Training & Behavior Archives | Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital /blog/category/training-behavior/ Veterinary Care That Comes To You! Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:16:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 How Mobile Vet Care Helps Reduce Pet Stress and Anxiety /blog/how-mobile-vet-care-helps-reduce-pet-stress-and-anxiety/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:14:47 +0000 /blog/?p=335 Shiloh Veterinary Care is proud to be able to bring high-quality, full-service veterinary care right to the doorsteps of our pet patients. Mobile vet care benefits include convenience for the pet owner, but it also can help to reduce pet stress at the vet. Learn why we think that mobile vet care is an important […]

The post How Mobile Vet Care Helps Reduce Pet Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
mobile vet benefits.

Shiloh Veterinary Care is proud to be able to bring high-quality, full-service veterinary care right to the doorsteps of our pet patients. Mobile vet care benefits include convenience for the pet owner, but it also can help to reduce pet stress at the vet. Learn why we think that mobile vet care is an important model for veterinary medicine.

How Mobile Vet Care Works

For those unfamiliar with having a mobile veterinarian, it can seem a little unbelievable that your pet can get good care without going into a veterinary clinic or hospital. It’s true, though!

When you schedule an appointment with us, our mobile unit comes directly to you and your pet. We are stocked up with all the equipment, supplies, and wonderful staff that you are used to getting at a stationary clinic, just on wheels!

Our mobile veterinary unit allows us to be able to:

  • Perform thorough examinations of dogs, cats, and exotic pets
  • Obtain samples for diagnostic testing
  • Conduct traditional and dental radiographs (X-rays)
  • Obtain CT scans
  • Perform many surgeries
  • Do dental procedures
  • Recommend and prescribe medications
  • Provide end-of-life services

Of course, there are times when it is hard to know when to use a mobile vet versus a brick and mortar hospital. In many emergency-type situations, it may be best to contact a local emergency hospital to receive the most prompt care. 

Mobile Vet Care Benefits

There are so many benefits to mobile vet care! Consider that:

  • It is often more convenient to have us come to you versus trying to bring your pet in
  • Some pets, especially exotic species, do not do well in the car
  • It may be easier to have multiple pets cared for in a home-based setting
  • Home care may be a more comfortable option for you and your pet as they near end of life
  • Pet owners who do not have access to transportation have increased access to care
  • Animals have less exposure to other potentially ill animals
  • Pets are often less stressed at home

Mobile care can decrease stress at the vet in multiple ways. Most pets tend to feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. They also are dealing with less strange smells, noises, and people than they would in a veterinary clinic. There is also generally no to minimal wait time since we are there just for you. 

Mobile vet care has multiple benefits. We love that we can share these with you and your pets. Please let us know if you have questions about how our services can help your pets. 

The post How Mobile Vet Care Helps Reduce Pet Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
It’s All About That Calico Cat /blog/its-all-about-that-calico-cat/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 21:02:04 +0000 /blog/?p=268 Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.   At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love […]

The post <strong>It’s All About That Calico Cat</strong> appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
Calico cat sitting down staring into camera.

Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.  

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love delivering full-service veterinary care to cats of all colors! Whether you’ve got a calico cat of your own, or you’re just curious about these beauties, our team has some fascinating feline factoids to help explain the wonders of calico cats.

Why are Calico Cats So Popular?

Cat lovers agree that all felines are fabulous, but here are some reasons why calico cats are extra special:

Calicos are good luck! 

In many cultures, calico cats are considered lucky charms. In Japan, calicos are the official symbol of good fortune, and Japanese anglers used to keep calicos on board their boats to “guarantee” that the fish would bite.

They’re practically magical.

Again we turn to Japan, where calicos were once believed to protect ships from the ghosts of angry ancestors.

They can’t be bred.

The calico coloration is a full-on fluke of nature, and like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike! 

They’re basically royalty in Maryland.

Calicos were chosen to be the official state cat of Maryland because their tri-colored coats echo the coloring of the state bird: the Baltimore Oriole.

They have an aura of ancient mystique.

