2021 AAHA Press Catalog by American Animal Hospital Association

AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

AAHA Press Catalog 2021

10 Best-Practice Tips for Controlled Substance Compliance...................... 6

How Social Media and Digital Marketing Can Boost Your Practice..........................16 Happy Feet: Step-by-Step Counterconditioning for Sensitive Paws.............................. 26 How to Cultivate Resilience in Yourself and Your Team......... 22 And more!

Books and Resources to Help Veterinary Teams Thrive

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Contents New Arrivals & Coming Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Practice Management Tools

How to Order Order online at press.aaha.org or call 800-883-6301.

Controlled Substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Standard shipping is FREE for accredited members in the US and Canada!

Financial Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Shipping and Handling for Nonmembers in the US

Marketing, Sales, and Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Building Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Tools for the Whole Team Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Medical Records and Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Veterinary Safety and OSHA Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Medical and Dental Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Tools for Your Clients Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Pet Behavior Brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Pet Health Brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Pet Brochure Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Up to $35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.95 $36–$100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95 $101–$175. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.95 Over $175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.95 Expedited Shipping and Handling for Members and Nonmembers in the US Two-Day Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.95 Next-Day Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89.95 Shipping and Handling for Members and Nonmembers in Canada* Regular delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.95 International Orders* Surface freight, shipments under 3 lbs. (3–4 months). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.95 Air freight, shipments over 3 lbs. (3–4 weeks) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.95

Pet Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

*All rates are in US dollars. Conversion rates may change actual amount charged.

Book Swag and Products for Accredited Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Pricing Key

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

M Member | NM Nonmember Companion website Available on Nook

Get a sneak peek of our new and forthcoming books in the AAHA Voices sections!

Available on Amazon Kindle Adobe PDF

New Arrivals & Coming Soon

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Dear Reader, At AAHA Press, we know that, even in novel situations, veterinary medicine and the care of companion animals remain vitally essential. As talented and dedicated veterinary professionals, your needs are what drive us to publish useful, timely, expert resources that can help in everyday practice. Accessible and practical, our books, forms, and products all are designed to help you and your team practice best medicine, improve your bottom line, and create a healthy and thriving workplace. We hope you enjoy the new and updated books and resources from AAHA Press coming in 2021, and be sure to check out our other publications, all of which are available to the entire veterinary profession: y NEWStat, our free news site and weekly e-newsletter that covers the breaking stories and current events that matter to the veterinary community. y Trends magazine, our award-winning monthly management magazine, which provides actionable tips and news to all members of the practice team to enhance patient care and help you operate more effectively and profitably. y JAAHA, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, AAHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peer-reviewed, bimonthly, scientific journal that publishes relevant, original, timely scientific and technical information pertaining to the practice of small-animal medicine and surgery. When it comes to seeking the best in quality information and resources, we want to be there for you every step of the way. Please visit aaha.org if you are interested in joining our community of members, exploring our innovative CE, accessing cutting-edge medical guidelines, and more. Sincerely,

Laura Esterman Editorial Director American Animal Hospital Association

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Welcome to the 2021 catalog for the American Animal Hospital Association Press AAHA Pressâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is an internationally regarded publisher and distributor of books and resources for veterinary care providers and pet owners. Specializing in user-friendly references in a variety of formats, AAHA Press publishes materials pertinent to the practice of companion-animal medicine. We provide tools to achieve the AAHA standard of excellence to all members of the veterinary profession.

Interested in writing for AAHA Press? AAHA Press is always looking for new authors and material. To submit a proposal or learn more, check out our submission guidelines at aaha.org/authorsubmissions.

Have a question for AAHA Press staff members? We love hearing from our readers and welcome your questions and feedback. Please reach out to press@aaha.org if you have comments for the team.

Laura Esterman Editorial Director

Karie Simpson Managing Editor

Nathan Davidson Acquisitions Editor

Jess Townsend Publishing Marketing Manager

Ben Williams Editor, Trends magazine

Tony McReynolds Editor, NEWStat

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Coming Spring 2021

AAHA Guide to Safeguarding Controlled Substances JACK TEITELMAN AND KELLEY DETWEILER The AAHA Guide to Safeguarding Controlled Substances is the ultimate resource for understanding Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations and ensuring your practice is safe and fully compliant. Every member of the practice team will find useful tips and practical advice to help with their controlled substance management all from experienced DEA experts. This practical manual will not only prepare your practice for potential DEA inspections, but help you to mitigate risk, improve patient care, and gain peace of mind. Includes access to a companion website with FAQs, updated resources, and more! $74.95 M | $89.95 NM Product code SAFECS, paperback, 284 pages, 978-1-58326293-1, AAHA Press 2021.

It can be daunting to keep track of all of the things you need to do. Jack Teitelman and Kelley Detweiler have created an easy button for veterinarians who want to do it correctly, and most importantly, legally. A must have for your management library. —PETER WEINSTEIN, DVM, MBA

Check out all of AAHA’s controlled substance resources on page 30

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10 Best-Practice Tips for Controlled Substance Compliance JACK TEITELMAN AND KELLEY DETWEILER, AUTHORS OF THE AAHA GUIDE TO SAFEGUARDING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES During our years in business, our team has conducted close to 500 compliance inspections for veterinary practices throughout the US, and we have a pretty good idea of the keys to maintaining controlled substance compliance. Smart practitioners, in our experience, run their practices and conduct business as if the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could come through their doors at any minute. They incorporate compliance as part of their company’s DNA and create robust processes that can quickly become second nature for practitioners and staff. These companies never operate out of fear, but rather with the confidence that they are working properly and legally, which increases safety and reduces liability. Here are our top 10 best-practice tips for ensuring your controlled substance procedures are fully compliant with DEA regulations and that your practice is operating with confidence and safety.

Know your employees. Don’t get caught off guard by hiring or employing veterinary personnel with a past or current controlled substance issue. By implementing company-wide policies that start with the hiring process, including required background checks on new (and

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existing) employees, employee-screening statements, and routine drug testing, you are taking the first step to defend your business. At the end of the day, a bit of time upfront can save you tons of time, money, and heartache down the road—and protect your staff, clients, and patients from costly (or deadly) mistakes. Remember that knowing your employees starts with the hiring process and should continue throughout the employer-employee relationship.

Train your employees. Proper employee training sets the tone for continued success. Effectively training your employees on controlled substance compliance and common drug diversion scams they might see among clients and teammates ranks is hugely important. Aside from truly knowing and vetting the people you hire, the most important thing you can do is to continually train and educate them. Think of it as a fire drill for your practice—a standard, recurring practice to ensure that everyone is prepared in the event of a real “fire.”

Review your systems. How long has it been since you double-checked your controlled substance security systems? Set up a schedule to review security systems, including controlled substance security systems, facility

AAHA VOICES

security, and employee operational systems. Any vulnerabilities or lax access opportunities can lead to a higher rate of drug diversion, which is why consistently reviewing your security systems is critical to maintaining ongoing DEA compliance.

to stay updated on any changes in legislation and ensure that your staff is updated as well.

Smart practitioners incorporate compliance as part of their company’s DNA and create robust business processes that can quickly become second nature for practitioners and staff.

Prioritize the creation of a controlled substance policies and procedures manual. The center of your controlled substance compliance plan is the controlled substance policies and procedures manual (CSPPM). Think of this as your go-to for every controlled substance policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) your practice creates and uses. The CSPPM should outline instructions for everything that happens to a controlled substance throughout its life cycle at your facility. Its purpose is to regulate and prevent the diversion of controlled substances by clarifying responsibilities and facilitating processes for all employees authorized to handle controlled substances.

Create and use SOPs. Set up comprehensive SOPs for the entire life cycle of controlled substances in your practice, and be sure your staff is trained and comfortable with using each one. When in doubt, document it. When it comes to controlled substance recordkeeping, there is no such thing as too much detail. Your recordkeeping tells the story of your controlled substance compliance throughout its life cycle in your possession. When in doubt, document it. It may just be your lifeline one day. Stay current on regulations. State and federal requirements are constantly changing. As a DEA registrant, you are expected and required to remain current on regulations at the state and federal levels. Make the effort

Enact the theory of proactivity. In short, be proactive about your controlled substance compliance. If you don’t adopt a theory of proactivity, you will likely fall into the reactivity of old habits, which will inevitably send you down a troublesome path. Remain vigilant. When things are going well, it’s easy to fall into the trap of loosening up on enforcing policies and procedures. Resist the urge to do this! Your compliance is not static. It’s dynamic. Have a plan. Remember—not having a plan is planning to fail. The AAHA Guide to Safeguarding Controlled Substances is your complete DEA manual and will help you to formulate a plan that works for your unique practice.

Jack Teitelman is a retired DEA supervisory special agent who spent 26 years gaining extensive experience in all facets of complex criminal drug-conspiracy investigations. As founder and CEO of TITAN Group, Teitelman directs a team of leading DEA compliance and state regulatory compliance experts and investigators to ensure that veterinary clients receive the highest quality services and support.

Kelley Detweiler is the managing partner and chief operating officer of TITAN Group. In 2017, she helped Jack and Sharon Teitelman cofound TITAN Group; merging her experience in packaging compliance and marketing with their vision to provide DEA compliance solutions to healthcare and veterinary professionals working with controlled substances.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

New Edition

The Veterinary Fee Reference, Eleventh Edition AAHA In your practice’s unique market, it’s critical to set the right prices to keep you profitable and competitive, and attract new clients as well as satisfy loyal clients. The Veterinary Fee Reference is here to help with US veterinary fees for more than 500 services and cases and more than 600 tables with data on examinations, procedures, medications, and—for the first time—telemedicine. Sourced from 950 practices, you can easily pinpoint what practices just like yours—in terms of factors such as median household income of clients, metropolitan status of the practice, and practice size—are charging and adjust accordingly. $169.95 M | $269.95 NM Product code VFRE11, paperback, 464 pages, 978-1-58326-287-0, AAHA Press 2021.

Financial and Productivity Pulsepoints, Tenth Edition AAHA Is your practice performing at its peak potential? Financial and Productivity Pulsepoints is the industry standard for benchmarking. Now in its tenth edition, this bestselling practice management tool allows you to determine where your practice is successful and where improvements can be made. The new edition includes fresh data on practice demographics, hospital expenses and revenue, and everything in between, provided by hospitals across the country. All data tables are accompanied by clear explanations, analyses, and discussions—giving you the information you need to curb expenses and accelerate profits.

With purchase, enjoy free, exclusive access to decision-support tools such as the Profitability Simulator and KPI podcasts on the companion website.

$144.95 M | $189.95 NM Product code FPPU10, paperback, 270 pages, 978-1-58326-277-1, AAHA Press 2019.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Get the competitive financial edge with the entire Vital Statistics Series. Receive all three books in the series and save! $359.95 M | $499.95 NM Product code VSSS5

Compensation and Benefits, Ninth Edition AAHA Compensation and Benefits is widely recognized as the most trusted and comprehensive resource for competitive pay and perks packages in the veterinary profession. Whether you’re building a brand-new practice team or hiring for a few positions, this highly respected guide has the credible statistics and market conditions to help you move forward. Striking a balance between what your hospital can reasonably offer and providing an environment in which team members have the opportunity to build both career and financial wellbeing is critical. Compensation and Benefits can get you there. $109.95 M | $149.95 NM Product code CBEN9, paperback, 204 pages, 978-1-58326-282-5, AAHA Press 2020.

I use Compensation and Benefits every year when I audit our pay scales. I reference it every time an employee asks about a raise. I use it to keep track of certain benefits that we might want to offer in the future in order to be a more than competitive employer. —LINDSAY PELTIER, PRACTICE MANAGER, CENTERVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

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Step-by-Step Guide to Reviewing Your Fee Schedule Setting appropriate fees is a complex task that has a massive impact on a practice’s financial success. Before deciding what to charge, a practice manager or owner should understand the financial position of the practice, the goals for the fee change, the importance of communication with clients, the three common pricing models, and how to monitor the impact of fee changes. All of which make up the pricing theory explained in the new edition of The Veterinary Fee Reference. Understanding pricing theory is one thing, but from a practical standpoint, how should you approach setting fees once you’ve decided to make a change?

Start with Your Current Fee Schedule You already have this in place, so there is no point in reinventing the wheel. Even if you need to do a major overhaul in prices, starting with the current fee schedule helps you keep in mind what your clients are used to seeing so you can manage the transition well.

Ensure Your Fees Are Correctly Categorized Most likely, your fee schedule groups fees by type of service—for example, examinations, laboratory tests, imaging, and surgery. Make sure that all the fees are in the appropriate categories (e.g., lab tests are in the “lab” section instead of in “imaging,” and so on) so the fee schedule is easier to use. It is also important that the services be in the right categories when you compare your revenue by category to the benchmarks in The Veterinary Fee Reference and elsewhere. For example, if you are trying to see how your dentistry revenue compares with that of other practices, you need to make sure that revenue only from dental services is showing up in that category.

Simplify Procedure Names and Product Descriptions Look at the names of the procedures and product descriptions—do they make sense? Can even new staff members tell which procedure name matches which procedure? Are they something the client can understand

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AAHA VOICES

on an invoice? If you have duplicate listings for some fees, delete the extras. If you have obscure listings that are never used, get rid of them. Review the “miscellaneous” category and move items to the appropriate categories. A simpler fee schedule means that it is more likely the correct fee will be charged for the correct procedure.

Calculate Your Profitability Are you doing well? Review your financial statement and key performance metrics for the past few years. Has revenue been growing or declining? What has driven those changes? Fee increases? An increase or decrease in transactions? Are the active client numbers increasing or decreasing? What about new client numbers or average number of visits per pet? What changed in the average transaction charge? Changes in these parameters may be influenced by future fee changes, and it is critical to know what the current trends are. If you have operational inefficiencies—too many staff members, doctors who don’t produce enough, or inventory costs that are too high—then focus on improving those areas and not masking them with fee increases. Raising fees to make up for operational inefficiencies is not sustainable.

Understanding pricing theory is one thing, but from a practical standpoint, how should you approach setting fees?

may not be the only factor that influenced a change in the use of these services, and the impact of a fee change several years ago may be different from one implemented now.

Ignore General Pricing Wisdom Veterinarians have often relied on general rules for setting fees, such as “double the cost of outside lab work,” or “mark up products by 150%,” or even “raise everything by 10%.” If you have a highly profitable practice with reasonable growth in revenue driven by real growth in the numbers of clients seen and the services they buy, you may not need to worry about your pricing strategy, at least in the short run. But if your practice is seeing a decline in transactions, new clients, active clients, or number of visits to the practice, the fees you charge may be an issue, and you need to take this into account as you look at future fee increases. There is no magic in the rules that have often been used; it is important to consider the factors discussed here as well as the past and expected impacts of any future fee changes on the number of transactions, visits, and the growth in revenue. The changes that make sense for one kind of fee often don’t make sense for others. Finally, remember that setting the “right” price is just the beginning. You must also have a system in place to capture all the fees in your invoicing system, a plan to communicate the value of services to clients, and a reliable process to actually collect the fees from the clients.

Look Back on Previous Fee Changes In addition to monitoring the impact of future fee changes, reviewing the impact of past changes is equally important when considering fee adjustments. Identify all the significant pricing changes made in the past five years and the impact they have had on the sales of the products or services involved. Did sales go up, down, or remain unchanged? Not every practice has the historical information to do such an analysis, but most practices at least have a sense of what has been happening over the past few years in each of their service areas. It can also be useful to review the trends in types of products or services purchased by clients to identify areas where price may be an issue. Remember when using this information that price

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The management information, resources, and step-by-step procedures contained in this book will help you carry out your duties in an organized and effective manner, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your skills and knowledge. —LOUISE S. DUNN, OWNER, SNOWGOOSE VETERINARY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

Enjoy access to podcasts and customizable forms on the companion website.

