Month: February 2011

This post is brought to Adopt-a-Pet.com by Rolan Tripp. Dr. Tripp received his doctorate from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in philosophy. A regular guest on the Animal Planet Network, Dr. Tripp appears on both “Petsburgh, USA” and “Good Dog U.” “Shame on me!” That’s what I thought as I stood in the lobby of my own veterinary hospital 15 years ago. I was watching one of my valued clients dragging her dog into the hospital. The dog was a delightful Border Collie who obviously did not want to be there. There were two questions that came to mind: 1) Does this animal act like this at other locations? Answer, no. 2) Has she been to another veterinary hospital that I can blame for her fear? Again, no. Dogs simply don’t lie or make up stories. This dog had been treated in such a way that she didn’t want to ever come into my hospital again. Not only was I embarrassed, but I wondered if veterinary phobia might also influence loving owners who would not want to come to a place that frightens their pets.

Being a veterinarian, and owning my own practice had long been a dream for me. Now I felt terrible that either I or someone I was responsible for had treated this otherwise wonderful animal (and others) in a way that made my supposed haven for animals seem like the dungeon of terror. That moment was a turning point in my life. Since then I have been looking for ways to make the veterinary visit more fun and less scary for the pets under my care and have been attempting to influence other veterinarians to do the same.

Can you imagine a veterinary practice where virtually all pets LIKE to come in the door? I can now. After years of staff training, and implementing numerous protocols, my wife Susan and I gradually transformed our practice into something I was really proud of. Our basic strategy was to imagine what it was like to visit the hospital from the pet’s point of view. We had one Husky mix who repeatedly ran away from home to come to the hospital. I later attributed our high practice growth rate largely to managing the pet’s perception of the visit. If I were to own another practice, I would review every staff veterinarian’s performance partially on how much pets liked them.

We stocked tasty pet treats, and I became our very own practice, “Cookie Police.” I would come to any staff member and in a light-hearted way say, “Got cookies?” If not, we would share a little laugh and go stock up his or her smock pocket. Soon staff members proudly showed me their Ziploc baggies with tasty treats. Staff was trained to give a small piece to every healthy pet who would accept one. I have come to believe that one “stress test” of the pet’s mental state, is simply “acceptance of a treat.” Refusing a treat is a flag to inquire if the pet would have accepted the same treat at home. If the response at home is different, this treat refusal may be the first sign of a pet developing veterinary phobia.

Through my study of animal behavior, I learned that the canine brain goes through distinct developmental periods. I learned that the canine critical socialization period was from 4-12 weeks of age, with some tapering effect up to about 16 weeks. We were already offering puppy classes, but many puppies weren’t enrolled, so we initiated steps to increase enrollment. I finally understood that those pets deprived of early positive social experience could never be as great a companion animal as their genetic potential. It bothered me that we veterinarians were actually part of “the problem” when giving the outdated advice many of us learned in veterinary school i.e. telling people to isolate their puppy. Instead I now encourage the owner to take the 8 wk+ old puppy with them everywhere they legally can, but avoid contact with “sick or mean” dogs or people!

To supplement our puppy classes, we started offering “Puppy Day Care.” When the puppies developed adult teeth, we occasionally had to inform the client that the dog was now an adult and not eligible for puppy day care any longer. Some clients begged to allow their dog to continue to come to his favorite place, so we developed protocols and a separate area for adult dog day care. I now believe those dogs that periodically go to day care get tremendous mental and social stimulation, and I feel sorry for those poor dogs isolated at home who stare at a wall or fence every day. Most day care dogs learned the “social skills” necessary to get along with new dogs and people, and got to experience what I imagine is the deep canine psychological satisfaction of “hanging with their pack.” There were also some dogs that even with the best of socialization just could not get along with other dogs and were expelled from day care. When this happens I think it probably reflects some mix of genetic predisposition, negative experience, or lack of early socialization. I taught the staff how to do “Gentling” exercises with every puppy and kitten to desensitize them to human handling, always linking body handling to a little treat. We made it hospital policy to use very small needles, and learned techniques to distract the pet during any injection. We began enrolling every puppy owner in an online education course, and implemented a “fear prevention protocol” offering sedation before any procedure that might be painful. Our goal was for pets to remember lots of positive experiences, but not remember any negative ones. A “Pet Centered Practice” is what I now call a veterinary hospital where every staff member looks at the visit from the pet’s point of view. It is important to note that we were not able to successfully allay every pet’s fears, and those pets still required special handling, but our goal was to prevent new cases and reduce the severity of the existing ones.