Calico cats are said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people worshiped them for their beauty.

Why are 99% of Calico Cats Female?

Without diving too deep into the biological nitty-gritty, the tri-color pattern of a calico requires two “X” chromosomes. Male cats can’t be calicos because males need an “XY” pair of chromosomes in order to be male. The only way for a male cat to be born a calico is if he has an extra “X” chromosome (XXY). Because the XXY chromosome combination is rare, male calicos can have certain health conditions and are usually sterile.

Rare Cat Breeds

Calico cats aren’t actually a breed at all, but rather, a happy accident! You can find the calico coloration among popular breeds like Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Persians, mixed breeds, and others. However, there are some rare cat breeds where you will not find a calico cat. Pure, solid-color breeds like Russian Blues, Siamese, and Bombay cats cannot produce the calico color configuration. 

Good Health is What Matters Most 

All cats of all colors, sizes, ages, and genders deserve a lifetime of love, proper nutrition, and quality veterinary care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. Our team absolutely loves getting to know all the cool cats in our community. Please contact us to schedule your cat’s visit, or if you have any questions about our services.   

The post <strong>It’s All About That Calico Cat</strong> appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
How to Change an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat /blog/how-to-change-an-outdoor-cat-into-an-indoor-cat/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:21:19 +0000 /blog/?p=244 Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want […]

The post How to Change an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
Young woman petting her bengal cat.

Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want to transition your feline to a fully indoor cat, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help.

Take Your Time

Cats are creatures of habit, and they need some time to adjust to a new environment. If you bring an outdoor cat inside without any transition period, the animal will become very agitated and anxious. Instead, move slowly and give the kitty a chance to get used to being inside. A great way to make this transition simple for your cat is to feed him inside the house. Keep the cat inside for a little more time each time you feed him. This will give him a positive association with being inside the house.

Set Up the Litter Box

For an outdoor cat, the whole world is her litter box. So when you are transitioning a cat from outdoor living to indoor living, it will be the first time she uses a traditional one. Although her instincts will kick in and she will most likely know what to do with it, you might have to show her where it is and use your finger to shift the litter to help her smell it. Give her a little time to get adjusted to this new way of doing her business.

Encourage Cat Scratch Fever…Kind Of

From trees to dirt to other animals, outdoor cats are used to being able to scratch whatever they want. If you want your new kitty to feel safe and comfortable inside your home, you have to provide plenty of scratching posts where he can get out the need to scratch (without destroying your furniture). 

Provide a Great View

Outdoor cats get a front-row seat to all the bird, lizard, and insect-watching their little hearts desire. If you want to make your space homey for your new indoor cat, you should make the windows desirable spots for your cat to lounge. Put a cat tree near a windowsill or set up a cat perch where the kitty can still get a great view of the outside world.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love animals as much as you do. As a Fear Free Certified Practice™, we do everything we can to ensure your pets feel safe and comfortable in our care. To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929. 

The post How to Change an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
Barky Buddy: Nuisance Barking and How to Stop It /blog/barky-buddy-nuisance-barking-and-how-to-stop-it/ Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:00:22 +0000 /blog/?p=200 Dogs bark to communicate, just like we communicate through words. So, the idea that your dog is going to be quiet all the time is far-fetched. But if your dog just wont stop barking or likes to taunt the family cat, there are some ways you can address the problem. A barking dog is not […]

The post Barky Buddy: Nuisance Barking and How to Stop It appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
Los Angeles Barking Dog

Dogs bark to communicate, just like we communicate through words. So, the idea that your dog is going to be quiet all the time is far-fetched. But if your dog just wont stop barking or likes to taunt the family cat, there are some ways you can address the problem. A barking dog is not just a nuisance, but it can also get a dog owner kicked out of an apartment, cited for noise, and the bane of the neighborhood. It’s also just annoying to you, too, likely.

Why does this neuccance barking happen and how do you stop it? These are the questions the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to answer.

Excessive Barking in Dogs

There are several reasons why a dog will bark too much. Beyond the normal barking (at a squirrel or during play), chronic barking can signal many issues in a pet, from pain to anxiety, lack of socialization to loneliness. Let’s look at some of the reasons behind nuisance barking.

