New Puppy or Kitten? Time to Get Social!

Socialization is a critical time period in the development of  young animals,  allowing them to lead well-adjusted lives and to encourage a future of positive interactions with people, places, animals, and things. Technically this socialization period begins around 3 – 4 weeks of age, though most pet parents don’t usually pick-up their new puppy or kitten until 8-10 weeks. The period ends around 13 – 14 weeks (10 – 11 weeks in kittens); however, even after this time, there is still an opportunity to make a positive impact and reduce future fear, anxiety and stress. This critical socialization period is … Read more »

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 »

Puppy’s first vet visit…make it a good one!

Post contributed by FVH Vet Assistants: Preparing your puppy for their veterinary visits: So you brought home your new bundle of joy, all playful barks and fluffy cuteness. You know they need to see a “dog doctor”, but how do you prepare them? We are so glad you asked! Believe it or not, every veterinary staff member has a wish-list of training we hope you do at home to help your pup (and us) have the very calmest clinic visits possible. During essentially all appointments, doctors, technicians or assistants must touch areas of the young pup they would find strange … Read more »