I encourage every small animal veterinary hospital to host puppy parties in the lobby one hour a week after the hospital closes, and allocate a small area for puppy day care. These positive visits help overcome unavoidable unpleasant memories. Positive socialization along with owner education, treats, injection distraction, and preemptive pain sedation result in pets that are friendly instead of fear aggressive. When these dogs come in the front door they are wagging their tail looking for the next cookie or the next party with their dog friends.

About the Author…

Dr. Tripp received his doctorate from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in philosophy. A regular guest on the Animal Planet Network, Dr. Tripp appears on both “Petsburgh, USA” and “Good Dog U.” He is a Veterinary Behavior Consultant for Antech Laboratory’s “Dr. Consult Line” and an Affiliate Professor of Applied Animal Behavior at both Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Tripp is the founder of the national behavior consulting practice, www.AnimalBehavior.Net. He is now the Chief Veterinary Pet Behaviorist of The Hannah Society (www.hannahsociety.com) which helps match people and pets, then keeps them together. Contact info: Rolan.Tripp@HannahSociety.com.

Sometimes, a simple idea started by one person can inspire dozens more to help, and make a world of difference for thousands of pets waiting to be adopted in shelters! Sherry Brewer is one of those heroes for homeless pets.  Her simple idea? Special shelter-proof dog beds to keep dogs blankets warm and dry in their kennels. Her first solo effort involved getting an amazing discount deal direct from the Perla dog bed manufacturer, getting permission from the Los Angeles City shelter system to put the beds in the kennels, and then raising enough donations for 79 dog beds! As if that wasn’t enough, within just a few weeks Sherry expanding her network with more volunteers in a nonprofit shelter advocacy group… then raising almost $7,500 in donations allowing them to purchase an incredible 600 dog beds for six Los Angeles city shelters!! We hope Sherry’s story will inspire you to think what can you do to help the pets at your local shelter… You, just one person, can make a HUGE difference. As Sherry says, “Just do it!”

How did you get your start volunteering to help homeless pets?

Many years ago, I went to a local mall to shop and a rescue organization was having a dog adoption inside.  When I learned what was going on and spoke with a couple of the volunteers, I then filled out a volunteer application and shortly thereafter I joined the group in the mall to help place homeless dogs.

How long have you been volunteering?

I’d say nearly 10 years.  Most of those years I volunteered with L.A. Animal Services.  Presently, I volunteer for a couple of rescue organizations, especially at their mobile pet adoptions.

What are some of the things you’ve done to help animals as a volunteer that you are most proud of?

I have a real soft spot for the senior dogs and other “underdogs,” including those that appear to be fearful and shy, and those that look scary but have the sweetest temperaments.  I’d spend time with them, gain their trust, and promise them I’d find them a home where they would be loved.  When I greeted a potential adopter, I’d try to get to know them a little and ask about their daily routine, etc.  And then I’d say, “I have just the dog for you.”  And more often than not, it was a match.  I’m proud to say many of the adopters remain as my friends and keep me informed about their furkids, and occasionally I get to see them.

What inspires you to keep volunteering?

My love for animals, mostly; but it also affords me an opportunity to talk with people and encourage them to be responsible pet owners.  People need to know that having a pet is a lifetime commitment.

What are any lessons you’ve learned that might help new volunteers?

This is a bit touchy for me.  I believe that volunteers, and others, have an obligation to be a voice for the voiceless.  Not all organizations agree with that.  No matter what, just remain true to yourself and persevere with the hope that some day soon, the crisis in our shelters will end and we will become a more humane society.

You recently raised donations for 79 shelter-proof dog beds to go in the LA City East Valley shelter’s dog runs, so their blankets would stay dry and the dogs would stay warm! What gave you the idea to get those kind of beds?

A friend/fellow volunteer was at my home during a recent downpour.  I shared with her how distressed I felt when I thought of the dogs suffering in the open kennels at the East Valley shelter.  She told me about this particular bed because she had provided many, through donations, to the West Valley shelter a couple of years ago.  After doing some of my own research and trying to find a company in the U.S. that carried them, I contacted the General Manager of LAAS and told her about them and she gave me the okay to try to order them.

How did you fundraise for them?