Practice Made Perfect: A Complete Guide to Veterinary Practice Management, Second Edition MARSHA L. HEINKE, DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY JOHN B. MCCARTHY, DVM, MBA “Be all things to all people” could be the most accurate job description of a practice leader. From accounting to marketing to human resources, practice management requires a diverse, and sometimes daunting, skillset. Build or brush up on your skills with this fully updated second edition, which offers practical advice you can apply immediately, increasing your confidence as a manager and making you feel more in control. Each chapter has been reviewed by a subject-matter expert and includes sample forms, letters, logs, and more. New to the second edition: y Strategic planning and brand creation y Internet-based marketing and social media y Budgeting and setting up internal controls in the bookkeeping process y A quick-start guide to managing overstocked inventory y Completely updated legal review $95.95 M | $114.95 NM

Product code PRMD2, paperback, 580 pages, 978-1-58326-172-9, AAHA Press 2012.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

VHMA-Recommended Reading Set now completely updated

controls in the bookkeeping process aining all pertinent forms in the book

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practice management book, this is the one.

Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice is an all-in-one resource that gives practitioners and managers immediate working knowledge of the financial aspects of practice management. Accessible and easy-to-understand chapters help you establish operational processes, make informed day-to-day decisions, allocate resources, budget expenses, and more. This book also provides: • • • • • •

Charts, tables, checklists, and sample reports to illustrate the concepts Key calculating ratios for measuring profitability and productivity Tips on how to communicate effectively with financial professionals Best practices for short- and long-term planning A glossary of financial terms Real-world examples

2nd Edition

Using the principles and techniques in this book, managers and generalist business

A Complete Guide Veterinary ing the greatest opportunity forto success. Practice Management

owners alike can provide the practice with sound financial management, guarantee-

JUSTIN CHAMBLEE, MAcc, CPA, is a financial services manager for Coker Group. He works with clients in a variety of financial areas and ventures and has contributed to Coker publications, including Physician Entrepreneurs: Strength in Numbers—Consolidation and Collaboration Strategies to Grow Your Practice and Physician Entrepreneurs: Going Retail—Business Strategies to Grow Beyond Traditional Practice Models. MAX REIBOLDT, CPA, is president and chief executive officer of Coker Group. He is a prolific

MANAGEMENT OF THE VETERINARY PRACTICE

9 781583 261729

Heinke

Marsha L. Heinke, DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM press.aaha.org with contributions by John B. McCarthy, DVM, MBA

Reviewed by Nikki L. Quenette, CPA, CMA

ISBN 978--1-58326-124-8

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for Veterinary Medical Records

3rd Edition

Prepare for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) exam with these VHMArecommended titles! $149.95 M | $179.95 NM

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AAHA Press

10495

Abbreviations

Justin Chamblee, CPA Max Reiboldt, CPA

ISBN 978-1-58326-124-8 ISBN 978-1-58326-172-9

Standard

Abbr

THIRD EDITION

author and an accomplished public speaker on health-care management topics.

FINANCIAL

Chamblee | Reiboldt

. Dunn, owner, Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting

VPm, has dedicated herself to the veterinary profession through e, Marsha L. Heinke, CPA, Inc. In addition to speaking at veteriy groups, she shares knowledge and advice through her writing, authored and coauthored books for the veterinary profession.

A Complete Guide to Veterinary Practice Management

ces, and step-by-step procedures contained in this book will help ized and effective manner, assess your strengths and weaknesses, It will give veterinary hospitals the management information they

2nd Edition

Practice Made Perfect

Standard Abbreviations for Veterinary Medical Records

a best seller

cial media ation with inventory issues

FINANCIAL DECISIONS IMPACT THE SUCCESS OF EVERY BUSINESS. Today’s managers are expected to understand the nuances of financial data, the information yielded, and the applications that must be made to ensure fiscal stability.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE VETERINARY PRACTICE

gers with the wide range of skills necessary to successfully and

Practice Made Perfect

t haPPen by aCCident. The second edition of Practice

ctice. The book covers vital topics such as human resources, a, accounting, and more. Whether you’re a new or seasoned e practice management book designed specifically for you.

6/19/12 2:31 PM

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8/18/15 2:19 PM

Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice JUSTIN CHAMBLEE, CPA, AND MAX REIBOLDT, CPA; REVIEWED BY NIKKI L. QUENETTE, CPA, CMA Maybe you’re new to the financial side of the practice. Or maybe you’re just ready to take your skills—and your practice—to the next level. Whether you’re financially savvy or a beginner, Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice is the one ally you’ll need. Easy to understand and brimming with examples, this all-in-one resource provides foundational financial information attuned to veterinary professionals. Learn how to establish sound operational processes, make informed decisions, and increase financial success. $54.95 M | $64.95 NM

Product code FNMNV, paperback, 176 pages, 978-1-58326-124-8, AAHA Press 2011.

Standard Abbreviations for Veterinary Medical Records, Third Edition AAHA Ensure that your patients get the best continued care with a trustworthy, truly standard set of veterinary abbreviations. This updated and expanded book provides general abbreviation rules, more than 650 general medical abbreviations, more than 100 imaging abbreviations, and oncology drug protocols and grading systems for conditions such as heart failure. Clear communication is essential to continued quality care for your patients. $19.95 M | $24.95 NM Product code SAVM3, paperback, 72 pages, 978-1-58326-144-6, AAHA Press 2010.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: MARKETING, SALES, AND OWNERSHIP

Selling Your Veterinary Practice: Issues and Answers, Second Edition LORRAINE MONHEISER LIST, CPA, CVA, AND GLENN HANNER, CPA, CITP, CVA, CGMA Nationally renowned practice sales consultants Lorraine Monheiser List and Glenn Hanner demystify the complex world of practice sales. Learn from their combined 50 years’ experience as they share insider’s wisdom and expert advice on what to do—and avoid—to sell for top dollar, protect your profits from taxes, preserve your legacy, and create a bright future for everyone, including your patients. $39.95 M | $49.95 NM Product code SLGP2, PDF, 98 pages, 978-1-58326-249-8, AAHA Press 2015.

Valuation of Veterinary Practices: Understanding the Theory, Process, and Report, Second Edition LORRAINE MONHEISER LIST, CPA, CVA What is your practice worth? What is the practice you want to buy worth? Valuation of Veterinary Practices provides insight into valuation theory and practice for both owners and potential buyers. This updated second edition also provides information on appraisers, along with tips on how to effectively work with one. $39.95 M | $49.95 NM Product code VLVT2, PDF, 120 pages, 978-1-58326-145-3, AAHA Press 2011.

PRACTICE OWNERSHIP SERIES

NEW Companion Website!

2nd Edition

ciate, you might be wondering: ntrolling ownership interest? Is the buy-in price reasonable? Where do I get the money to h control will I have and will I be given a chance to make decisions about the practice?

tions and much more are addressed in this unique, comprehensive resource—a must-have situation.

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Practice OwnershiP series

Compensation Models for Owners, Associates, and Staff

PRACTICE OWNERSHIP SERIES

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Starting

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for veterinarians and their teams.

Veterinary Practice

Lorraine Monheiser List, CPA, CVA

er List, CPA, CVA, is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant on financial and practice

Structuring Successful Transitions

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s to Screw Up a Buy-In” appendix

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Buying a

Associate Buy-Ins

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nd edition:

ation on setting the price

Starting a Veterinary Practice

PRACTICE OWNERSHIP SERIES

Compensation Models for Owners, Associates, and Staff

Buying a Veterinary Practice

Associate Buy-Ins

an owner or an associate veterinarian, the decision to buy into or sell part of a veterinary one of the most important you’ll make. The second edition of Associate Buy-Ins: Structuring tions will guide both parties through the process, helping everyone involved feel confident lt.

r, you may be asking yourself: ociate fit into my ultimate exit strategy? Why sell a piece of my practice now, and if I do, how ? What’s a reasonable price? How will we share making management decisions in the future?

a Veterinary Practice

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: MARKETING, SALES, AND OWNERSHIP

Coming Spring 2021

Social Media and Marketing for Veterinary Professionals CAITLIN DeWILDE, DVM A good marketing strategy is the difference between a thriving practice and a “surviving” practice. Social Media and Marketing for Veterinary Professionals is a comprehensive resource for any member of the veterinary team looking to establish and grow a social media and marketing strategy for their practice. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this invaluable resource will ensure your practice is reaching not only existing clients but potential new clients. Learn how to: y Set up and master any social media platform y Establish a positive online reputation y Communicate and market to clients via email y Plan, monitor, and track your campaigns Ensure your practice is thriving and helping as many pets as possible with a successful social media and marketing plan. $54.95 M | $64.95 NM Product code SOMAR1, paperback, 256 pages, 978-1-58326-294-8, AAHA Press 2021.

The E-Myth Veterinarian: Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It MICHAEL E. GERBER AND PETER WEINSTEIN, DVM, MBA

This should be mandatory reading for all current and future practice owners. —DAVID McCORMICK, MS, CVA

The E-Myth Veterinarian offers you a road map to creating a veterinary practice that’s selfsufficient, growing, and highly profitable. Bestselling author and small business guru Michael E. Gerber brings his expertise to the veterinary practice world and draws the vital, often overlooked distinction between working on your business and working in your business. After you have read The E-Myth Veterinarian, you will truly be able to grow your business in a predictable and productive way while also focusing on medicine. $23.95 M | $24.95 NM Product code EMYTH, hardcover, 228 pages, 978-1-61835-033-6, Prodigy Business Books 2015.

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How Social Media and Digital Marketing Can Boost Your Practice CAITLIN DeWILDE, DVM, AUTHOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterinarian can no longer be successful based on their bedside manner and medical expertise alone. Practices must take to social media, online review platforms, and websites to spread awareness and demonstrate their expertise and value. Veterinary teams should adopt new technologies to connect with pet owners online, on their phones, and in their social

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communities. Marketing and social media allow you to meet your clients where they are, better serve their needs, and, ultimately, grow your practiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bottom line. Our oath to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society now extends from the exam room to the online arena. While the technology and platforms are everchanging and growing, here are some of the concrete ways

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that social media and marketing efforts can increase your business’ success.

Attract More New Clients Most clients find veterinary practices one of four ways: word of mouth, online activity, print media, and foot traffic. Word of mouth still reigns supreme for most practices, but online activity is a close second and feeds back into the first. Online activity is the summary of your practice’s representation on the internet, including your practice website, social media channels, search engine listings, review platforms, and more. It’s essential that practices have a solid foundation on all of these platforms so that potential clients can quickly access information they need about the practice. Staking your claim consistently across a variety of social media platforms, review platforms, and online registries means the practice will be more readily found wherever clients are looking. In addition to improving discoverability, claiming these sites prevents misrepresentation, ensures correct information and client access, and allows the practice to have control over the appearance of the business online. All of which maximize the potential for a new client to find your practice and book your services.

Build Trust and Earn Loyalty Over the past decade, pet owners have identified a veterinarian’s ability to market their practice and use digital opportunities as a marker of trust and success. Pet owners are particularly responsive and eager to connect online with their veterinary teams and want to see what happens at their practice. Which makes sense, as veterinarians are blessed with perfect content. Who wouldn’t want to see cute kittens, puppies, and heartwarming pet stories? Social media posts of the animals in your care, anecdotes about your staff, and information about the day-to-day of the practice will help you to build a closer relationship with your clientele. Building an email newsletter and a practice website also allows your practice to quickly and easily disseminate essential information such as special offers, changing policies, or updated hours. Regular client communication,

Our oath to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society now extends from the exam room to the online arena.

whether educational or fun, helps you to establish a relationship with your clients. If they are regularly reading your practice newsletter, seeing your social media feeds, and interacting with your website, they are likely to trust your team and return for their pet’s care.

Improve Client Compliance and Pet Health Your practice’s website and email marketing program are particularly powerful ways to disseminate educational information to your clients. Pet education could take the form of expert tips from staff members, seasonal pet-safety reminders (such as flea and tick prevention in warmer months), client handouts, or even articles from publications you trust. All of which are marketing efforts that provide your clients with reliable pet health information that will increase their trust in your practice, their compliance with your exam room recommendations, and lead to better overall health for their pets. Pet owners regularly turn to a variety of online resources—blogs, social media, websites, and online communities—before they consult their veterinarian, or in conjunction with asking for information from their veterinarian. Be sure you add your expert voice to this arena.

Caitlin DeWilde, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and founder of The Social DVM, a consulting firm devoted to helping veterinary practices manage and grow their social media and online reputations. She has partnered with small- and large-animal veterinary practices, national industry groups, nonprofit organizations, and individual veterinarians to create practical yet creative strategies to succeed online and in practice. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and an alum of the AVMA’s Future Leaders Program.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: HUMAN RESOURCES

AAHA Guide to Creating an Employee Handbook, Fourth Edition

New and Updated Edition

EDITED BY AMANDA L. DONNELLY, DVM, MBA; CHARLOTTE LACROIX, DVM, JD; AND KELLIE G. OLAH, SPHR, SHRM-CP Thoroughly revised with new and updated sample policies covering the most recent developments in federal law and human resource management, the AAHA Guide to Creating an Employee Handbook includes current information on the following topics: y Practice culture y Diversity y Social media and cell phone usage y Antiharassment and antidiscrimination y Violence prevention y Bullying (including cyberbullying) y Marijuana, e-cigarette, and vaping laws and protocols y Dress code and grooming y Sick leave y And more

This book is an incredible resource and made my job of assembling a handbook so much easier! —BRENDA EISENHAUER, DVM, PARKSIDE ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT (Please print clearly)

An Equal Opportunity Employer Our practice does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or regulation. It is our intent that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Establish the best employment policies for your practice, from scheduling and pay periods to workplace safety and care of facility to vacations and leave. All the ready-made policies in this fourth edition appear as a Microsoft Word file on the companion website so that owners or managers can easily apply or customize the policies they feel best reflect their management philosophy. The companion website also includes exclusive HR resources for managing staff through emergency and pandemic situations, such as COVID-19. $109.95 M | $134.95 NM Product code AGCH4, paperback, 146 pages, 978-1-58326-283-2, AAHA Press 2020.

Veterinary Employment Application AAHA

Date _________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Last

First

Have you worked for any entity under a different name?

 Yes

Middle

 No

If yes, give name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Present address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________ No.

Street

City

State

Zip

Position applied for ________________________________________________________________________________ Email address ______________________________________ Employment you are seeking

 Full-time

 Part-time

Specify days and hours if part-time ____________________________________________________

Were you previously employed by this organization? ___________ If yes, when? _________________________________________________________________________ List any friends or relatives working here, other than spouse ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Creating an employment application from scratch isn’t the best use of your time. Instead, opt for this attorney-reviewed, veterinary-specific four-page form that asks for all the pertinent information you need.

Name(s)

If your application is considered favorably, on what date will you be available for work? _____________20__________ Are there any other work experiences, skills, or qualifications that you feel would especially qualify you for employent here? Please add any additional comments you think are important for us to consider. Use an additional sheet of paper if necessary. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If hired, can you furnish proof you are eligible to work in the United States? Have you previously applied here?

 Yes

 No

$14.95 M | $18.95 NM

If yes, when? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you are applying for a position with minimum age requirements, you may be required to submit proof of age.  Yes

For jobs with minimum age requirements: Are you 18 years of age or older? For driving positions only: Do you have a valid driver’s license?

 Yes

 No

Driver’s license number ___________________________________ Type/Class of license _____________ State _____________ Has your driver’s license been revoked or suspended in the last 3 years?

 Yes

 No

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Product code PMEMP, pack of 25 4-page forms, AAHA Press, updated 2017.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: HUMAN RESOURCES

A Practical Guide to Managing Employee Performance in Veterinary Practices KAREN PARKER, DVM When done well, performance reviews improve communication, motivation, growth, productivity, and practice culture. This guide walks you through the process of conducting reviews that provide value to both the team member and manager and support the practice’s organizational and strategic goals. Separated into three sections—designing an effective review process, preparing for individual reviews to avoid common pitfalls, and conducting successful review meetings—this book also includes: y Resources to establish metrics to clarify expectations y Comprehensive implementation guides y Access to customizable practice resources via the companion website Managing employee performance is about more than just the review process—it’s about investing in the success of your team. Help employees reach their full potential and achieve sustainable results for your practice with this step-by-step guide. $44.95 M | $54.95 NM Product code PRGU2, paperback, 190 pages, 978-1-58326-001-2, AAHA Press 2017.

