treatments as well!