Fear and Aggression A fearful dog is more likely to lash out at strangers and unknown situations than most dogs. Dogs with noise anxiety, such as an aversion to fireworks, thunderstorms, and sirens will sound off as a way to express their fear and concern. If your dog has a phobia and is experiencing ongoing fear, this can lead to aggression if left untreated. 

Age – Older dogs will sometimes bark more often as their cognitive function decreases. Many aged dogs have the onset of cognitive dysfunction and sensory changes, such as hearing loss and blindness.

Separation anxiety and loneliness – The howling dog is the equivalent of a lonely one. If your dog is howling and barking every time you leave, they may have separation anxiety. Likewise, if your dog is left alone too much, they may be bored and need a dog sitter to come in and play with them, while the family is away. 

Attention – Dogs adore getting our attention, even if it means they have to engage in negative behaviors like barking and digging. If you haven’t been playing with your pet or exercising them, they may resort to barking. This type of bark also indicates they want to direct your attention to something in their environment or that they want to play or eat.

Claiming their territory – Dogs, like cats, have an instinct to protect their turf. If your dog barks at all other dogs or animals that have the audacity to pass by their yard, this may be territorial barking. 

Putting a Stop to Nuisance Barking

Now that you know a bit more about your dog’s desire to bark, there are ways to prevent ongoing barking. 

  1. Remove all of the triggers for their barking. If it is boredom, give them something to do. If they bark at passers by, close the curtain. Remove the trigger(s) to avoid chronic or repeat barking.
  2. Train your dog if you haven’t already taught them basic obedience and the rules of the home.
  3. Enlist the help of a dog walker or pet sitter to check in with your pet if the issue is separation anxiety or loneliness.
  4. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise each day.
  5. Give your pet enrichment items like toys and dental chews.
  6. Have your dog examined to rule out any medical issues that might be the cause of the nuisance barking.

For more information on nuisance barking or to schedule an appointment, please call us.

The post Barky Buddy: Nuisance Barking and How to Stop It appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
A Poopy Problem: Why Picking Up Pet Waste Is Necessary /blog/a-poopy-problem-why-picking-up-your-pets-waste-is-necessary/ Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:15:00 +0000 /blog/?p=157 You’ve encountered it. You are out at the park with your pet and look over to see someone’s dog “doing their business”. Just as soon as he’s done, the dog and owner quickly trot off, leaving the grossness where it was deposited. People not picking up after their pet is a serious problem. Not only […]

The post A Poopy Problem: Why Picking Up Pet Waste Is Necessary appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>

You’ve encountered it. You are out at the park with your pet and look over to see someone’s dog “doing their business”. Just as soon as he’s done, the dog and owner quickly trot off, leaving the grossness where it was deposited.

People not picking up after their pet is a serious problem. Not only is it rude and causes stink and the risk of people stepping on it, but pet waste also carries disease and attracts flies and other parasites.

Picking up your pet’s waste is a part of being a responsible dog owner. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to explain why this unfortunate doody duty benefits your pet, you, and the entire community.

The Trouble with Dog Waste

According to an article in Live Science, dogs produce over 10 million tons of poop each year. That is a disturbing amount of fecal matter, right? Most of this ends up in landfills, as well as on our lawns, in parks, and in natural waterways. 

Some pet owners shrug their shoulders and consider their dog’s waste organic or natural. Unfortunately, while waste disintegrates, there is nothing natural about it. So, what’s the trouble with leaving dog waste behind?