How We Do Things Here: Developing and Teaching Office-Wide Protocols NAN BOSS, DVM

3D Book Image

Competent, capable, well-trained team members are the most important contributing factor to a practice’s success. Avoid generic training materials and start using this interactive training program that can be customized with all of your practice’s procedures and protocols. The materials have been specifically designed for all new employees—regardless of their job position—and they also serve as a quick reference for experienced team members and doctors alike. $74.95 M | $89.95 NM Product code HWWDT, PDF with editable documents, 978-1-58326-098-2, AAHA Press 2008.

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: BUILDING DESIGN

Practical Guide to Veterinary Hospital Design: From Renovations to New Builds

PubWest Design Award Winner!

VICKI J. POLLARD, AIA, CVT, AND ASHLEY M. SHOULTS, AIA Written for veterinarians and practice managers, Practical Guide to Veterinary Hospital Design is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to planning, designing, and building a successful hospital. Including up-to-date industry knowledge from the experts at Animal Arts, this book will guide you and your team from the initial visualization to move-in— whether you’re working on minor renovations or a new build.

Find updated AAHA building standards, Fear Free design tips, additional guidance, and inspiring photos on the companion website. In addition to technical components such as budgeting and planning for plumbing and electrical systems, the book details how to design a hospital that creates positive, anxiety-free spaces that enhance the relationships between hospital staff, pets, and clients. With full-color photos of hospitals the authors have designed alongside innovative floorplans, this book is your go-to reference for creating a hospital that is both contemporary and profitable. $134.95 M | $174.95 NM Product code VHDE1, paperback, 382 pages, 978-1-58326-057-9, AAHA Press 2018.

Everything you need to know to transform your hospital design dream to a reality. This excellent resource covers nearly every aspect of the process—from brainstorming to completion. —DEANNE BONNER, RVT, CVPM

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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: CULTURE

New and Updated Edition Coming Spring 2021

When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession, Second Edition KATHLEEN AYL, PsyD Compassion inspired your career. Don’t let its flip side, compassion fatigue, burn you out. This practical book brings much-needed support to veterinary professionals, who encounter death three times more often than practitioners of human medicine. When Helping Hurts offers down-to-earth guidance on how to recognize and address the emotional challenges of caring for patients and clients who are grappling with illness, disability, or death. Updated to include new chapters on mental health and wellbeing along with positive workplace culture, this veterinary-specific resource will help you: y Assess yourself for compassion fatigue y Learn techniques for dealing with compassion fatigue y Recognize compassion fatigue in other team members y Keep employees happy and decrease turnover y Aid in avoiding workplace conflict $49.95 M | $59.95 NM Product code WNHLH2, paperback, 224 pages, 978-1-58326-295-5, AAHA Press 2021. Axiom Business Book Award Winner!

A must-read. This book offers a road map through the maze of companion-animal care, from its pitfalls to its joys. —PATRICIA SMITH, FOUNDER, COMPASSION FATIGUE AWARENESS PROJECT

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How to Cultivate Resilience in Yourself and Your Team FROM WHEN HELPING HURTS, SECOND EDITION, BY KATHLEEN AYL, PsyD All veterinary professionals work in a highly demanding field with rising rates of stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Given that the intensity of veterinary medicine is unlikely to change, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important than ever to build resiliency at work. The good news is that resilience is a skillset that can be built, and cultivating it will

counterbalance the mental, physical, and emotional effects of being in the veterinary field. Resilient individuals and teams believe in themselves, adapt well to complexity and change, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow adversity to dissuade or define them. Here are some tips to build resilience for you and your entire team.

Build a Supportive Social Network

Working environments that encourage social connectedness show higher rates of resilience that serve them well when dealing with particularly difficult cases.

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Working environments that encourage social connectedness show higher rates of resilience that serve them well when dealing with particularly difficult cases. Strong team ties can more efficiently mobilize us during emergency events and connect us to help overcome a painful or difficult situation. Be sure you take steps at home and at work to build a social network that will be available to you during times of stress. Have a friend or loved one who you can lean on after a difficult day, and who can be a source of strength. Similarly, be sure that your practice encourages forming social systems between staff members. Arrange for your team to relax together, bond, and socialize so that they can better help each other through times of change, stress, and uncertainty.

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Reframe Challenges Around a Shared Purpose

Practice Mindfulness

We all face painful and tragic moments in our lives—no one is immune. We have the choice, however, to allow adversity to teach and help us grow while we realize our strengths. When your team faces a challenge, failure, or difficulty, take the time to reframe the situation around your shared purpose as a team. That could mean a variety of shared goals to practice the best medicine, to provide the best possible customer service, or to make every attempt to help each pet that enters your practice. All veterinary professionals care deeply about the wellbeing of the animals they care for and want to improve the health and happiness of pets and their families. Tap into that shared motivation and use it to see your team through tough times. Take some time to create a team mission statement, a clear shared purpose, or written goals—all of which can help your team to recenter and reconnect to their work after a stressful event.

Being aware of what is, while staying mindful of what we are experiencing without judgment or trying to run from it, will help cultivate resilience. Mindfulness can take many forms and is an easy and fast way to set yourself up for success each day. I recommend that veterinary professionals take a moment before starting work each day to take a few deep breaths and set an intention for the day ahead. After work, ask yourself what you can let go of from that day and give yourself permission to do just that. Research shows that those with a deep sense of mindfulness and spirituality are more resilient in the face of trauma. Bring whatever gives you a sense of connectedness into your life, whether it’s a religious practice or simply a connection to nature, in order to expand your own resilience. A daily practice may seem small, but it will help you to stay present to whatever life brings.

Kathleen Ayl, PsyD, holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Grief Recovery Institute–certified grief-recovery specialist and has dedicated her practice to pet-loss recovery and veterinary team support. She is the author of numerous articles and books on compassion fatigue and pet loss, and she presents workshops and lectures in these subject areas both nationally and internationally.

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Now more than ever, clients may be looking for a way to fit your care into their budget. As clients begin scheduling care they may have delayed for their pets, many will be looking for a budget-friendly way to pay. Whether it’s an annual wellness exam, new puppy visit or a surgical procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help make payment easier. • Clients have a contactless way to apply and pay you from curbside, at home or anywhere using a mobile device • They can make convenient monthly payments* for all your services

24,000+ veterinary practices accept CareCredit to help pets get a LIfetime of Care.TM

• You get paid quickly in just 2 business days Enroll now with CareCredit. The enrollment fee is only $59 if you apply to enroll by June 30, 2021. Call us to get started. 844-812-8111. Did you miss the Care for a Lifetime roundtable? Download it today at www.aaha.org/practice-resources/pet-health-resources/lifetime-care.

carecredit.com/vetenroll

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required.

TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: EDUCATION Coming Spring 2021

The AAHA Guide to Animal Behavior for Veterinary Professionals EDITED BY PAT MILLER, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA AND LESLIE SINN, DVM, DACVB The AAHA Guide to Animal Behavior for Veterinary Professionals explores how positive behavior techniques can improve quality of care, reduce animal stress, and enhance the overall experience for pets and their owners when visiting the veterinarian. This groundbreaking book, covering dogs, cats, and exotics, will show each member of the practice team how to become an expert in methods of positive behavior. Readers will also learn how to articulate the merits of positive behavior techniques to pet owners and how these techniques can benefit their pet before, during, and after their visit to the clinic. Written by veterinary and behavior experts with decades of combined experience, this guide is designed to provide practical, role-specific guidance that will empower teams to create a clinic environment that is healthy, collaborative, and stress-free. $74.95 M | $89.95 NM Product code BEHAV1, paperback, 224 pages, 978-1-58326-296-2, AAHA Press 2021.

All pets will have a happier and more satisfying life if everybody has a better understanding of behavior. —TEMPLE GRANDIN, FROM THE FOREWORD

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Happy Feet: Step-by-Step Counterconditioning for Sensitive Paws PAT MILLER, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, COEDITOR, ALONG WITH LESLIE SINN, DVM, DACVB, OF THE AAHA GUIDE TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOR FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS For counterconditioning to change a negative response to a positive one, the conditioned stimulus (which has a negative association) is presented first, followed by the unconditioned stimulus (often food) to change the conditioned fear response to a new, happier response. In order to be successful, start with the aversive stimulus just below the animal’s threshold—where the animal is aware of it but is not stressed or reacting. Present the aversive stimulus, then feed the pet a high-value treat and remove the stimulus. Repeat this until every time you present the stimulus, the pet happily looks toward your other hand in anticipation of the treat. This “Yay, where’s my treat?” response is the physical manifestation of the conditioned emotional response, or CER. We can’t see the internal emotional change, just the outward expression of it. Now you can present the stimulus an inch closer to the pet and continue the process until they have a new, positive association with the stimulus. For many animals, there are multiple aversive stimuli that combine in the exam room or at home that each need attention. Nail trimming is a common example. When training for nail trimming, it’s likely that you will also need to do a separate counterconditioning process for paw touch and paw holding, since many dogs also have a very negative association with that restraint. When the dog has a new, positive association with the clippers, and with paw touching or restraint separately, then you can

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combine paw holding and clipper presentation in a third conditioning procedure. Here’s a complete, step-by-step counterconditioning and desensitization process for a dog who is sensitive to paw touching, restraint, and nail clipping.

Select a high-value treat to use in your training. For dogs, the easiest way to elicit a positive association is with high-value treats. I like to use chicken in my dog training— baked, boiled, or thawed-out frozen strips—most dogs love chicken, and it’s a healthy, low-fat, low-calorie treat.

Determine the location of touch the dog can handle without reacting fearfully or aggressively. Perhaps it’s their shoulder, elbow, or knee. The dog should be a little worried, but not growl or try to move away, which indicates that the touch is below her threshold.

3 4 5

With the dog on a leash, touch them briefly and gently just below their threshold. The instant the dog notices the touch, start continuously feeding her bits of chicken. After a second or two, remove the touch and stop providing chicken. Keep repeating steps 1–3 until touching at that location for one or two seconds consistently causes the dog to look at

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you with a happy smile and a “Yay! Where’s my chicken?” expression. This is the CER that indicates that the dog’s association with the brief touch at that location is now positive instead of negative.

Behavior changes take time and patience. During your training, if you feel that you are going too slow, you likely need to slow down even further.

Now you need to increase the intensity of the stimulus by increasing the length of time you touch at that same location, a few seconds at a time, obtaining a new CER at each new time interval before increasing the time again. For example, do several repetitions at two seconds until you get consistent “yay!” looks, followed by several repetitions at four seconds, then several at eight seconds. Work for consistent CER at each new duration of your touch.

When you can touch the dog at that spot for any length of time in “yay” mode, begin to increase the intensity of stimulus again, this time by moving your hand to a new location one or two inches lower than your initial threshold. I suggest starting at your initial touch location and sliding your hand to the new spot, rather than just touching the new spot. Continue with repetitions until you get consistent CERs at the new location.

do counterconditioning and desensitization with the clipper action by squeezing the clippers to make the sound and motion they would make if you were clipping nails. Go through the whole touch sequence again, this time with the clippers in your hand, also touching the dog with the clippers, then again while you squeeze the clippers. Remember that you are still feeding her yummy treats and obtaining CERs throughout the whole process.

Continue gradually working your way down to the dog’s paw, an inch or two at a time, getting solid CERs at each spot before you move closer to the paw.

When you can hold the dog’s paw and make the clipper action right next to their nail with a happy response, clip one nail, feed her lots of treats, and stop. Do one nail per day until the dog is happy with the process, then advance to two nails at a time, then three, until you can clip all of their nails in one sitting.

8 9

When you get below the knee, also add a gentle grasp and a little pressure to the procedure—each of which is a separate step in the counterconditioning and desensitization process. Be sure to get the “yay!” response with touch before you add the grasp, with the grasp, and before you add pressure. Continue working down the leg, all the way to the paw.

10 11

When you can touch, grasp, and put pressure on the paw, begin to add lifting the paw. If your goal is happy nail trimming, start the process over, this time with the nail clipper in your hand. Show the dog the clippers and feed her a treat, until the appearance of the clippers elicits a “yay!” response. Then

These kinds of behavior changes take time and patience. During your training, if you feel that you are going too slow, you likely need to slow down even further. With my own clients, I often use a phrase I’ve borrowed from trainer Laura Glaser-Harrington of Pets in Motion in Wayne, Pennsylvania: “Think crockpot, not microwave.” Whatever the aversive stimulus, you can help your client figure out how to break the process down into small and gentle steps to make the procedure successful.

Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, has been training dogs for more than 40 years. She received her CPDT-KA certification as a professional dog trainer from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in September of 2001, one of the first 136 trainers in the world to attain this title. Miller currently operates her own dog training company, Peaceable Paws, and regularly writes about dog behavior and training. Her articles have appeared in The Whole Dog Journal and Your Dog, and she is the author of the bestselling book The Power of Positive Dog Training.

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: EDUCATION

Exceptional Customer Experience: 80 Tips for Compassionate Care, Clear Communication, and Authentic Client Connections

New

AAHA Learn how communication can improve your relationship with your clients and your team with top tips from AAHA-accredited practices. $9.95 M | $12.95 NM Product code CS80TIPS, paperback, 78 pages, 978-1-58326-286-3, AAHA Press 2020.

Be a Champion: 80 Tips to Work Smarter, Save Money, and Show the Love to Clients and Pets AAHA Expert tips for inspiring your team to work smarter to increase profitability, improve patient care, and make the experience at your hospital a cut above the rest. $9.95 M | $12.95 NM Product code 80TIPS, paperback, 72 pages, 978-1-58326-253-5, AAHA Press 2016.

Fear Free: 80 Tips to Reduce Your Patients’ Fear, Anxiety, and Stress AAHA A quick and essential read for every member of the practice team, Fear Free offers candid advice to help you create a safer and more rewarding veterinary experience for all involved. $9.95 M | $12.95 NM Product code FF80TIPS, paperback, 72 pages, 978-1-58326-005-0, AAHA Press 2017.

Truths from Trends: 80 Tips for Better Communication, Happier Clients, and a Healthier Culture AAHA Put years of Trends wisdom at your fingertips. We’ve compiled the best-of-the-best, superuseful tips from AAHA’s award-winning magazine. $9.95 M | $12.95 NM Product code TR80TIPS, paperback, 72 pages, 978-1-58326-032-6, AAHA Press 2017.

Order the full 80 Tips Series and save at aaha.org/80tips!

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: EDUCATION

AAHA’s Complete Guide for the Veterinary Client Service Representative JILL RENFREW, MBA, CVPM, ACC You work hard to get clients in your door. Make sure to keep them coming back with excellent front-office customer service. This book will equip your client service representatives with the knowledge and skills necessary to best represent your practice to new, existing, and potential clients. Each chapter is followed by bestpractice standard operating procedures, and the book includes instructions and keys to help managers customize it to take the hassle out of training. $74.95 M | $89.95 NM Product code RCTRM, paperback, 160 pages, 978-1-58326-192-7, AAHA Press 2013.

Career Choices for Veterinary Technicians: Opportunities for Animal Lovers, Revised First Edition REBECCA ROSE, CVT, AND CARIN A. SMITH, DVM Explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the field of veterinary technology. In-depth career descriptions include daily responsibilities, salaries, required qualifications, and invaluable career advice from those working in the field. Whether you’re new to veterinary technology or are seeking a change, this book is filled with ideas to broaden your perspective. $29.95 M | $34.95 NM

Product code VTTCC, paperback, 204 pages, 978-1-58326-196-5, AAHA Press 2013.

