Happy Anniversary Fozzie! On February 25th, 2009 Scottsdale Police Department’s Crisis Response Canine Fozzie celebrated his first anniversary. As a trained therapy dog, Fozzie provides comfort and unconditional love to people in Scottsdale during times of tragedy. He is a ‘Golden’ ray of sunshine in times of trouble. Did you know that petting an animal will reduce your blood pressure and stress? Animals …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
Prevention of Separation Anxiety
Here are some suggestions to prevent separation anxiety in your pet. 1) Establish a routine for feeding, exercising and training your pet. Include several quiet periods during the day when the pet will relax in their favorite spot. It is essential that this be done away from you. Once you establish the routine, stick with it! …
First Aid For Birds
There are three points to keep in mind when working with birds. First, birds are masters at hinding illness and injury until a problem becomes severe. Therefore, a sick bird should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The advice given here should be initiated on the way to the hospital. It is not meant to replace professional …
Treatment of Separation Anxiety
The treatment of separation anxiety requires patience, consistency and understanding. Remember, the animal acts like this because it loves you too much! When you leave their presence, they worry you will never come back. It is important for us humans to understand that they are motivated by fear and not by spite. The following guidelines are general recommendations for treating …
Litter Box Basics
Indoor domestic cats usually urinate twice per day and defecate once per day. In my experience, there are two golden rules when it comes to litter boxes. First, it is important to have at least one box per cat. More is better, but one box per cat is the absolute minimum. Ideally, it is best to have …
Diagnosis and Clinical Signs of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety occurs in animals who love their owners too much! The animal suffers a panic attack whenever it is separated from its human or animal family. Although this may occur in any pet, it is most common in those who were adopted from a shelter or rescued from an abusive situation. I see the condition most often in dogs. …
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Is It Safe For Dogs To Ride With Their Head Out The Window?
On January 23, 2009, The Arizona Republic published an article that concerns me. It suggests that it is safe for dogs to ride with their head out of the car window. The author is a dog trainer named Mark Siebel who offers the following advice, “Lower the rear windows only enough so the dog’s head can stick out, and …
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You Make The Diagnosis: Dog Destroyed Carpet In Owners Absence
This case is about my own dog, a young German Shepard mix that I rescued last spring. Buddy is a timid boy. He is afraid of men, especially if they are dressed in a suite and tie with a brief case in hand. When I am home, Buddy follows me from room to room. He never …
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My Cat Doesn’t Cover In The Litter Box
Why doesn’t my cat cover their feces and/or urine in the litter box? This is one of the most common questions people ask me when they find out I am a veterinarian. Some people think their cat was taken away from its mother too young and never learned how. Others think it is a sign …
Canine Labor: When To Call The Vet
Here are my rules for knowing when your female dog (bitch) needs help with the delivery of her puppies. These are general rules that apply to all breeds. Please consult your veterinarian for additional breed-specific guidelines. Also, get a pre-whelping x-ray. It will tell you how many puppies to expect and if any are too large for …