When your dog has an accident in the house, it is easy to believe the dog is acting out of spite or some other defiant motive, but this is not the case. There can be medical causes or behavioral causes for eliminating in the house. There can also be a lack or loss of house-training. Getting to the root of the problem will ensure proper treatment and the best chance for a successful resolution of the problem. Medical Causes: When a previously house-trained dog begins to have accidents in the house, the first thing to do is to rule out medical

Introducing a new dog to the pets of your home can be a little tricky at first. You want your current pets and your new pet to live comfortably with everyone. Keep in mind that realistic expectations are important. Some dogs are not capable of getting along with other dogs. Some dogs have such a strong reaction to smaller animals that their instinct to chase and catch will override their ability to stay calm (this is known as a strong prey drive). The key to ensuring good first interactions and blending the new family together is to separate everyone initially,

Dogs are highly social, and most dogs thrive best when they have company. Being alone results in separation anxiety and other separation-related behaviors for many dogs. How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety? Signs of separation anxiety include increased barking, howling, and whining, destructive behaviors and having “accidents” in the house.  Many dogs with separation anxiety are very attached to a person or persons (this is sometimes called “Velcro dog” because they’re so clingy), but not all Velcro dogs have separation anxiety. Velcro dogs are often overjoyed when you come home and look “sad” or “depressed” when

We cannot force our clients to take our recommendations. We can ask why they are resistant and listen. Creative, empathetic use of both less stressful care and appropriate medications can help reduce a client’s resistance to their use.

Communication between the technicians and the veterinarian is crucial to making vet visits as Low Stress as possible. The most important thing to remember is that you are all working together as a team to give your patients a better experience in the veterinary clinic.

In most small animal practices, the intake is done by the technician. Weight check, temp, heart rate, and history are performed by the veterinary technician.  With the advances of Low Stress Handling® skills, there may be some variation on how intensive the technician will be in gathering these vital signs prior to the veterinarian stepping into the room.  There is acknowledgement of the stress level of the patient, so the technician may forego some of the intake exam to reduce stress and allow the veterinarian to triage care. I always felt it was all fun and games until the doctor