Physiopets.ie Veterinary Physiotherapy

03/06/2023

Please don't let your dogs swim in any potentially dangerous waters these days... dozens of dogs have died due to ALGAE poisoning in Ireland the past two weeks - affects all (but especially stagnant ponds, puddles, lakes etc) waters. The sea can be affected too!

Animals have died recently after swimming in Lough Melvin.

16/05/2023

15/04/2023

CHOOSING A FLEA & TICK PREVENTIVE FOR YOUR PET!⚠️🐶🐱

Several popular ‘preventive’ products have a history of being associated with reactions in some dogs and cats including seizures, behavioral issues, muscular/balance issues, and even death.😿

If you need to use a chemical preventive, or if you are looking for safer alternatives, you don’t want to miss this week’s Inside Scoop episode with Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Jean Dodds!

We’ll be covering:
🌿 Non-chemical, natural prevention and integrative protocols

✅ Safer options and products for both chemical and non-chemical prevention

💊 Detox and support protocols if you have to give chemical preventives
..plus our updated Flea, Tick & Heartworm Guide full of DIY recipes, supplements and more!

Join us this Sunday at 12pm ET for this important discussion!

👉If you haven’t joined our subscription group of 2.0 pet parents and want to learn more, just click the link below or head over to the Planet Paws page and hit the "Subscribe” button to join our weekly Livestreams. Also includes access to over 4 years of lives, interviews, ebooks and more in our Archives!
https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/PlanetPawsMedia

14/04/2023

🐾 🌟 National Dog Bite Prevention Week 🌟 🐾

HOW TO HANDLE GROWLING

❌ Often humans are quick to scold a dog who growls but PLEASE don't ever do this! ❌

✅ A growl is actually a polite message that our dog isn't comfortable about something that's happening.✅

❌ They do NOT need verbal or physical corrections/reprimands/punishment. ❌

A grow tells you that your dog is uncomfortable in a way that people understand. By the time a dog growls at someone they have actually usually “told” us they are uncomfortable in many different ways...this with head turns, tongue flicks, paw lifts, and more. We are not always tuned in to the more subtle signs of communication so a dog often has to no choice but to "shout louder" when their "whisper" isn't heard.

So what happens if you do punish your dog for growling? You are actually teaching your dog not to tell you when they are uncomfortable. They are still uncomfortable, or scared, or in pain, but now they just don’t say anything.☹ When people say, “The dog bit without warning,” it is often because the dog was previously punished for growling. It is like taking the batteries out of a smoke alarm. It doesn't stop the fire, but it does stop the warning.

If your dog growls at another person or animal, quickly remove them from the situation.

However....if your dog growls at YOU, move away from your dog. This is a temporary solution to prevent an escalation and to keep you both safe.

Take note of what was happening in the lead up to the growl.

Was your dog:

🔷 ️Scared or afraid?
🔷 ️In pain?
🔷 ️Protecting something like a toy or food?

A dog is not a "bad" dog if they growl...they are a dog who needs your understanding and your help.

There are so many different reasons why a dog might feel triggered and growl. It's our responsibility as their guardians to treat them with compassion and to seek to understand what is going on for our dog.

We always recommend seeking professional support if you are concerned about your dog's behaviour. If there are any sudden changes in behaviour without an obvious cause, the first suggestion would be to speak to your vet to identify any pain or health issues. If the issues seem to be behavioural rather than medical (sometimes it can be both!) then we recommend seeking out a qualified fear-free behaviourist in your area or online to help guide you and your dog.

06/02/2023

REACTIVITY MISUNDERSTOOD
Reactive dogs are often misunderstood. A dog that is reacting to a situation is not trying to be difficult, they are having a difficult time coping with that particular situation and are trying their best to make the scary thing go away.
Reactivity is generally triggered by the emotion of fear. The fear of whatever is scaring them, a fear of a valuable possession being taken away or a fear of a strange person or animal coming into their territory. Anxiety, stress, over excitement, over stimulation, feeling overwhelmed, trigger stacking, or a dog that is tired, in pain or even has chronic itching will often feel irritable and may be reactive in certain situations. If their reactivity is successful in making the scary thing go away, it becomes a rewarding behaviour because it’s something that works for them and it makes them feel better.
It’s not easy to be the owner of a reactive dog. One of my dogs is reactive and I know first-hand how dogs like this can leave you feeling embarrassed, ashamed, angry or frustrated. Why do they have to be so difficult, why can’t they just behave normally? Everyone is looking at me, judging me, thinking that I’m a bad owner, have no training skills, can’t control my dog or have a vicious dog that shouldn’t be taken out in public.
As hard as it may be, we need to take the focus off how we as owners feel about their reactivity and focus on how our dogs are feeling and what is causing their reaction. Whatever it is, it’s not something our dogs can overcome on their own and we need to take steps to help them cope. Reactive dogs need compassion, understanding, management, force free, positive reinforcement interventions and decompression – (a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity). These techniques take time and patience but are so important in helping our dogs to feel safe and learn more acceptable ways of coping.
I have learnt through many mistakes, to recognise what triggers my reactive dog and take steps to either avoid those situations, provide enough distance, or provide her with an alternative choice where she feels safe and in control of her environment. There will always be unexpected triggers around the next corner that are not within our control, but doing all we can to manage these triggers has immeasurable benefits.

27/11/2022

29/10/2022

🎇 FIREWORK ADVICE 🎇

It’s that time of year again that so many pet owners hate so we thought we would share some tips to try and help your fur babies. 🐶

✅ Walk your dog before it gets dark.
✅ Avoid letting them out for toilet breaks when fireworks are going off.
✅ Close curtains and blinds and keep windows shut.
✅ Feed your dog before it’s dark, they may be too stressed to eat when it gets loud.
✅ Try to mask the sound with your TV or radio. Classic FM will be playing a special calming playlist or check out Taiko Drums on YouTube.
✅ Allow your dog to choose their safe space. They may feel more comfortable in their bed or a crate than with you.
✅ Stay calm, your dog will pick up on your anxiety.
✅ Reward them with their favourite treat after a bang so they can try to associate the sound with something positive. Long lasting chews are great for the noisiest times.
✅ Consider using calming sprays or supplements in the run up to bonfire night.
✅ Some dogs find a thundershirt or snood helps to keep them calm.
✅ Ensure your pets microchip details in case they do run off.

Stay safe 🙏❤️🐾