Educating Your Clients from A to Z: What to Say and How to Say It, Second Edition NAN BOSS, DVM Covering 26 topics from A (appointments) to Z (zoonotic diseases), author Nan Boss, DVM, uses entertaining, real-world examples and scripts to teach your staff how to convey a positive attitude to clients, increase their understanding of how to care for their pets, and show empathy and lend support when needed. Motivating, well-organized, and fine-tuned to take the guesswork out of talking to clients. $44.95 M | $54.95 NM

Product code EYCF2, paperback, 288 pages, 978-1-58326-153-8, AAHA Press 2011.

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL RECORDS AND FORMS

AAHA Controlled Substance Logs Set, Third Edition AAHA Updated and improved to ensure best practices, the AAHA Controlled Substance Logs help veterinary professionals meet the DEA’s stringent recordkeeping requirements in all 50 states and Canada. Reviewed and edited by DEA experts, these logs: y Help you achieve compliance with DEA regulations y Safeguard against human errors y Provide a source of internal accountability y Accommodate the separation of records for Schedule II drugs and Schedule III, IV, and V drugs y Allow you to track and complete all your logging for one drug in one place The AAHA Controlled Substance Logs come with six copies of the Unopened and Opened Container Logs along with two Initial and Biennial Inventory Forms. This reliable log system will fit seamlessly into your practice operations and save you and your team hours of busywork.

Extra Unopened and Opened Container Logs $19.95 M | $24.95 NM Product code CNON3, paperback, 66 pages, 978-1-58326-290-0, AAHA Press 2020.

Extra Opened Container Logs $19.95 M | $24.95 NM Product code CNOP3, paperback, 58 pages, 978-1-58326-289-4, AAHA Press 2020.

$59.95 M | $74.95 NM

Extra Unopened Container Logs $13.95 M | $17.95 NM

Product code CNSB3, paperback, six softcover 66-page log books, two 8-page forms, AAHA Press 2020.

Product code CNUN3, paperback, 48 pages, 978-1-58326-291-7, AAHA Press 2020.

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL RECORDS AND FORMS

AUTHORIZATION TO PERFORM EUTHANASIA I, the undersigned, am the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner of the animal described hereon. I verify that said pet has not bitten any person or animal during the last ten (10) days and to the best of my knowledge has not been exposed to rabies. I hereby consent to and request humane euthanasia for my pet and release the doctor and staff from any and all claims, except claims for negligence, arising from or connected with this life-ending procedure and the subsequent disposal of my pet’s remains. It is my desire to provide decent and humane aftercare for my deceased pet that complies with all state, provincial, and local laws. I have been informed of all my options for disposition of the body and hereby authorize the attending veterinarian to dispose of the remains in accordance with hospital policy and via the option I have selected below: ____ Return remains to me for personal disposition ____ Communal burial or group disposal ____ Cremation (___communal or ___private with ashes ___returned ___not returned to the hospital) ____ Postmortem evaluation prior to the disposition method chosen above Signature _____________________________________________________ Date _______________ ©2017 American Animal Hospital Association

Euthanasia Stickers AAHA This simple authorization sticker explains disposal options and legalities while creating a note for your records. Staff will find this sticker easy to use, while clients will find it concise and self-explanatory—an ideal tool for communicating and updating your records during stressful appointments. $6.95 M | $8.95 NM Product code PMSE1, pack of 50, 4" x 2.75", AAHA Press 2004.

Urinalysis

11/5/03

10:28 AM

Page 1

Urinalysis Stickers

Urinalysis Pet Name or ID _____________________________________________ Date__________ Method of Collection ______________________________ Characteristics

AAHA

Color __________________ Odor __________________ Turbidity _________________

Chemical Examination Sp. Gravity _____________ pH _____________________ Protein ___________________ Ketones ___________________ Glucose _________________ Bilirubin __________________ Urobilinogen ____________ Occult blood ______________ Creatinine ________________

These comprehensive, easy-to-read stickers incorporate a comment section and include prompts for cellular descriptions and sediment properties.

Microscopic Exam Casts ___________________ Bacteria ________________ Crystals __________________ WBC ___________________ RBC ____________________ Epithelial cells _____________ Transitional cells _________ Yeast ___________________ Fat _______________________

$6.95 M | $8.95 NM Product code PMSUR, pack of 50 stickers, 5.5" × 3", AAHA Press 2003.

Minor Surgical/Anesthetic Procedure Stickers

Minor Surgical/Anesthetic Procedure

I R

III

AAHA

Use these stickers for easy, speedy, consistent summaries of minor surgical and anesthetic procedures. Illustrations of the animal’s body allow you to note the surgical site, while abundant fields make it simple to record details on presurgical lab work, preanesthetic and anesthetic agents, and the most important parameters of anesthesia.

Size T

Physical Exam Checklist 1) Attitude/Appearance  N  A  NE

2) Oral Cavity/Teeth  N  A  NE

5) Ears  N  A  NE

6) Cardiovascular  N  A  NE

7) Respiratory  N  A  NE

8) Gastrointestinal  N  A  NE

9) Musculoskeletal  N  A  NE

10) Lymph Nodes  N  A  NE

11) Urogenital  N  A  NE

12) Integumentary  N  A  NE

14) Pain Score ______________

T______________P______________R______________

13) Nervous System  N  A  NE

N = Normal A = Abnormal NE = Not Examined

3) Mucous Membranes  N  A  NE

Indoor

4) Eyes  N  A  NE

_____%

Pack of 50 $6.95 M | $8.95 NM

Roll of 500 $49.95 M | $59.95 NM

Product code PMMSS, 5.375" × 4", AAHA Press 2005.

Product code PMMS2, 5.375" × 4" in a dispenser box, AAHA Press 2005.

Physical Exam Stickers AAHA Record information for all vital systems and a pain management assessment with this concise, easy-to-use sticker. Information completed on this sticker meets several of AAHA’s medical record and pain management standards. Pack of 50 $6.95 M | $8.95 NM

Roll of 500 $49.95 M | $59.95 NM

Product code PMSP1, 5.25" × 2.25", AAHA Press 2010.

Product code PMSP2, 5.25" × 2.25" in a dispenser box, AAHA Press 2010.

PRESS.AAHA.ORG

TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL RECORDS AND FORMS

CANINE VACCINATION SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL PRACTICE

Based on the 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

WEEKS OF AGE

CORE

DISTEMPER (DAP±Pi) RABIES

BOOSTER

Within 1 Year

EVERY 2–4 WEEKS

SQ/IM SQ

BORDETELLA

Subsequent Intervals

Vs. Antibody Testing

Every 3 years

Yes1

Per local law

No2

NONCORE

Every year as the dog’s lifestyle risk dictates

IN* IN*

CANINE INFLUENZAƗ

LEPTOSPIRAǂ

LYME (B. burgdorferi)

LEGEND

2–4 WEEKS AFTER FIRST DOSE 2–4 WEEKS AFTER FIRST DOSE

Boost your vaccination protocols at a glance with this handy magnet based on the 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines.

No3

2–4 WEEKS AFTER FIRST DOSE

CORE

NONCORE

Intranasal

Earliest first dose recommended

ANTIBODY TESTING CAVEATS

Subcutaneous

Intramuscular

Booster 2–4 weeks after first dose

Orally, specifically in the buccal pouch

Give if at high risk

Pi ± A

Canine parainfluenza virus with or without adenovirus type 2

Give within 1 year after initial series

DAP±Pi

Distemper, adenovirus type 2, parvovirus with or without parainfluenza

MLV

Modified-live virus

Booster every 2–4 weeks

AAHA

2–4 WEEKS AFTER FIRST DOSE

+ Pi ± A

Canine Vaccination Schedule Magnet

While the only true test of protective immunity involves challenging the patient with the virulent pathogen and assessing the clinical outcome, a “positive” antibody test result generally correlates with protective (sterile) immunity in dogs.

* Maternally derived antibody does not interfere with the immune response following mucosal vaccination (IN). There is no known value in administering the IN vaccine every 6 months. Ɨ When vaccination is recommended, dogs intended to be housed in boarding kennels or daycare facilities should BEGIN the initial vaccination series 4 weeks prior to entry (2 weeks between the initial vaccines plus 2 weeks to allow time for a humoral immune response to develop). Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza virus should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains.

ǂ Because there is limited cross-protection among serovars, administration of a 4-serovar leptospirosis vaccine is recommended over a 2-serovar vaccine. Some MLV vaccines may lose the ability to immunize within 2 to 3 hr following reconstitution. It is recommended that unused MLV vaccines be discarded 1 hr after reconstitution regardless of whether or not the product has been refrigerated.

As of 2018, in the US and Canada, a “positive” test result for rabies virus neutralizing antibody is not legally recognized as an index of protective immunity and cannot be used in lieu of revaccination.

The antibody response following noncore vaccination tends to be short-lived and generally does not correlate with protection.

$5.95 M | $7.95 NM Product code VAXMAG, laminated magnetic card, 11" x 8.5", AAHA Press 2018.

The Canine Vaccination guidelines were prepared by a task force of experts convened by the American Animal Hospital Association. The information in this document is intended as a guideline only, not an AAHA standard of care. These guidelines and recommendations should not be construed as dictating an exclusive protocol, course of treatment, or procedure. Variations in practice may be warranted based on the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to each individual practice setting. ©2018 American Animal Hospital Association. THE 2017 AAHA CANINE VACCINATION GUIDELINES ARE SUPPORTED BY A GENEROUS EDUCATIONAL GRANT FROM BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM ANIMAL HEALTH, MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH, AND ZOETIS.

EATING/DRINKING NPO?

No Time

Time

AAHA Treatment Sheets

NURSING NOTES

Yes, until:

Diet: Food Intake

Initials Notes

Water

AAHA URINE/STOOL/VOMIT/DIARRHEA

Last name:

First name:

Patient name:

Client ID:

Problem list:

CPR

Tentative DX: IV CATHETER Location:

Phone:

Date:

Weight:

DNR

Attending doctor(s):

Size:

Date/time placed:

Alerts: TREATMENTS

Removed:

Time checked:

8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am 12 pm 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm

8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm 12 am 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am

Temp:

Notes:

HR: RR: MM/CRT: Admitted:

Ready to go home? Yes

Discharged:

Discharge time:

Charges:

Audited:

Attitude:

Pain score: 1.

Scan/file:

If your practice’s treatment records are incomplete, who knows how much money you’re losing because someone forgot to record a charge? That’s why we designed a standardized, 24-hour treatment sheet based on input from people who would use them in practice. The result is an intuitive form for patient monitoring that allows staff members to capture medications, dosages, procedures, patient vital signs, nursing notes, and more.

5. 6. 7.

$11.95 M | $13.95 NM

8. 9. 10. Fluid type:

Additives:

Rate: Time added:

Total fluid volume infused: Offer water: Offer food: Walk: Change litter:

Pain score: 1

SOAP

CHARGES

Anesthesia and Sedation Record

Anesthesia and Sedation Record Date:

Patient Identification:

Body Weight (kg):

Veterinarian:

Monitoring by:

Anesthesia Start Time:

Anesthesia End Time:

Time:

__:00

__:15

__:30

Procedure Start Time:

__:45

__:00

__:15

__:30

AAHA

Procedure End Time:

__:45

__:00

__:15

__:30

Product code TREAT1, pad of 50 double-sided forms, two-hole punched at top, AAHA Press 2018.

Total

__:45

IV Fluids (Type and Rate):

Before, during, and after anesthesia and sedation, patient evaluation is essential. Stay AAHA compliant with this convenient Anesthesia and Sedation Record.

Temp: ¡ Inhalant Anesthetic Agent (%): 4

o Isoflurane o Sevoflurane

3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5

n O2 L/min

Symbols:

l HR ¡ RR n Pulse oximetry r End-tidal CO2 Blood pressure (mm Hg): Systolic — Mean Diastolic Blood Pressure: o Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring o Doppler monitoring

180

160

140

120

110

80 70

Date:

Procedure:

Sex: M (C) F (S)

Age: __________________

Body Weight (lb): ________________ Body Weight (kg): ________________ 10

Preanesthetic Exam and Vitals: Comments: 1) General Appearance o Normal o Abnormal

Time of Extubation:

Monitoring of Post-Anesthetic Vitals Temp

Product code PMAR2, pad of 50 two-sided forms, AAHA Press 2015.

Species/Breed:

Time

Patient Identification:50

Anesthesia System:

Anesthesia and Sedation Record

o Rebreathing o Nonrebreathing o Mechanical ventilator

$11.95 M | $13.95 NM

100

T: ________________ P: ________________ RR: _______________ Time: _________________

2) Oral Cavity/Teeth o Normal o Abnormal

3) Mucous Membranes o Normal o Abnormal

4) Eyes o Normal o Abnormal

5) Ears o Normal o Abnormal

6) Cardiovascular o Normal o Abnormal

7) Respiratory o Normal o Abnormal

8) Gastrointestinal o Normal o Abnormal

9) Musculoskeletal o Normal o Abnormal

10) Lymph Nodes o Normal o Abnormal

Quality of Recovery: 11) Urogenital o Normal o Abnormal

12) Integumentary o Normal o Abnormal

13) Nervous System o Normal o Abnormal

Pain Score:

Body Condition Score:

Time of Last Meal:

Pain Score

ASA Physical Status:

IV Fluid Rate

Comments

Initials

Additional Exam Notes:

Diagnostic Testing:

o CBC o Serum biochemical analysis o UA o T4 o Other (specify): Reviewed by veterinarian? o Yes o No o Clinically significant abnormalities:

Preanesthetic/Sedative Medications

Dose (mg/kg)

Total Amount (mg)

Total Volume (mL)

Route (IV, IM, SC)

Time Administered

Initials of Administrator

Anesthetic Induction Medications

Dose (mg/kg)

Total Amount (mg)

Total Volume (mL)

Route (IV, IM, SC)

Time Administered

Initials of Administrator

Additional Medications

Dose (mg/kg)

Total Amount (mg)

Total Volume (mL)

Route (IV, IM, SC)

Time Administered

Initials of Administrator

IV Catheter Size and Location:

IV Fluid Type and Rate of Administration:

Quality of Sedation: o None o Slight o Moderate o Profound

Intubated: o Yes o No Endotracheal tube size:

Emergency Plan:

Monitoring and Support:

Atropine

0.04 mg/kg IV

__________ mg __________ mL

o Blood pressure

Epinephrine

0.01 mg/kg IV

__________ mg __________ mL

o Pulse oximeter

2 mg/kg IV

__________ mg __________ mL

o Capnograph

Lidocaine

__________ mg __________ mL

Other:

o Continuous EKG o Body temperature o Esophageal stethoscope

o Active warming device

o Other:

o Dedicated continuous observation Signature of Veterinarian:

Date:

Time:

ASA, American Society of Anesthesiologists; C, castrated; CBC, complete blood cell count; EKG, electrocardiogram; F, female; HR, heart rate (beats/min); IM, intramuscular; M, male; P, pulse; RR, respiratory rate (breaths/min); S, spayed; SC, subcutaneous; T, temperature; T4, thyroxine; UA, urinalysis. © 2015 American Animal Hospital Association

PRESS.AAHA.ORG

We use the AAHA Anesthesia and Sedation Record almost every day and find it to be a very comprehensive form. —TIM GAFFREY, DVM, STONESIDE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL RECORDS AND FORMS

AAHA Exam Report Card

AAHA Exam Report Cards

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Date: _________________ Last name: _______________ First name: ______________ Client ID: ________________ Pet’s name: ______________ Sex: M F Spayed Neutered Intact Weight: ______________ Thin Normal Overweight Ideal weight: __________

________________________________________ ________________________________________

Behavior/Attitude ☐ Alert ☐ Lethargic ☐ Shy Coat and Skin ☐ Appear normal ☐ Dull, scaly, dry ☐ Oily ☐ Thinning

☐ Agitated ☐ Other: ____________

___________________

Gastrointestinal System ☐ Appear normal ☐ Tense/painful abdomen ☐ Enlarged organs ☐ Intestinal parasites ☐ Vomiting ☐ Other: ____________ ___________________ ☐ Diarrhea

