Veterinary Visits- Managing for a Fear Free Return Home

Have you ever experienced this scenario? You’ve just picked up your beloved pet from the hospital and returned home only to have your other pets act aggressively or ignore their housemate altogether! What has happened? Why are the other pets acting this way towards their housemate that they usually get along with? This is a scenario that is more common than you may think and there are a few reasons why this may occur. First, the pet may smell different to the housemates so they act as if this is a new animal being brought into the household. Think back … Read more »

Anesthesia, To Fear or Not To Fear?

  My name is Debbie Figueroa and I am the Lead Licensed Veterinary Nurse at Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital. I have been a licensed veterinary nurse for 19 years and obtained my specialty board certification (VTS) in Canine/Feline practice. On a daily basis I am asked, “if this was your pet, would you place them under anesthesia”? The answer to that question is complex and must take into account each individual patient’s need and health status. Some items that are given consideration by the nurse: Is there an underlying health issue? (kidney disease, heart disease or thyroid disease). Is the patient … Read more »