  1. Waste can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Many contagious illnesses like parvovirus are carried in a pet’s poop. Sometimes these organisms can live in waste for more than a few days. If a pet comes into contact with it, or if we do, then we are at risk of an illness. A few illnesses that can be carried through poop include Leptospira, E. coli, and Salmonella. 
  2. It is smelly. If you have ever walked through a park where there is a lot of dog waste, you know that it can be stinky. This odor attracts flies and parasites that also carry disease. Multiple flies can be a nuisance when you are out trying to enjoy the day with your fur friend.
  3. It contaminates water. Your pet’s poop can cause problems for natural water sources, contaminating the area and encouraging bacteria, such as giardia. Creeks, springs, and other forms of natural free-flowing water need to be protected for the ecological health of the region, as well as our own health and well-being.
  4. It’s messy. As anyone who has inadvertently stepped in dog poo can attest, it’s inconvenient and gross. No one wants to be out enjoying the great outdoors, only to have a mishap with someone else’s dog feces. It’s also just generally unattractive.
  5. It destroys lawns. Dog fecal matter contains contaminants that destroy grass and other plants.
  6. It carries intestinal parasites. Hookworm, roundworm, tapeworms, and other intestinal parasites are commonly transmitted through contact with pet waste.

Tips to Dispose of Your Pet’s Waste

Since there are several problems associated with leaving your pet’s waste on the ground, we can all agree that disposing of these can help humans, animals, and the environment. Here are a few tips to make picking up your pet’s waste a snap. 

  • Carry lots of biodegradable waste bags with you when you walk with your pup.
  • Supervise your pet while you are out and discourage them from eating or sniffing pet waste.
  • Throw away the pet waste in the bags in a trash can or other receptacle (don’t flush it in the toilet as this can contaminate public water).
  • Consider installing a composting system in the yard for your pet’s waste (do not, however, use your own compost).
  • Talk to your neighbors about installing a pet waste station or two in shared spaces and walkways.

Picking up your pet’s waste doesn’t have to be something to be thrilled about, but it definitely is something every dog owner must do. By keeping pet waste out of sight, we reduce the spread of illnesses, smells, unsightly green spaces, and more. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us. And, thank you for scooping!

The post A Poopy Problem: Why Picking Up Pet Waste Is Necessary appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
Pets During Quarantine Have It Figured Out! /blog/pets-during-quarantine-have-it-figured-out/ Thu, 21 May 2020 04:32:04 +0000 /blog/?p=140 What can we say about this moment in our history? It’s scary, uncomfortable, and confusing to say the least. Think about how much worse the news would be, however, if we weren’t home with our four-legged best friends. It’s still not easy, but we can be somewhat soothed by Fluffy’s meaningful gaze, or Fido’s tail-wagging […]

The post Pets During Quarantine Have It Figured Out! appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>

What can we say about this moment in our history? It’s scary, uncomfortable, and confusing to say the least. Think about how much worse the news would be, however, if we weren’t home with our four-legged best friends. It’s still not easy, but we can be somewhat soothed by Fluffy’s meaningful gaze, or Fido’s tail-wagging devotion.

In fact, the small moments we share with animal kind give us far more than a brief respite from the headlines. Like other people all over the world, it’s time to consider all we’ve learned (so far) from our pets during quarantine. 

It’s Time… To Relax

Most pets are pretty good at chilling out. Even the ones that suffer from separation anxiety have fewer reasons to worry in this present paradigm. The lesson for pet owners? It’s okay to relax. 

Hunker down on the couch together. Binge watch the TV series you’ve been putting off. Cook some slow food together and have a quiet picnic. Take meandering walks, with no destination or time limit in mind. In other words, pets during quarantine can shed a great deal of light on the idea that taking it easy can become a high priority.

Soak Up the Sun

Vitamin D is essential to our health, yet we spend so much time trying to escape direct rays. Check out your pets during quarantine. We bet they’re great at sniffing out special patches of sweet, honey-like sunshine streaming through the window. Spreading out in a warm spot is so good for the physical body, and can really add to your mental health, too. 

The Snooze Button

If you’re curled up with your pet in a patch of golden sunlight, embrace the opportunity to slip into a nice dream. Sleep is one of the best ways to combat stress, a fact not lost on your pet. Take your time, sleep on and off for a day or two (or more) if you can, and take some deep breaths knowing that your best friend is right beside you. 

Look Good, Feel Good

Dogs may not be as invested in their appearance as cats. But the truth is, all pets feel their best when they look their best. Don’t forget to take good care of how you look. We’re not saying anyone should cut their own bangs or anything, but please take extra care to pamper yourself like pets during quarantine. 