☐ Masses ☐ Other: ________ _______________ ☐ Itchy ☐ Inflamed/irritated _______________ _______________ ☐ Fleas

Urinary/Genital Systems ☐ Appear normal ☐ Other: _____________ ☐ Abnormal urination ____________________ ____________________ ☐ Abnormal genitalia

Eyes ☐ Left ☐ Right ☐ Both ☐ Appear normal ☐ Aging change: ☐ Discharge ☐ Lens ☐ Low tear production ☐ Iris ☐ Ulcer ☐ Other: __________ _________________ ☐ Inflamed/conjunctivitis Ears ☐ Left ☐ Right ☐ Both ☐ Appear normal ☐ Infection: ☐ Inflamed ☐ Yeast ☐ Itchy ☐ Bacteria ☐ Discharge ☐ Mites

Central Nervous System ☐ Appears normal ☐ Ataxic/off-balance ☐ Seizures ☐ Other: ____________ ___________________ ☐ Loss of sensation ___________________ ☐ Disorientation

☐ Excessive hair ☐ Other: _________

________________ ________________

Mouth and Teeth ☐ Appear normal ☐ Gingivitis/inflamed gums ☐ Tartar buildup ☐ Broken teeth ☐ Loose teeth ☐ Masses

☐ Ulcers ☐ Overbite ☐ Underbite ☐ Baby teeth still present ☐ Other: _____________

Respiratory System ☐ Appears normal ☐ Coughing ☐ Congestion ☐ Breathing difficulty

☐ Nasal discharge ☐ Sneezing ☐ Other: _____________

____________________

Musculoskeletal ☐ Appears normal ☐ Signs of arthritis ☐ Painful ☐ Weakness ☐ Limping

☐ Abnormal gait/posture ☐ Loss of muscle mass ☐ Other: ____________

Today We Did: ☐ Exam ☐ Anal gland expression ☐ Vaccinations ☐ Heartworm test ☐ Fecal parasite test

☐ Bloodwork ☐ Urinalysis ☐ Tickborne disease test ☐ Other: ____________

____________________

Circulatory System ☐ Appears normal ☐ Abnormal: ☐ Murmur ☐ Rhythm ☐ Abnormal pulses ☐ Rate

___________________ ___________________

______________________________________

_______________ _______________

______________________________________ ______________________________________

Lymph Nodes ☐ Appear normal ☐ Enlarged (circle location) Submandibular Axillary Popliteal Inguinal ☐ Other: ___________________________________________

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

__________________________________________________

Tidy up your patient records and improve compliance with AAHA’s Exam Report Cards. Intuitively organized and thoroughly reviewed by veterinarians and technicians, this form ensures that all information is captured. Bonus: The report card integrates forward booking right into the exam, so scheduling the next appointment is a breeze!

___________________

Recommendations ______________________________________

☐ Other: ________

AAHA

$12.95 M | $15.95 NM

______________________________________

Schedule next exam: _______________________________

Product code EXAMCA, pad of 50 two-part carbonless forms, two-hole punched at top, AAHA Press 2018.

Home-Care Instructions Form

Home-Care Instructions

Client ________________________________________________ Patient ________________________________________________ Admission Date _________________________________________ Release Date ____________________________________________ Procedure or Diagnosis _________________________________________________________________________________________ Proper Restraint

Please protect your pet when leaving the practice by using a leash or carrier.

Medications

❒ None dispensed ❒ Dispensed—directions attached ❒ Start medication ____________________________

Food and Water

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Exercise

❒ May resume normal activity in ________ day(s). ❒ Confine indoors. Take outside on leash only for elimination for ________ day(s). ❒ Strict confinement to cage or small room for ________ day(s). ❒ No running, jumping, or access to stairs.

Sutures

❒ Discourage your pet from licking or chewing at surgery site. Please check the incision line daily for any swelling, redness, or discharge. If it appears irritated or infected, notify us. ❒ Suture removal in ________ day(s). Please make an appointment. ❒ Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. ❒ No sutures

Follow-up Instructions

❒ Recheck in ________ day(s). Please make an appointment. ❒ Please call us with a progress report in ________ day(s). ❒ Follow-up test(s) due in ________ day(s). Please make an appointment. ❒ No rechecks or follow-up required.

Monitor

Call the practice if any of the following occur: Ph#:__________________________________________________ • • • • • • • • •

Only small amounts of food and water should be offered ____________________________________________. Normal feeding may resume ____________________________________________. Feed your pet his/her regular diet. Feed multiple smaller meals ________ times per day. Special diet _________________________________________________________________________________ Offer water with no restrictions.

Loss of appetite for more than two days Pain Sutures come out Discharge from eyes, ears, or nose Straining to urinate or defecate Change in breathing Refusal to drink water for more than one day Depression Other

• • • • • • • •

Excess drainage from incision Difficulty getting up or down Vomiting Diarrhea Swelling Abnormal odors Weakness Chewing, licking, or scratching sutures

Special Instructions

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

After Hours Contact

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

AAHA Provide your clients with clear directions for caring for their pets after a procedure or surgery with this form. One copy of the form goes with the client, the other stays in the medical record. $12.95 M | $15.95 NM Product code PMHCI, pad of 50 two-part carbonless forms, two-hole punched at top, AAHA Press 2003.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Dental Discharge Instructions Client’s Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Pet’s Name _______________________________________________________________________________ Date of Dental Procedure _____________________

Diet

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Withhold food for _______ hour(s). You may offer water to your pet without restriction. Feed your pet his/her regular diet. Feed soft food for _______ days. Feed special diet _______________________________________________________ Special instructions _____________________________________________________

Medications and Other Dental Care Products

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Start medications tomorrow. Use medication(s) according to label directions. No medication dispensed Toothpaste ____________________________________ Oral cleaning gel ________________________________ Oral rinse _____________________________________ Home care ___________________________________________________________ Other _______________________________________________________________

Special Instructions

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Dental Discharge Instructions Form AAHA Send clients home with correct and clearly written guidelines regarding the care of their pets’ teeth. After clients return home, they’ll have all the reminders they need with this two-part Dental Discharge Instructions Form. One copy is sent home with the client, and the other copy slips right into the medical record.

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

❒ Return visit scheduled on _________________ . ❒ Return in __________ days __________ weeks. ❒ Return visit not required.

Return Visit

If you have questions or your pet has complications, please contact the hospital. __________________________________________

__________________________________________

Veterinarian Signature

Client Signature

Product code PMDDI, pad of 50 two-part carbonless forms, two-hole punched at top, AAHA Press 2003.

Canine and Feline Dental Records

Canine Dental Record _________________________ PATIENT ID

$12.95 M | $15.95 NM

____/____/_____ DATE

Remarks and Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Dental Conditions: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Canine Dental Record AB: Abrasion

_________________________ ____/____/_____ AL: Attachment level ______________________________________________________________________________________________ PATIENT ID

DATE

AAHA, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY JAN BELLOWS, DVM, DAVDC, ABVP

AT: Attrition

________________ 103 _______________ 102 ________________ 1 0 1 ________________ 201 _______________ 202 _______________ 203

______________________________________________________________________________________________ CA: Caries

CU: Contact ulcer ______________________________________________________________________________________________

CS: Caudal stomatitis

Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment CWD: Crowding ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Performed

Recommended

104 ____________________ Radiology Evaluation and Assessment: ______________________

Recommended

Performed

__________________ 204 ____________________

EH: Enamel hypoplasia FE: Furcation involvement, exposure (F1-3) FX: Fracture (E: Enamel; UCF: uncomplicated crown; CC/RF: Complicated crown +/- root fx)

G: Granuloma ______________________________________________________________________________________________

GH: Gingival hyperplasia

105 _____________________________ ______________________________ 205 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ GR: Gingival recession

MN/FX: Mandibular fracture

106 _____________________________ ______________________________ 206 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ MX/FX: Maxillary fracture M: Mobile tooth (1-3)

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 107 _____________________________ ______________________________ 207 Circled: Missing tooth OM: Oral mass ______________________________________________________________________________________________

ONF: Oronasal fistula PE: Pulp exposure ______________________________________________________________________________________________ PP: Periodontal pocket (Depth in mm) PD: Periodontal disease (1: Gingivitis; 2: <25% attachment loss; 3: 25–50% Treatment Summary and Plan: 109 _____________________________ ______________________________ 209 attachment loss; 4: >50% attachment loss) RD: Retained deciduous tooth ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 110 ____________________________ ______________________________ 210 ROT: Rotated tooth RTR: Retained tooth root ______________________________________________________________________________________________ SN: Supernumerary tooth 41 1 ____________________________ ______________________________ 3 1 1 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ST/CU: Stomatitis, contact ulcer T/I: Impacted tooth 410 ____________________________ ______________________________ 310 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ T/LUX: Luxated tooth T/NV: Non-vital tooth ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Exam Findings TR: Tooth resorption (1: Mild dental hard tissue loss; 2: Moderate dental hard ______________________________________________________________________________________________ tissue loss; 3: Deep dental hard tissue 409 ____________________________ ______________________________ 309 Feline Dental Record loss; 4: Extensive dental hard tissue loss; ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 5: Remnants of dental hard tissue loss/ _________________________ gingival covering is complete)

108 _____________________________

______________________________ 208

____/____/_____

PATIENT ID

DATE

Other Notes:

Dental Treatment: 408 ____________________________

______________________________ 308

BG: Bone graft

Remarks and Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ B/I: Biopsy, incisional B/E: Biopsy, excisional ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ CRR: Crown reduction

407 ____________________________ ______________________________ 307 Dental Conditions: F: Flap ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Feline Dental Record ______________________________________________________________________________________________ GV/GVP: Gingivectomy, plasty

AB: Abrasion

_________________________ ____/____/_____ AL: Attachment level ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ONF/R: Oronasal fistula repair 406 ____________________________

______________________________ 306 PATIENT ID

405 ____________________________

______________________________ 305

DATE

PCT: Perioceutic placement

AT: Attrition

______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ R/C: Restoration, composite CA: Caries

RC: Root canal therapy CU: Contact ulcer ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ RPC: Root planing, closed

CS: Caudal stomatitis

RPO: Root planing, open CWD: Crowding ______________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ 304 404 ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ VP: Vital pulp therapy

EH: Enamel hypoplasia FE: Furcation involvement, exposure (F1-3) FX: Fracture (E: Enamel; UCF: uncomplicated crown; CC/RF: Complicated crown +/- root fx)

_____________________ 103 _____________________ 102 _____________________ 1 0 1 _____________________ 201 _____________________ 202 _____________________ 203

302 ______

303 ______

4 0 1 ______

3 01 ______

403 ______

402 ______

__________________ ______________________ X: Extraction ______________________________________________________________________________________________ XS: Extraction, sectioned Radiology Evaluation and Assessment: XSS: Extraction, surgical

Better records, better results. Updated by a board-certified veterinary dentist, these twosided record forms streamline your recordkeeping of exams and cleanings. These forms will empower your staff to keep succinct but comprehensive records in compliance with the AAHA Standards of Accreditation as well as the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

G: Granuloma ______________________________________________________________________________________________

: Accepted

GH: Gingival hyperplasia

______________________________________________________________________________________________ D: Declined GR: Gingival recession Treatment

Treatment

F: Future

Treatment

MN/FX: Mandibular fracture

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Performed Recommended Recommended Performed MX/FX: Maxillary fracture M: Mobile tooth (1-3)

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Note: Exam findings are recorded on the blank on the inside104 of the chart, treatment recommended is recorded on the line on the outside Circled: Missing tooth ____________________ 204 ___________________ of the chart, and whether treatment was performed is recorded in the checkbox. Note  if treated, D if treatment was declined, and F if OM: Oral mass ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ _____________________ treatment is recommended in the future. ©2015 American Animal Hospital Association ONF: Oronasal fistula PE: Pulp exposure ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 106 _____________________________ ______________________________ 206

PP: Periodontal pocket (Depth in mm) PD: Periodontal disease (1: Gingivitis; 2: <25% attachment loss; 3: 25–50% Treatment Summary and Plan: 107 _____________________________ ______________________________ 207 attachment loss; 4: >50% attachment loss) RD: Retained deciduous tooth ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ROT: Rotated tooth 108 _____________________________ ______________________________ 208 RTR: Retained tooth root ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Exam Findings SN: Supernumerary tooth ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ST/CU: Stomatitis, contact ulcer T/I: Impacted tooth 109 _____________________________ ______________________________ 209 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ T/LUX: Luxated tooth T/NV: Non-vital tooth ______________________________________________________________________________________________ TR: Tooth resorption (1: Mild dental hard tissue loss; 2: Moderate dental hard 409 _____________________________ ______________________________ 309 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ tissue loss; 3: Deep dental hard tissue loss; 4: Extensive dental hard tissue loss; ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 5: Remnants of dental hard tissue loss/ gingival covering is complete)

408 ____________________________ ______________________________ 308

Other Notes:

Dental Treatment: BG: Bone graft

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 407 _____________________________ ______________________________ 3 0 7 B/I: Biopsy, incisional 403 _______________________ 402 _______________________ 4 0 1 _______________________ 3 0 1 _______________________ 302 _______________________ 303 _______________________

B/E: Biopsy, excisional ______________________________________________________________________________________________

CRR: Crown reduction

F: Flap ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________ 304 404 ____________________

Canine Dental Record $11.95 M | $13.95 NM

Feline Dental Record $11.95 M | $13.95 NM

Product code PMCD2, pad of 50 two-sided forms, AAHA Press 2015.

Product code PMFD2, pad of 50 two-sided forms, AAHA Press 2015.

GV/GVP: Gingivectomy, plasty

______________________________________________________________________________________________ ONF/R: Oronasal fistula repair _____________________ ____________________ PCT: Perioceutic placement

______________________________________________________________________________________________ R/C: Restoration, composite RC: Root canal therapy

______________________________________________________________________________________________ RPC: Root planing, closed RPO: Root planing, open ______________________________________________________________________________________________ VP: Vital pulp therapy

X: Extraction ______________________________________________________________________________________________

XS: Extraction, sectioned XSS: Extraction, surgical

: Accepted D: Declined F: Future Note: Exam findings are recorded on the blank on the inside of the chart, treatment recommended is recorded on the line on the outside of the chart, and whether treatment was performed is recorded in the checkbox. Note  if treated, D if treatment was declined, and F if treatment is recommended in the future. ©2015 American Animal Hospital Association

PRESS.AAHA.ORG

TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: VETERINARY SAFETY AND OSHA TOOLS

Manager’s Guide to Veterinary Workplace Safety, Second Edition PHILLIP J. SEIBERT, JR., CVT Written by a veterinary professional, this manager’s guide conveniently compiles applicable OSHA standards into one clear-communicating resource, so managers can easily get started on creating their compliant safety plan. Includes helpful checklists and a companion website with dozens of useful templates to help you generate practice-specific policies and letters. $79.95 M | $94.95 NM Product code BSMN2, paperback, 156 pages, 978-1-58326-199-6, AAHA Press 2014.

AAHA Veterinary Safety Training PHILLIP J. SEIBERT, JR., CVT

WORKBOOK

On one flashdrive, you’ll have two award-winning MP3 training videos: Veterinary Safety Training for the Whole Practice Team and Veterinary Safety Training for Medical & Technical Staff, designed for those who work directly with animals and chemicals. The videos are approximately 25 minutes each and come with twelve 16-page workbooks: six each of Veterinary Safety Training for the Whole Practice Team workbooks and Veterinary Safety Training for Medical & Technical Staff workbooks.

on Veterinary Safety Training

FOR

MEDICAL & TECHNICAL STAFF

er t

Jr .,

CV T

WORKBOOK Ph ilip

J. S

eib

on Veterinary Safety Training

AAHA

Product code OSHAZW1, Whole Practice Team, 978-1-58326-081-4. Product code OSHAZW2, Medical & Technical Staff, 978-1-58326-082-1.

TRAINING

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Product code OSHAU, flashdrive and 12 workbooks (16 pages each), AAHA Press 2017.