Because I hate to ask anyone for money, and especially because it was two days before Christmas, I sent an email, an SOS to help the EV dogs, to a network of animal lovers asking if anyone would be willing to donate for beds.  Shortly thereafter, I received several responses suggesting I open an online account to accept donations.  Truthfully, I didn’t anticipate hearing from anyone, but I had to quickly figure out my next move.  First was contacting the one company I found that had any beds in stock.  There were 79 beds in their warehouse.  When I learned the cost per bed and shipping fee, I sent another email sharing the amount that needed to be raised and where they could donate.  And soon thereafter Paypal started emailing me each time a donation was made.  When I realized there might be a chance to raise enough money for all the beds, I called the company back and they agreed to hold all the beds for 12 more hours.  I was ecstatic when, the next morning, there was nearly enough money contributed to order all 79 beds.

And, by the way, since word got out about the beds and people saw the photos I took of several of the dogs curled up in them, I have been contacted by volunteers from a couple of other city shelters who want the beds for their dogs, so a goal is underway to get beds into all the kennels in L.A.’s city shelters.

How did you get permission to put them in the kennels?

The GM sent an email to the shelter telling staff to expect 11 boxes in the near future.  There was some speculation that the beds might create more work for the already-busy employees, and because I figured that unpacking the beds might be time-consuming, I contacted the captain of the shelter and told him I would be by when the beds were delivered so the staff wouldn’t have to take on more responsibilities.  Thankfully, three wonderful friends offered to help me.  When the beds were ready to be placed in the kennels, the volunteer liaison, with a couple of assistants, began putting the beds in the kennels, which gave me the opportunity to take photos.

If someone was going to do this for their city’s shelter, any advice you have for them?

Just do it.  It might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never set up a donation account or you have to make some calls to different companies, but after you see some of the dogs within the first few minutes of getting a bed curl up inside, you’ll realize how worthwhile the experience is.  Today, I went back to the shelter and I wandered some of the aisles.  When I saw that the majority of the beds had a dog curled up inside, my heart did flip-flops.  And the dogs appeared to be so much calmer.  In fact, on my way out, I asked one of the employees if it was my imagination that the dogs seemed more relaxed and she told me that when she puts food in the kennels in the morning, some dogs don’t want to get up.

Anything else you’d like to say about volunteering?

Not only will your life be enriched, but you’ll be enriching the lives of others.  Volunteers don’t just have to be “in the trenches.”  There is a need for volunteers to educate about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering pets; volunteer at mobile pet adoptions, etc.

On the other hand, as a volunteer, I sadly witnessed so many pets being discarded, like a pair of old shoes, in the shelters and I’m aware of so many others left to fend for themselves in unfamiliar places.  As I mentioned earlier, I realize how important it is to be a voice for the voiceless and to let people know that pets are not objects.  And so I created pawnuts.com.

PAWNUTS.com is a Web store for people who are NUTS about animals and concerned about their welfare.  I design, from home, car magnets, tote bags, and T-shirts that make a statement.  In fact, each item has a different message, all intended to promote responsible pet ownership, and more, and they can be read by everyone, everywhere.  I’m told that the items are more effective than a billboard, and I hope that, in the not too distant future, people throughout the country will want to make a statement and check-out pawnuts.com.  All of you, every where.  Check it out.

Thank you Sherry, we will!

This post is brought to us by Dr. Rolan Tripp. Dr. Tripp received his doctorate from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in philosophy. A regular guest on the Animal Planet Network, Dr. Tripp appears on both “Petsburgh, USA” and “Good Dog U.” Most dogs do not like their feet handled. This is a natural response because one defense is to run away, and holding a paw removes this option. If the dog is ever “quicked” (cutting the vessel and tissue inside the nail known as the quick) the pet may develop a nail trim aversion, which is an understandable response. Webster defines phobia as “an irrational, excessive, and persistent fear of some thing or situation.” An aversion may become a phobia because of genetic predisposition, pain threshold, severity of tissue damage, repeated bad experiences, and possibly other factors.

Prevention

Veterinarians are ideally positioned to prevent nail trim phobia. Pet owners in our society routinely bring puppies to veterinarians when they are still in their critical learning period (4-12 weeks of age). In addition to providing preventive medical care, it is simple to show the client how to gently handle the pet’s feet and nails while giving a food treat. Ideally, this is done by the owner daily at the same time as other gentle techniques such as hugging, cradling, and massaging the gums and ears.

