Pet anxiety & phobias

Thunderstorms in summer, fireworks on and around the 4th of July, visitors, traveling and veterinary visits can all pose significant  anxiety for certain pets.

We are here to help you through these challenges as we realize that creates stress for you too. Our entire staff has pets too, so we understand that part!

As our pets often cue off of our behaviors, we need to be cognizant that how we react affects them too.

Thunderstorms,  because of their unpredictability are perhaps the biggest challenge. Historically we have used anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam which are short acting and work quite well but they are FDA controlled products and require a prescription.

Recently Composure(r) an L-theanine and milk colostrum complex containing supplement has really impressed us working in well over 50% of the cats & dogs we have tried it in.

The Thundershirt (r) calms dogs without giving them anything orally just slipping a garment on that helps them feel safe.

As anxiety can be a part of a veterinary visit we have been advising the use of some of these products before routine veterinary visits to calm pets to allow a more thorough exam and pleasant experience for pet and owner alike.

For cats we often use Feliway (r) in exam rooms as a pheromone that really helps ease the stress. This product can be used in a electrical outlet diffuser at home as well.

The development and use of safe and effective products like these and behavior discussions can really help things go smoother when these circumstances arise.