Need extra workbooks? $9.95 M | $14.95 NM

SAFETY

$184.95 M | $214.95 NM

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: VETERINARY SAFETY AND OSHA TOOLS

Veterinary Secondary Container Labels with Poster AAHA Feel confident that you’re communicating chemical hazards effectively with the addition of AAHA Veterinary Secondary Container Labels. These waterproof stickers allow you to easily comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, are sized for veterinary practice containers, and come with an instructional poster. (Please note that purchasers are responsible for evaluating whether these labels meet their state’s requirements, which may differ from federal rules.) $49.95 M | $54.95 NM Product code OVSCP, 100 waterproof labels (3" × 2.5") and poster (8.5" × 11"), AAHA Press 2007.

Already have the poster? Get a refill of the labels! $44.95 M | $49.95 NM Product code OVSCL, 100 waterproof labels, AAHA Press 2007.

Be Safe Series: AAHA Veterinary Safety Training Videos (on flashdrive) and Workbooks, Manager’s Guide to Veterinary Workplace Safety, Second Edition, and Secondary Container Labels with Poster PHILLIP J. SEIBERT, JR., CVT You know how critical it is to keep workers safe. But what you probably don’t know is how to fit high-quality safety training into an already jam-packed schedule. Here’s how: with succinct, 25-minute, OSHA-approved videos, an easily digestible manager’s guide, workbooks, and compliant chemical container labels. All conveniently packaged together at a 10% discount. Show employees you care about their safety—and reduce your chances of litigation and worker’s compensation claims—with this veterinary practice–specific program. While saving time with checklists, call-outs, and other efficiencies, this program exceeds OSHA regulations in covering all significant veterinary hospital hazards. $279.95 M | $324.95 NM Product code BSFSU, AAHA Press 2007, 2014, 2017.

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL AND DENTAL BOOKS

Canine Medical Massage: Techniques and Clinical Applications NARDA G. ROBINSON, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, AND SHELLEY SHEETS, BA, CMT, CAMT The evidence is in: Massage and soft-tissue therapy can help alleviate the pain and stress of hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and more. Canine Medical Massage: Techniques and Clinical Applications provides the science-based training you need for mastery.

Includes access to instructional videos on a companion website.

$65.95 M | $74.95 NM Product code CNMDM, paperback, 216 pages, 978-1-58326-205-4, AAHA Press 2015.

Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats: Techniques for Developing Patients Who Love Their Visits SOPHIA YIN, DVM, MS Talking patients through their fear: it’s not just for humans anymore. This book and DVD set breaks down exactly what your patient’s behavior is communicating—and provides you with the responses you need to calm their fears. Create a safer environment for your team and, best of all, start developing patients who love their visits. $134.95 M | $144.95 NM Product code LWSTH, paperback with DVD, 480 pages, 978-0-96415-184-0, CattleDog Publishing 2009.

A Veterinary Technician’s Guide to Exotic Animal Care, Second Edition THOMAS N. TULLY, JR., DVM, MS, DABVP (AVIAN), DECZM (AVIAN), AND MARK A. MITCHELL, DVM, MS, PHD, DECZM (HERPETOLOGY) Give your vet techs the exotic pet know-how with this full-color, concise guide to proper handling, diagnostic testing, surgical and anesthetic assistance, and more. Species covered include avian, reptiles and amphibians, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, fish, and more. $75.95 M | $86.95 NM Product code TGEA2, paperback, 256 pages, 978-1-58326-146-0, AAHA Press 2012.

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TOOLS FOR THE WHOLE TEAM: MEDICAL AND DENTAL BOOKS

Companion-Animal Dental and Surgical Instruments: A Reference for Veterinary Technicians and Assistants GAIL E. MARSHALL, AHT, MBA, WITH KARL M. PETER, DVM Along with the instrument name and picture, this quick-access guide provides the purpose and features of surgical, dental, orthopedic, ophthalmologic, and other types of instruments for clearer communication and efficiency. $42.95 M | $52.95 NM Product code CMAND, spiral-bound paperback, 450 pages, 978-1-58326-154-5, AAHA Press 2011.

The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook, Third Edition SOPHIA YIN, DVM, MS When every second counts, you don’t want to be scrambling for information. Count on The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook, the profession’s gold standard for quick access to the information vital to everyday clinical practice. $79.95 M | $89.95 NM Product code ATNR3, paperback, 480 pages, 978-0-96415-185-7, CattleDog Publishing 2007.

What’s That? A Beginner’s Guide to Veterinary Abdominal Ultrasound TOMAS W. BAKER Provide staff new to ultrasounds with the actual techniques needed to identify abdominal organs and evaluate them for normalcy. $79.95 M | $94.95 NM Product code BGGDT, wire-o-bound paperback, 112 pages, 978-1-58326-104-0, AAHA Press 2009.

What’s Next? A Guide to Veterinary Ultrasound of the Eye, Neck, and Shoulder and Guided Sampling Techniques TOMAS W. BAKER Boost your ultrasound skills with this manual packed with knowledge, techniques, and 136 ultrasound images to help you identify diseases of the eye, neck, and shoulder $21.29 M | $26.09 NM Product code BGTHUL, wire-o-bound paperback, 80 pages, 978-1-58326-176-7, AAHA Press 2012.

Get both books in the Ultra(sound) Set and save at aaha.org/ultra!

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TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: EDUCATION

101 Essential Tips Series JASON NICHOLAS, BVETMED (HONS), WITH FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHUCK GONZALEZ Start your clients and their pets off on the right paw for a safe, healthy relationship on the first visit. 1–10 copies (each) $6.95 M | $8.95 NM 11–30 copies (each) $5.95 M | $7.95 NM 31 or more copies (each) $4.95 M | $5.95 NM

101 Essential Tips: Dog Health & Safety

101 Essential Tips: Cat Health & Safety

Product code DOG101, paperback, 88 pages, 978-0-98837-812-4, Preventive Vet 2016.

Product code CAT101, paperback, 104 pages, 978-0-98837-813-1, Preventive Vet 2017.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet: Why Dental Care Matters JOSEPHINE M. BANYARD, DVM, DAVDC

Customize ready-made client handouts for your practice via the companion website.

Using hundreds of images and illustrated charts, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet shows clients precisely why high-quality dental care is needed for pets, and the benefits it provides. $49.95 M | $59.95 NM

Product code GDDND, spiral-bound paperback, 96 pages, 978-1-58326-189-7, AAHA Press 2013.

Understanding Your Pet’s Health: A Visual Guide AAHA Think of this as the ultimate client-education tool. Highly visual. Written for laymen. And laminated for a long, well-thumbed lifetime of educating clients in the exam room. $19.95 M | $24.95 NM Product code CMFLF, ring-bound, 46 laminated pages, 978-1-58326-183-5, AAHA Press 2013.

Pet Care Coloring Book

Nontoxic Crayons

AAHA Entertain children visiting your hospital with crayons and coloring books that will leave them feeling good about their pets’ care. $17.95 M | $19.95 NM Product code THFRV, pack of 50 8-page gluebound booklets, 978-1-58326-229-0, AAHA Press 2010.

Nontoxic Crayons $4.95 M | $4.95 NM Product code CRAYO, pack of 5 boxes (4 crayons each), AAHA Press.

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TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURES

Pet Behavior Brochures How do I housetrain my puppy? Why is my cat destroying my sofa? So many questions, so little time. With easy-to-understand text and engaging illustrations, these brochures explain to your clients the mysteries of pet behavior and offer practical strategies for preventing or correcting problems. The AAHA Pet Behavior Brochures, developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists, were updated to reflect best practices as outlined in the AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines. Your clients will appreciate this handy, take-home reference. You will appreciate timesaving backup in educating your clients and preserving the human-animal bond. Check the bulleted lists to see what each brochure covers.

y Tips for providing appropriate exercise

We are very happy to have the behavior brochures. The information is informative but succinct. It is nice to have something to hand to clients to reinforce what I tell them behavior wise, especially with the limited time we have to cover behavior during routine appointments.

y Tips for providing mental stimulation

—RACHEL L. SCOTLAND, VMD, ABSECON VETERINARY HOSPITAL

$12.95 M | $15.95 NM Each brochure pack contains 50 trifolded brochures, 3.5'' x 8.5'', AAHA Press 2016.

Alone Time

ss so you can get guidance

and your puppy can learn in r dogs. Be sure to choose e methods.

There are times when your dog will need to spend time on her own. Dogs who have a regular and appropriate social enrichment program may use these times to nap and rest. Learning to relax and settle is an important skill for dogs. Provide your dog with her own space—a room with a dog bed, a crate (open or closed) with a bed and water—for resting and “alone time.”

ems fidgety and has a n, keep the training session e she begins ignoring your

t the dog may need a me to just be a puppy.

getting your puppy to be lead and a head halter or ness may help you to get

Some dogs may still be energetic and want to engage in further play at times when they need to be left alone. These dogs can be given an opportunity to occupy their alone time by playing with toys that require them to work at getting some of their daily ration of food and calories, as in a puzzle or fooddispensing toy. These toys are not a replacement for social interaction, but they can provide a calm transition for active dogs. If your dog seems stressed when left alone, consult your veterinarian.

e. Distractable puppies rk well on their own before ded to the mix.

Basic Training Other Tips

Providing social and mental engagement for dogs can involve more than just exercise, training,

Teaching Your Puppy to Mind Her puzzles, games, or sports. Grooming sessions Manners

(teaching a dog to offer one paw or a specific side of the body at a time), massage sessions, and just calm quiet time together where you watch and talk softly to your dog help build a positive relationship and meet the need for social and mental interactions. These calmer interactions also work well for highenergy dogs who may need cool-down or relaxation periods throughout their day.

Busy Dogs Are Good Dogs

Basic Training: Teaching Your Puppy to Mind Her Manners

BPBS3 y How to set up a positive training environment

BPBT3 y How to tell when a puppy is ready for training y The basic commands: come, sit, lie down, and stay

Busy Dogs

Are Good Dogs

y Additional tips

res were developed by a team d veterinary behaviorists to lined in the 2015 AAHA Canine gement Guidelines, available at urces/behavior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

016 American Animal Hospital Association

eating, awakening, or ise. Young puppies need to

other coverings. If the new objects meet the cat’s social and behavioral needs and appeal to his texture preference, he will come to use them if rewarded for doing so. You can also construct an inexpensive scratching post by securely attaching a fireplace log to a plywood base, or, if you have the space, you can

o when awake. The puppy o meet the needs of this

ur pup to use a crate.

ecomes very distressed and

try to incorporate a washed branch into your decor.

ver five to ten minutes, or it troys bedding, panics and hes, or tries to escape the

Persistent Scratching Problems If your cat continues to scratch in an inappropriate area, put a post there. Food rewards for scratching the post should keep your cat more interested in the post than in your furniture. If destructive scratching persists, cover the scratched area with plastic, a loosely draped piece of material that the cat finds

g, let her out of the crate. m. If the dog either continues

f distress or the distress recommended and may ment of anxiety.

unappealing, or double-sided tape. Remember that one part of the reason for scratching is to remove old

ne for when your dog goes begin to enter voluntarily play with a toy. If your puppy

nail sheaths, so keeping nails trimmed or covered in nail caps may help. Nail caps fit over the cat’s nails

in the crate and enters it dog to nap or play in the

and protect people and furniture but still require that nails are routinely trimmed and the caps replaced, generally by your cat’s veterinarian.

rvise her directly.

Crate Training

ogs

Since scratching can be a form of marking, a feline

pheromone spray orCave diffuser might be Creatingcheek-gland the Perfect Canine

e crates in the same way as

at dogs who have been overly

helpful for stopping this behavior when used in your

y never feel comfortable in

home. You may want to discuss this option with your veterinarian.

y never learn to love a crate.

l not do well in a crate can

One important thing to keep in mind is that before you try to prevent or stop what you think is undesirable scratching behavior, first make sure that you have met the cat’s needs and provided enough outlets for play, places to climb, and appropriate items to scratch.

needs in a kind manner

dog needs to be hospitalized,

ary team whether your dog

s this information will help

nage your dog in the hospital.

res were developed by a team d veterinary behaviorists to lined in the 2015 AAHA Canine gement Guidelines, available at urces/behavior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

Crate Training: Creating the Perfect Canine Cave BPCT3

As with chewing, punishment should not be used to stop your dog’s digging. If you do not identify and address the cause, the digging will continue in your

y Training adult dogs

the way the area feels by covering the surface with wire mesh, stones, or permeable paving materials. In many cases, though, the dog will just find another spot that is like the original. If such dogs enjoy being outside and are otherwise not distressed, you can consider building an outdoor run or kennel with a Solving and in the run, concrete floor. But ifChewing your dog is distressed Scratching Problems confinement may not be the answer.

y How to choose a crate

Sometimes having a second dog for companionship and play can reduce chewing and digging, but you must meet the needs of both dogs. You do not want to end up with two dogs who destroy. Dogs who like other dogs and who play with them may benefit the most from having a canine companion.

y Training puppies

2016 American Animal Hospital Association

is to provide a digging area. Build an eight-inchdeep wood frame and sink it into the ground. Mix the soil with sand and partially bury bones, chews, or toys (smear a small amount of cheese or meat juice on the exposed ends). Occasionally give your dog food treats to reinforce appropriate digging.

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absence. If your dog digs only while she is outside, you may be able to change her behavior by changing

Destructive Cats

Finally, please remember that some breeds are more likely to dig than others. “Earth dogs” like dachshunds and Jack Russell terriers have historically been asked to dig as part of their jobs. These puppies may benefit from training that takes advantage of their skills to seek out and find things, such as nose work and earth dog trials.

Destructive Cats: Solving Chewing and Scratching Problems

Destructive Doggies: Solving Digging and Chewing Problems

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y Exploration and play

y How to select and use chew and feeding toys

y Preventing chewing and scratching problems

Destructive Doggies

Solving Digging and Chewing Problems

y What to do if problems persist PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

y Preventing digging and chewing problems y Anxiety and destructive behavior

TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURES

Up All Night Nighttime play and pounce sessions are more difficult to handle. In most cases, the simple solution is to keep your cat out of the bedroom when you sleep. Often this active behavior will decrease and finally stop as the cat grows older, if his physical and mental needs are otherwise met. If your kitten has the annoying habit of waking you by sucking on your earlobes or elbows, try applying a light coat of something astringent (e.g., an all-natural underarm deodorant) to those areas to discourage him. These comfort-seeking behaviors usually diminish with age, but sometimes another cat or dog can help. Increasing daytime play should also help to decrease nighttime activity. For some cats, a small meal before bed helps them to be sleepier and calmer.

Family Feuds Problems with other cats in the home can occur when the play target is another cat that is weak, fearful,

Fearful Fido

or old and does not tolerate the young cat’s playful behavior. Understand that your companion animals all have different personalities and needs, and that

you should not leave a young, rambunctious cat loose Helping Your Dog Overcome without supervision. Even the most rambunctious

the Fear of People

young cat can learn to come and take a treat or play with his toys when you ask, if these are enjoyable to him. If the cat being pestered is just too fascinating, protect that cat by providing refuge in another room or through a habitat or condo, or by restricting the young cat using gates, crates, and doors. If everyone gets the attention and exercise they need, these restrictions will not be problematic for the cats and may benefit an older or ill cat. If your young cat persists in monitoring, following, and “stalking” another cat, consult your veterinarian and/or a

Fearful Fido: Helping Your Dog Overcome the Fear of People Nail Trimming: An Ounce of Prevention

adult sitting across the room. Each adult takes turns calling the dog back and forth to sit for a treat. Coach your child to say “come” and “sit” with the grown-up and toss the treat to your dog. As your child learns the words, the adult’s voice can be phased out.