Other preventive strategies include maintaining sharp trimmers, and careful training of anyone in the practice authorized to perform this procedure. If a nail is quicked, this should be a signal to trim the other nails less aggressively, both to avoid a phobia, and because the operator has clear evidence of an anatomically long quick in this patient. If at all possible, the nails should be trimmed after a bath because standing in water softens the nails.

Technique

Assistants should be taught to trim at least 2 mm beyond the visible quick in clear nails. With pigmented nails, trim small increments and look at the distal end of the nail after each clip. In black nails the goal is to identify a “target sign” of concentric circles at the nail tip. This is created by the central dark, distal, painless center of the quick, surrounded by white connective tissue, surrounded by the dark pigmented nail.

After trimming the nail to the desired length, it is recommended to do multiple angled cuts of the same nail, attempting to create a domed instead of a flat nail end, and then file the edges. Removing this outer hard nail allows the quick to recede with use, and extends the time period between required nail trims. One indication for a nail trim is tapping when the dog walks on a hard surface.

If mild fear is observed, (e.g. pulling foot away) simply offering food treats or other distraction techniques such as muzzling, hooding or applying a head collar may be sufficient. Generally, acceptance of a food treat before and after trimming suggests no aversion. In an aversion, moderate fear (trembling, struggling, and refusal of food) is observed and it is recommended that behavioral treatment be initiated immediately because the prognosis is much better if treatment is started early. Advise assistants that a phobia is likely present if more than one person is required for restraint, or if thrashing, vocalization, elimination, or aggression is exhibited. Then stop and either postpone or use chemical restraint.

Veterinarians may wish to train staff on nail trim technique using an online pictorial description of correct restraint and nail trimming provided by the Washington State University Vet School Website at www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/dog_nails.asp

Behavioral Therapy

For home behavioral therapy, the owner should purchase their own trimmer to be used during systematic desensitization and counter conditioning. The owner should store the trimmer in the dog food as a reminder to bring it out and leave it near the food dish while the pet is eating.

During desensitization, separate the senses. First the pet only sees the trimmer until it is ignored. Then while hand feeding, combine seeing and hearing the clipper as a positive association. Finally touch the trimmer to the nail, (without clipping), to earn a special treat.

Between meals the owner should begin to gently handle the feet and nails while feeding small high value treats. The goal is to gradually work up to actually trimming a tiny amount from one nail per day. If this is impossible, filing alone might be accepted by the pet, or consider tapering use of anxiolytic medication. An excellent video showing systematic desensitization and counter conditioning incorporating clicker training is available at www.YouTube.com by searching on “Tucker Nail Trim.”

Pharmacologica Treatment

Even if behavioral therapy is available, some owners may prefer the convenience of serial veterinary nail trims. For simple aversion or mild fear, oral pretreatment with a mild sedative prescribed by your vet may be sufficient.

For more severe nail trim phobia in healthy adult dogs, the author’s preference is oral pretreatment of medications prescribed by your vet, 1 hour before the owner leaves for the vet visit.  Note that some medications carry the potential for dis-inhibition of fear aggression which can occur without warning. Therefore, any oral medication related to trimming is only indicated prior to trips to the veterinary hospital where the pet can still be muzzled if necessary, and medically supervised.

If oral pretreatment is not possible, then the DVM may choose injectable and ideally reversible sedation, but this introduces another injection in a pet that already has a phobia related to veterinary visits. These pets benefit from regular visits to the facility with only positive experiences like daycare, or food treats.

The goal for all veterinary staff should be prevention of fearful veterinary experiences using gentle and professional techniques. (See www.AnimalBehavior.Net/DistractionTechniques) If a nail trim phobia is identified, the only permanent solution is to work with a competent behaviorist incorporating systematic desensitization and counter conditioning.

About the Author

Dr. Tripp received his doctorate from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in philosophy. A regular guest on the Animal Planet Network, Dr. Tripp appears on both “Petsburgh, USA” and “Good Dog U.” He is a Veterinary Behavior Consultant for Antech Laboratories “Dr. Consult Line” and an Affiliate Professor of Applied Animal Behavior at both Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Tripp is the founder of the national behavior consulting practice, www.AnimalBehavior.Net. He is now the Chief Veterinary Pet Behaviorist of The Hannah Society (www.hannahsociety.com) which helps match people and pets, then keeps them together. Contact info: Rolan.Tripp@HannahSociety.com.

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