CONTINUING EDUCATION

FOR OUR CLIENTS

At Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Laser Center, we are committed to Continuing Education for both our Staff and our Clients. 

Ashley, one of our Veterinary Technicians here at Dogwood recently attended a Seminar on "Managing Noise Phobias in Dogs" and prepared the valuable information below.

IS YOUR DOG AFRAID OF STORMS?

Managing Noise Phobias in Dogs - Presented By: Dr. Gary Landsberg

Canines can have noise phobias that are behavioral or emotional.  A "Phobia" is an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that poses little real danger.

Behavioral Signs

• Tucked Tail

• Freeze Up

• Find owner for comfort

• Become destructive

• Vocalize

 Emotional Signs

• Lowers head

• Tucks tail

• Urinate

• Heart rate increases

• Salivates

• Vocalize

• Sweating

 Prevention

• Early exposure – Sensitive period is less than 6 months of age.

• Puppy classes

• Desensitize while young – expose to noises

 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do

• Do not punish

• You should ignore

• You can interrupt

• Distract

• Use music and soft noises to comfort

• Medications if needed

 Medication

• Benzodiazepine – this medication must be given before an event.

• Acepromazine and Phenobarbital – these medications sedate.

• Clomipramine and Fluxoetine – these medications must be in a patients system for several weeks before they will actually work. These medications can also be used seasonally.

Behavior Modification

• Train to settle

• Control stimulus – set up for success

• Expose to small amounts at a time.

• Distract with favorite toys