Kittens and cats shed nail sheaths as one way of keeping claws sharp. Because cats use their paws in play and hunting, it’s a good idea to keep those nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging sensitive skin. It’s easy to condition your cat to accept nail trimming,

Keeping Things Safe

but you must have patience and pick the right time. The worst time to attempt nail trimming is when your

Babies and young children should never be left alone with any dog and must be closely supervised

pet is alert and active. All kittens occasionally nap, so take advantage of downtime to trim nails. Handle the paw very gently, then reward your cat with praise, a

when a dog is present. When you cannot supervise, you should use a room or crate for your dog in a quiet spot to keep the child and dog separated.

pet, a brush stroke, or a treat. Next, manipulate his toes and nails with the clipper and repeat the pattern of rewards if the cat doesn’t object. Finally, clip the end

Even friendly dogs and family dogs can pose an unintended danger to small children. The child could

BPFF3

also unintentionally injure the dog.

from one nail and reward your cat. If you go at the cat’s pace and stop if he becomes agitated, you should be able to teach him that nail trimming is a great time, and

y Socialization and counterconditioning that he gets rewarded for helping. Never force any cat or dog to hold still for a nail trim, and always cease before he squirms and resists.

Teach your child safe behaviors around dogs. Tell your child to avoid dogs that are resting, eating, or playing, or dogs that seem hurt. Discourage your child from hugging dogs and petting their faces. Dogs are happiest when petted on the back first. Also instruct children not to run when playing with or near dogs. Tell your child to never hit or yell at the dog. Tell your

The Feisty Feline

child to always say the family dog’s name before a pat

y Controlling social situations

so theKitten dog isn’twith caught an off guard. Taming the Attitude

y Improving control and safety

confine your dog. Never use physical punishment or harsh words to correct the dog. When your child and dog are next to each other, never scold either

The Feisty Feline: Taming the Kitten with an Attitude

Fido Was First: Training Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival

BPFL3

BPDW3

y Felines’ natural instincts

y Training dogs to tolerate children

y Providing attack/ play outlets

Fido Was First

Training Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival

y Controlling nighttime attacks

one. Instead, reward both your dog and your child for exhibiting calm, safe behaviors.

veterinary behaviorist. This is not normal behavior, and intervention may improve everyone’s life.

e developed by a team nary behaviorists to the 2015 AAHA Canine Guidelines, available at havior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

can Animal Hospital Association

Cats that have not been castrated or spayed are most likely to spray, so neutering is the first step in the treatment for marking. If your cat is spraying when other cats come onto your property, move anything that might attract stray cats (garbage cans, feeding stations, or bird feeders). Keep your cat away from doors and windows, put up blinds or shutters on the windows, make it difficult for visiting cats to stand on or near windows and doors (e.g., barriers, rocks that do not offer comfortable perches), or use additional methods of keeping other cats away from your home. Marking can be a flag of social stress in and around the household. Your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist will be able to help you sort out the social complexity in your household and identify any situations that are stressful and anxiety provoking for your cat. These situations will need to be addressed as part of the treatment for marking.

Solving

Synthetic feline pheromones may be effective at reducing anxiety and marking. No medications are licensed for the treatment of feline urine marking; however, a number of human and dog medications Separation Anxiety Problems might be effective. Your veterinarian can explain the benefits, risks, and use.

Home Alone Housesoiling Solutions

Most cats will seek out litter boxes. If you are attempting to convince a cat to try a new litter, box, or location, at first confine him with his litter box in a small area of the home where he does not soil. If the cat decides he likes the box, litter, or location, he will use it. Studies have shown that cats prefer large litter boxes—1.5 times their body lengths—and clean litter.

PET

Once the cat is reliably using the box, he can gradually have access to the rest of the house, once any areas previously soiled have been cleaned. Cleaning may need to be repeated until the cat shows no interest in the odors in the area. Until then, gates, doors, and barriers can prevent the cat from focusing BEHAVIOR BROCHURE on areas where he still detectsSERIES old elimination odors. Understanding your cat’s daily elimination routine

can help you determine if or when he will need to be confined or supervised. Observing your cat’s behavior will also tell you if there are social interactions that are problematic for your cat. Inexpensive web cameras have made watching your cat in your absence simple.

If she touches ss and before you

puppy has to wait.

d alone on command, d by using only your when your puppy is

your puppy will

once you have y the treat or how hnique to work, sistent, have

day. If necessary, a

used to teach the ur puppy ignores the pull on the leash will ill stop biting when

e developed by a team nary behaviorists to the 2015 AAHA Canine Guidelines, available at ehavior2015.aspx.

can Animal Hospital Association

settle, and instantly reward quiet. If you practice this, you will be able to gradually increase the amount of time your dog is quiet. Verbal and physical punishment is generally ineffective in the control and correction of barking. It may actually increase your dog’s fear and anxiety, and in turn the barking may increase or change to aggression when the situation is repeated (like meeting new people). In fact, if barking is due to fear, treatment should focus on addressing the fear itself. For this intervention to be successful, you may need the help of your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist.

Physical and verbal punishment plays no role in getting your cat to use his litter box. Whether the problem is spraying or toileting, your cat is not eliminating in the house because he is disobedient or “spiteful” or angry. Any kind of punishment will just damage your relationship with your cat. Be careful with the use of any remote deterrent devices that could scare the cat. Worried and scared cats are often those who stop using their litter boxes, anyway, so such interventions will worsen the situation from the cat’s perspective.

The use of head halters to close the dog’s mouth is sometimes recommended as an intervention for barking. If you are at the point of doing this, please consult your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist so that proper ways of interrupting one behavior and then rewarding a substituted behavior can be discussed.

BPHM3

Evaluate the litter box location, litter type, cleaning schedule, and any other factors that might deter litter box use. If your cat is soiling in one or two specific areas, it might be possible to move the litter box to that area and see if he uses it. If he uses the box, leave it there for a while and then very slowly move it to a preferred place, if necessary. Cats who like soft surfaces (e.g., rugs, mats, clothes) can often be convinced to use very clean, particulate, soft litter, like most modern flushable or compostable litters. Cats who like cool, hard, reflective surfaces may do well with empty or tiled litter boxes. The key to solving the problem is to find a solution that meets your individual cat’s needs. Cats who like their litter boxes spend more time in them and dig in them, spending less time perching on the edge and digging outside the box. Let your cat’s behavior be your guide.

y What causes separation anxiety y What other behavior issues anxiety may cause

Litter Box Blues Practical Products

There are a number of remote-activated products on the market (ultrasonic collars, shock collars, citronella Solving Housesoiling collars) that are meant to interrupt or punish barking. Problems None of these meet the requirement of making clear to the dog the appropriate or desired behavior or provide a reward for the good behavior. All of these products can scare dogs, and their use is not recommended.

y How to help dogs overcome the problem

If these steps do not solve the problem, consult your veterinarian for further guidance.

PET

Remote treat dispensers may be helpful for teaching “quiet” to dogs who bark reactively when someone visits. These dispensers can be triggered from a distance without any obvious clue that anyone is making this happen as soon as someone comes to the door. Because they provide a primary auditory signal indicating a treat will come, a secondary auditory signal in the noise made delivering the treat, and, in some devices, a visual signal about the reward, dogs who are not distressed very often quickly learn to run to the treat dispenser when someone is at the door. Clever placement of the dispenser also means that by BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES the time dogs greet guests, they are happy, calmer, and not rushing them by the door!

Litter Box Blues: Solving Housesoiling Problems

Noisy Canines: Solving Barking Problems

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BPNC3

y Types of housesoiling

y Why dogs bark and growl

Teaching “drop it” is useful for two reasons: safety and cooperation. The occasional item may be dangerous for dogs to hold in their mouths or chew, so asking them to “drop it” is a safety issue. Also, dogs who learn that you will chase them if you want to take something from them will now look for other ways that they alter their cooperation to get attention. While you should never take anything from a dog simply because you can, you should be able to ask them to, for example, drop a rawhide or ball before going outside if you do not want their toys outside. The first step in teaching “drop it” is to teach your puppy to give up objects for rewards of higher value. Begin with a toy or item that is of minimal appeal and teach your dog to give it to you by trading it for a tasty piece of kibble. Initially, you should present the food and say “drop it” while your dog is near or holding the object. With practice, you won’t have to show her the food to redirect her. Instead, she will see the food as a reward, make the connection for getting the reward to complying with the signal (“drop it”), and you will be able to take ever-increasingly valuable objects.

Piranha Puppies

If yourKeeping pup can giveMouthing up a highly favored andchew or food toy for the “drop it” request and a treat, you will

Biting Under Control

likely never have any problems with taking anything from her. Clicker training (where a clicking sound is associated with a food reward) can be a very effective way to reward your dog for dropping. It allows you to delay food treats by using the click as a reinforcer. For people with very fast puppies, the click can reach them faster than your hand, and so it works well. Clicker training is fun for people and dogs, so it may be a training method you can explore.

Mealtime Although it’s best not to bother a dog during meals, it is important to know whether the dog will feel threatened by the presence of others when she is eating. If you can call your dog to come to you for all sorts of activities and if you can ask her to sit in many situations, she should be able toSERIES do both of these PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE things in the presence of food. If she cannot, you may wish to assess, with the help of your veterinarian,

Piranha Puppies: Keeping Mouthing and Biting Under Control

whether she is worried about the potential loss of her food. Many rescue puppies or puppies whose moms did not have enough food worry about food and may threaten others (dogs, cats, and humans) who approach it. Most of these pups can learn that you are not a threat if you teach them that if they will sit calmly, you will put a treat in their bowl. Ask your dog to sit, place about 10% of her meal in her bowl, and have her come and eat. As soon as she is finished, have your dog sit, then pick up the bowl and add another 10%. Repeat, occasionally adding a special treat, until your pup eats all the food. If at any point your pup is shaking or whining, stop. Just give her her dinner and consult your veterinarian about a strategy to overcome her fear. To reduce any threat your dog might feel when people come near her while she is eating, occasionally drop a treat into her bowl as you walk by. If your dog shows any threat, consult your

BPPI3

veterinarian. Never punish a pup for growling while at her food bowl, and never take her bowl just because you can. Dogs should be able to eat undisturbed, and you can convince them that you are a threat if you

y How to Who’s Tugging Whom? discourage biting repeatedly take their food when they‘re hungry.

Tug can be a fun game to play, but only if it does not escalate into injurious or aggressive behavior. Teach your dog to sit or lie down before the game begins and be certain that you can stop the game without problems. Practice a “drop” or “give” command during the tug game, then give a treat and resume play. When

y Tips for channeling energy

the game is done, either take the toy away and give a final treat or leave the toy with the dog (as long as she doesn’t damage the toy or become aggressive). Even with the best efforts, problems may arise. If you are having difficulty training your puppy or controlling unruly behavior or aggression, contact your veterinarian.

y Teaching the “stop” command

Noisy Canines

y Ruling out medical problems

Solving Barking Problems

y Marking and housesoiling solutions The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

“Drop It”

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

y Tips for interactions with newborns, toddlers, and beyond

Home Alone: Solving Separation Anxiety Problems

an Animal Hospital Association

ugh” with sufficient not frighten her. p, and make eye tive reprimand.

Marking Solutions

developed by a team ary behaviorists to he 2015 AAHA Canine Guidelines, available at havior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

y Helping babies and dogs interact safely

y Preventing excessive barking y Correcting bad habits

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

these treats should be given only during counterconditioning sessions. At first, give the treats when your cat enters the room with the visitor there. Next, have the visitor calmly flip treats to your cat with minimal hand movement. The treats should land close to the cat. If your cat seems calm and interested, have the guest flip treats so they land closer to the guest, prompting the cat to approach in small increments. Without reaching toward your cat, the visitor can allow your cat to come up and sniff or take food from an open hand if she is interested in doing so. For cats who really enjoy playing, toys may be another alternative for making a positive association with a stranger.

Fear of Objects

Pushy Pups: Using the Power of Positive Control

Scaredy Cat: Helping Cats and Kittens with Fear

BPPP3

y Understand why some cats feel fearful

can be helpful. Your veterinarian can help you decide if medicine to treat fear, anxiety, and stress would be helpful for your cat. Some fearful cats will display intense aggression instead of avoidance. If this is the case with your pet, your veterinarian may suggest referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can develop a treatment plan for these more serious problems.

BPSC3

Desensitization and counterconditioning also can be helpful for reducing fear of inanimate things, such as objects and noises. For example, if your kitten becomes frightened when a kitchen timer beeps, cover the timer with a towel to produce a sound so quiet that your kitten looks toward it without fear, then

Pushy Pups

toss a treat. If your kitten retrieves the treat, repeat this activity again and again, uncovering the timer

Using thelittle Power Positive by little.of Eventually your Control cat will look forward to the noise because she has become conditioned to expect something good after hearing it. Remember, cats learn to run toward can openers because they associate them with food! A similar approach can be taken with a cat that becomes afraid when you carry objects, such as large garbage bags. Take several bags that are so small they do not make the cat anxious and place them in locations around the home next to containers of tasty treats. Whenever you walk by, pick up a bag and toss a treat to your cat. When you can tell that your cat gets excited whenever you pick up a bag, increase the size of the bags and repeat.

Additional Help Commercial pheromone products are safe and may

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES effectively relieve anxiety in some cats. For severely distressed and fearful cats, antianxiety medication

y Choosing the right dog y How to handle your hound

Scaredy Cat

Helping Cats and Kittens with Fear

y Teaching the “drop it” command The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

y Tips for helping cats with a fear of people y Tips for helping cats with a fear of objects

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

PRESS.AAHA.ORG

TOOLS FOR YOUR CL ENTS PET BEHAV OR BROCHURES

new tasks may be greatly impaired in dogs and cats with brain aging. Dogs may no longer respond to

will allow you to monitor cognitive change. Newer food toys and puzzles for cats and dogs offer increasingly

known verbal requests, or fail to execute tasks with their former skill, enthusiasm, or accuracy. Such tasks may include obedience or agility routines and

challenging ways for them to feed themselves and are helpful for maintaining problem-solving skills. Nose work keeps dogs and cats interested in using their

more complex, trained work like sniffing for drugs or working as a guide dog. Some dogs and cats

innate odor-detection skills to find items for which they are rewarded.

We love the behavior brochures. I feel like we hand one out at least every other appointment. They provide great information for clients to understand without being filled with medical terminology. They also provide a lot of good tips and tricks for puppy and kitten owners! appear to forget their normal patterns and locations for urination and defecation.

Senior Moments: Understanding Behavior Changes in Aging Pets

Dogs and cats who are aging may also have liver, kidney, or another organ system disease, like diabetes,

Your veterinarian should be consulted as soon as you see any of these signs of change. A complete physical and laboratory exam will investigate

that requires special diets, modified exercise, and changes in schedules or environments to meet the need of increased frequency of urination or defecation.

possible medical and physical causes of the problem. A neurological exam will explore basic brain and nervous system function. More detailed

The litter box may need to be changed more frequently and moved to a place where the cat can reach it more easily. More litter boxes with lower sides at the entry

tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or brain imaging (MRI, CT) may be required. Behavioral tests are

point may be required. Dogs may need shorter, more frequent walks or an automatic dog door. Many dogs

being developed that may detect early changes in behavior associated with brain aging, but behavioral signs are nonspecific, so this is difficult.

benefit from harnesses that help them negotiate stairs or obstacles. Physical therapy, including strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, and coordination training may lessen pain and strengthen muscles. All of these physical interventions also appear to have beneficial effects on brain aging.

Treating Behavior Problems in Older Pets

Fortunately, treatments for cognitive problems are now available. These include prescription diets

And, of course, be sure to give your pet lots of love and attention during his or her golden years. Old dogs

designed to boost cognitive function and protect the brain from the effects of changes in metabolism of the brain cells, supplements, and medications,

and cats have shared your life and are special. They deserve special care.

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Senior Moments

Understanding Behavior Changes in Aging Pets

y Medical problems that affect behavior

available through your veterinarian, that may slow the progression of cognitive changes associated with brain aging and improve the behavioral signs noted.

—MEAGAN DARROW, CVA, DOGWOOD VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND LASER CENTER In addition to medical treatments and diet, there are

other things you can do to help your pet. For example, data suggest that keeping dogs and cats physically and mentally active improves cognitive function.