Draw a hot bath, get your curling iron out, and put on a face mask (your pet will still be able to recognize you!).

Getting Into the Groove

Perhaps the way we can successfully move through this time at home is to establish and stick to a strict routine. This means that you and your pet should eat and exercise at the same times each day. Even if you cannot take long hikes or go on strenuous bike rides.

Get out for some exercise together whenever possible. Consider picking up yoga, or doga for your pup, and celebrate the chance to slow down, breath deeply, and appreciate all that you do have.

Pets During Quarantine

This period in time is less than ideal but staying home with your pets during quarantine remains part of the solution. If you have any questions about the many ways to support your pet’s mental and physical wellbeing, please let us know. We’re always here for you at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital

The post Pets During Quarantine Have It Figured Out! appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>
How Training and Socialization Lead to Good Dog Behavior /blog/training-and-socialization-lead-to-good-dog-behavior/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 12:50:28 +0000 /blog/?p=52 Even people with little to no experience with dogs can recognize the qualities of a “good dog.” They rarely bark or jump up on people, stay off of the furniture, and remember when it’s time to go outside for their bathroom needs. Likewise, “good dogs” don’t run away, chase after wildlife, and do not attack […]

The post How Training and Socialization Lead to Good Dog Behavior appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>

Even people with little to no experience with dogs can recognize the qualities of a “good dog.” They rarely bark or jump up on people, stay off of the furniture, and remember when it’s time to go outside for their bathroom needs. Likewise, “good dogs” don’t run away, chase after wildlife, and do not attack people and other animals. 

We’d love to think that dogs are simply born this way, but the truth is, well-mannered dogs have been trained to behave in certain ways around very specific stimuli. Don’t worry—the keys to effective dog training and proper socialization are within reach. 

Plays Well With Others

It’s not their fault that dogs are sort of, well, clueless when it comes to the rules of humans. They have to be taught the right ways of doing things. Once they understand the expectations of their people, they can claim their rightful place in the household hierarchy (which may or may not include a spot on the couch!).

More Than Commands

Basic obedience is critical to establishing your dog’s manners. Understanding and demonstrating a mastery of basics, such as sit, stay, down, heel, come, and more, give dogs and their owners a powerful sense of safety and security.

Reward-based or positive reinforcement dog training gives dogs significant pieces of the puzzle. While older training methods relied on punishing bad or unwanted dog behavior, positive reinforcement training offers dogs valuable opportunities to learn the right ways to please their owners. When they behave well, they are given small, but very tasty, treats.

Don’t Waffle

The single most effective way to train a dog is through an unwavering, consistent approach. Owners are tasked with constant awareness and observation of their dog’s behaviors. If you want them to understand that good behaviors equal rewards/treats, it is essential to monitor what they’re doing.

Finally, dog owners must ignore “bad” dog behavior. If they pick up any reaction, including negative attention, the action that you’re not pleased with could inadvertently become reinforced.

Can You Handle It?

Dogs that are handled from a very early age have the capacity to understand various types of interactions. Thus, it’s really important to their social skills to be experienced with human touch, exposure to other animals, certain noises, and various environments (once they’re fully vaccinated, that is!).

Cool, Confident, Comfortable

Dog behavior can sometimes hinge upon how stimuli is framed. If they hear a siren, for example, it may be jarring at first, but they look to their owners for cues. If the owner is calm, they learn that the sound is okay. It may take some soothing and reassurance at first (and fear from specific stimuli may never go away entirely), but dogs have the potential to react in the ways their owners do. 

What This Means for Dog Behavior

A dog that receives regular opportunities to learn and show their skills is a happy dog. Generally speaking, dogs that have been trained and socialized are well-adjusted, calm, open, and flexible. Others may be prone to separation anxiety, stress, and discomfort in the presence of strangers.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are always happy to talk about promising or puzzling dog behavior traits. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

The post How Training and Socialization Lead to Good Dog Behavior appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

]]>