Exercise your dog or cat daily, play games frequently, and use verbal requests to enhance and test skills

during daily walks and play. Reward dogs and cats for participation and positive responses to ensure that you maintain those close communication skills that

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

as possible. During the early e, stay positive and minimize ke your puppy anxious. rian if your puppy seems ations, people, or pets. Just erinary visits should also be es. Using treats, toys, mats, n to help with veterinary them throughout their ow a veterinary exam, she comply. Puppies who are ow examination need extra gic plan for positive training

When Mistakes Occur When mistakes occur, thoroughly clean all soiled areas with a commercial odor neutralizer. Never punish your kitten for making a mess outside his litter box. Punishment can make the problem worse and might cause your kitten to fear you, especially if you swat him or rub his nose in the mess. Instead, after rinsing repeatedly with club soda or sparkling water (which will help make it easier to clean) and sopping/ drying the area, use a good odor eliminator and cover the area with plastic. This will both protect the area from resoiling and change the way it looks and feels to the cat. Then, place a box that your cat likes with the litter that he likes nearby. Reward the cat when he uses it. Once your cat routinely uses the box, you can move it very slowly to a more desirable (for you) area if the box is not where you want it.

velop into a happy, confident nt in time and patience. If you help guide you about her est life possible.

If the box cannot be moved or the cat continues to seek other areas, consult your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist. A physical exam and diagnostic tests can help to rule out medical problems. For example, bladder conditions, diarrhea, andYour constipation can irritate yourWorld kitten when he Introducing Puppy to the eliminates and cause him to avoid the box.

The Social Scene Spraying

Spraying is a form of social marking that may begin around six months of age. Spraying cats generally back up to a vertical surface, such as a wall or sofa, tread their feet, stretch out and wiggle their tail, and spray urine against the vertical object. Some cats exhibit the behaviors but do not spray. Neutering eliminates spraying in some cats and decreases it in others, but neutered cats of both sexes may spray. Spraying can be a sign of concerns about the social environment and actually provides you with information about how your cat sees his world. If your cat continues to spray, your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist can help you determine what is bothering your cat and how he can be helped.

res were developed by a team d veterinary behaviorists to lined in the 2015 AAHA Canine gement Guidelines, available at urces/behavior2015.aspx.

The Social Scene: Introducing Your Puppy to the World

When you are unable to provide supervision because you are busy, sleeping, or away from home, confine your pup to a relatively small, safe area or a crate. A wire or plastic crate may provide a safe place in which to confine your puppy when you cannot observe her. Crates should have comfortable, safe, and clean bedding so that your pup feels secure and warm. Most pups will quickly adapt to a crate, but some will be distressed. If distress lasts longer than 15 minutes, a crate may not work for your puppy, but a more open x-pen might. Be sure to associate good things with the crate; never use it to banish or punish your dog, or as a babysitter. Don’t use a crate for longer than your puppy can physically control her need to eliminate, or for more than four hours at a time during the day on a daily basis. Remember that crates must be large enough that growing dogs will always be able to stand up, stretch fully, and turn around, and that they must have flooring on which the puppy cannot slip.

BPSH3 y Socialization

If your pup will be home for longer periods, arrange for Taking theherHassle someone to walk every fewOut hours of or use a daycare facility that has a puppy program. If neither of these is an option, you can confine your pup to a larger area (e.g., a small room or an x-pen) with enough space to rest and play and a spot to eliminate. Ensure that the elimination spot is recognizable as such. Commercially available puppy elimination pads are absorbant and decrease mess and odors.

y Habituation

Housetraining Your Kitty

y Additional ways to help puppies develop

Returning to the Crime Scene

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

2016 American Animal Hospital Association

PET

To help prevent your pup from returning to previously soiled areas, clean well. First, remove the urine and feces; then clean with soap and water. Follow all product-specific cleaning instructions for rugs. Follow the wash with at least one club soda soak, which will help bubble up any remaining urine or feces. Blot and repeat until the rinse is clear. Then, apply a good, commercially available odor-eliminating product. The best products both enzymatically break down urine or feces and remove odors that may attract your puppy. If your pup begins eliminating in areas of the home, BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES prevent access to these areas by closing doors to

y Healthcare for older pets

y Treating behavior problems

Taking the Hassle Out of Housetraining Your Kitty

Taking the Hassle Out of Housetraining Your Puppy

BPHK3

BPHP3

the rooms, using baby gates, moving furniture over the soiled areas, or increasing supervision.

Keeping Your Cool

No pup was ever housetrained without the dog or human making a mistake or two. Be prepared for the inevitable. It doesn’t help to become frustrated and harshly discipline your puppy. Punishment is the least effective and most overused approach to housetraining. Punishment of any kind—yelling, hitting, throwing tins of pennies, shoving the dog’s nose into the urine or feces—will scare your puppy, convince her you are not trustworthy, and damage your relationship. Your goal is to teach your puppy where to eliminate. Puppies must eliminate, so your ability to help meet your dog’s needs is critical. If you see your puppy beginning to squat, quickly call to her and scoop her up. These actions may be enough to stop her mid-course, and you can then quickly take her to the place you wish her to eliminate (and praise her when she does).

y Selecting the right equipment

y What to do when mistakes occur

Some dogs urinate as they greet family members. Don’t yell or discipline—a dog like this may be nervous or excited, and scolding will make the problem worse. Instead, avoid any type of greeting that triggers this behavior. Once you have stopped triggering the behavior, you can teach her to sit for a treat and that she only gets the treat if she looks up at you and does not leak. For this strategy to work, you must ensure your dog’s bladder is empty before you start. You can then work with rewarding a sit and look outside, moving indoors when the dog is perfect in many places. Within one to two days of repeated practice, the majority of these dogs have their problems solved.

y Getting the message across Taking the Hassle Out of

Housetraining Your Puppy

y Causes of housesoiling and marking

y Scheduling dinnertime y Preventing mistakes

If you remember that your puppy is a baby, it will be easier to have the patience to help this baby mature, and housetraining will follow naturally.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

• Enroll in a Time puppy class so you can get guidance frequently, awakening, or cat’s ve on—gradually—to longer distances. No puppy mask noises that may trigger barking. Finally, never other especially coverings. after If theeating, new objects meet the is to provide a digging area. Build an eight-inchsitting across the room. Each adult takes turns If your dog never played with her food toys when Alone Making Progress Step by Step Up All Night Nailadult Trimming: from the instructors and your puppy can learn in prolonged, exercise. Young learn to stay readily if you leave her sight unless use the crate for punishment. Dogs will learn to avoid social vigorous and behavioral needs andpuppies appeal need to his to texture deep wood frame and sink it into the ground. Mix calling the of dogPrevention back and forth to sit for a treat. Coach you were gone, couldn’t take a treat, and wouldn’t An Ounce There are times when your dog will need to spend Once your dog learns to accept unfamiliar people Nighttime play and pounce sessions are more the presence of other dogs. Be sure to choose eliminate every hour or two when awake. puppy has gradually been taught that she can happily places used for punishment, and isolation can be preference, he will come to use themThe if rewarded the soil with sand and partially bury bones, chews, your child to say “come” and “sit” with the grown-up eat before you left but now she can do these things, Kittens and cats shed nail sheaths as one way of time on her own. Dogs who have a regular and who move slowly and calmly, he should gradually difficult to handle. In most cases, the simple solution one that uses positive methods. will thrive if youso. manage to also meetconstruct the needs this y for smaller distances. stressful for members of social species. for doing You can anofinexpensive or toys (smear a small amount of cheese or meat and toss the treat to your dog. As your child learns she is improving! Continue what you are doing; it’s keeping claws sharp. Because cats use their paws in appropriate social enrichment program may use be introduced to similar but progressively more is to keep your cat out of the bedroom when you • When your puppy seems fidgety and has a schedule when training pup attaching to use a crate. scratching post by your securely a fireplace log juice on the exposed ends). Occasionally give your the words, the adult’s voice can be phased out. working! play and hunting, it’s a good idea to keep those nails these times to nap and rest. Learning to relax and challenging situations, including quicker movements sleep. Often this active behavior will decrease and shorter attention span, keep the training session to a plywood base, or, if you have the space, you can dog food treats to reinforce appropriate digging. Training Puppies trimmed to prevent them from snagging sensitive skin. settle is an important skill for dogs. Provide your dog and various tones of voice used by the person who finally stop as the cat grows older, if his physical If at any the puppya becomes very distressed and Once your dog is better, if she is taking medication, short and stop before she begins ignoring your try point to incorporate washed branch into your decor. re are some additional tips to make great progress Keeping Things Safe If you decide to use a crate to help train your puppy, It’s easy to condition your cat to accept nail trimming, with her own space—a room with a dog bed, a crate is approaching. If there is risk of aggression, seek the and mental needs are otherwise met. If your kitten crying does not diminish over five to ten minutes, or it Sometimes having a second dog for companionship do not rush to wean her from it. Discuss the benefits signals. Consider that the dog may need a ing basic training. Patience, consistency, and Babies and young children should never be left introduce your puppy to the crate as soon as possi ble but you must have patience and pick the right time. (open or closed) with a bed and water—for resting assistance of a veterinary behaviorist before starting has the annoying habit of waking you by sucking on worsens, or the puppyScratching destroys bedding, panics and and play can reduce chewing and digging, but you of long-term treatment with your veterinarian. bathroom break or time to just be a puppy. Persistent Problems etition are key! alonetime withtoany dog and be closely supervised and allow the dog to explore and enter the crate on The worst attempt nailmust trimming is when your and “alone time.” these exercises. your earlobes or elbows, try applying a light coat of upsets food and water dishes, or tries to escape the must meet the needs of both dogs. You do not want • If you have difficulty getting your puppy to be Start training in a quiet area. When the If your cat continues to scratch in an inappropriate a dog is present. When you cannotnap, supervise, her own. Praise her when she goes in and plays with If at any point in the future you see her beginning to pet iswhen alert and active. All kittens occasionally so something astringent (e.g., an all-natural underarm crate by chewing or digging, let her out of the crate. to end up with two dogs who destroy. Dogs who like calm and focused, a lead and a head halter or puppy’s responses to your commands become Some dogs may still be energetic and want to engage Specific things about a person may make a dog area, put a post there. Food rewards for scratching you shouldofuse a room or for your dog the in a a toy or eats a treat. Start feeding her in the crate with show signs of distress again, get help immediately. take advantage downtime to crate trim nails. Handle deodorant) to those areas to discourage him. These Try again when she is calm. If the dog either continues other dogs and who play with them may benefit the front-attachment harness may help you to get dependable, move the training to environments in further play at times when they need to be left anxious, such as beards, glasses, hats, carried the post should keep your cat more interested in the quietgently, spot tothen keep the child the door open. Then, when she seems comfortable This is one behavioral emergency that is best treated paw very reward yourand cat dog withseparated. praise, a comfort-seeking behaviors usually diminish with to exhibit the same level of distress or the distress most from having a canine companion. the desired response. Distractable puppies with more distractions. alone. These dogs can be given an opportunity to objects, uniforms, canes, wheelchairs, and tone of post than in your furniture. If destructive scratching Even friendly dogs and family dogs can pose an in the crate, begin to close the door for increasingly as early as possible. pet, a brush stroke, or a treat. Next, manipulate his age, but sometimes another cat or dog can help. worsens, crating her is not recommended and may should be able to work well on their own before Be sure your puppy knows one signal before occupy their alone time by playing with toys that voice. Pay attention to what makes your dog most persists, cover the scratched area with plastic, a unintended danger to small Thepattern child could longer periods, ensuring she does not become As with chewing, punishment should not be used to toes and nails with the clipper andchildren. repeat the Increasing daytime play should also help to decrease contribute to the development of anxiety. other puppies are added to the mix. proceeding to the next. Tone of voice is require them to work at getting some of their daily anxious and avoid these stimuli in your initial training loosely draped piece of material that the cat finds also unintentionally injure the dog. distressed. With practice, your puppy will learn to stop your dog’s digging. If you do not identify and of rewards if the cat doesn’t object. Finally, clip the end nighttime activity. For some cats, a small meal before important. When teaching “come,” “sit,” and ration of food and calories, as in a puzzle or foodsessions. For example, if your dog is especially orroutine double-sided tape. Remember associate going into her crate with a request to do so If youunappealing, have a regular for when your dog goesthat address the cause, the digging will continue in your from one nail and reward your cat. If you go at the cat’s bed helps them to be sleepier and calmer. “down,” use a calm, positive, and consistent Teach your child safe behaviors around dogs. Tell dispensing toy. These toys are not a replacement afraid of beards and glasses, wait until he is part of may the reason for scratching is to remove old (“go in your house”; “kennel up”). to herone crate, she soon begin to enter voluntarily absence. If your dog digs only while she is outside, pace and stop if he becomes agitated, you should be tone of voice to get the dog’s attention and your child to avoid dogs that are resting, eating, or for social interaction, but they can provide a calm comfortable with people without beards and glasses sheaths, so or keeping or covered whennail it’s time to rest to playnails withtrimmed a toy. If your puppy in you may be able to change her behavior by changing able to teach him that nail trimming is a great time, and Family Feuds a short, high-pitched signal to mark a wellplaying, or dogs that seem hurt. Discourage your child The first confinement session should be after a period transition for active dogs. If your dog seems stressed before including them in the conditioning sessions. help. Nail caps fit over cat’sit nails showsnail nocaps signsmay of distress in the crate andthe enters the way the area feels by covering the surface with that he gets rewarded for helping. Never force any performed task. Deeper, slower words have Problems with other cats in the home can occur when from hugging dogs and petting their faces. Dogs are of play, exercise, and elimination (when she is ready when left alone, consult your veterinarian. Slowly add accessories such as hats, large purses, andyou protect people but stillinrequire happily, can allow theand dogfurniture to nap or play the that wire mesh, stones, or permeable paving materials. cat or dog to hold still for a nail trim, and always cease been shown to help dogs stay still, so “stay” the play target is another cat that is weak, fearful, happiest when petted on the back first. Also instruct to take a nap or quietly play with a toy). Place your sunglasses, and backpacks, and gradually change the trimmedher anddirectly. the caps replaced, crate nails whenare youroutinely can’t supervise In many cases, though, the dog will just find another before he squirms and resists. should be a request delivered in deeper, or old and does not tolerate the young cat’s playful children not to run when playing with or near dogs. puppy in her crate with a treat and a toy and close type of person (for example, from a man with a beard generally by your cat’s veterinarian. Other Tips spot that is like the original. If such dogs enjoy being drawn-out tones. behavior. Understand that your companion animals Tell your child to never hit or yell at the dog. Tell your the door. Leave the room but remain close enough to to a woman with a walker). outside and are otherwise not distressed, you can Training Adult Dogs Providing social and mental engagement for dogs Avoid repeating commands if your dog is not all have different personalities and needs, and that Since scratching can be a form of marking, a feline child to always say the family dog’s name before a pat hear her. You can expect some distress the first few consider building an outdoor run or kennel with a can involve more than just exercise, training, paying attention. If she doesn’t respond, go you should not leave a young, rambunctious cat loose If your dog is overly fearfulChewing or anxious, antianxiety pheromone sprayin or might so the dog isn’t caught guard. times yourYour puppy isPuppy separatedto from familyHer members, Taming the Kitten with an Attitude Are Good Dogs Creating theBut Perfect Canine Cave Solving and Helping Youroff Dog Overcome Teaching Mind Adultscheek-gland can be trained to use crates thediffuser same way asbe concrete floor. if your dog is distressed in the run, puzzles, games, or sports. Grooming sessions back to the last signal in training that she did without supervision. Even the most rambunctious medications, natural supplements, or pheromones helpful stopping thisdogs behavior whenbeen usedoverly in your but she should soon settle down ifManners she is tired. Never puppies, but for remember that who have Scratching Problems the Fear of People confinement may not be the answer. (teaching a dog to offer one paw or a specific side of You must teach by example because kids typically well and repeat that. If the puppy is not paying young cat can learn to come and take a treat or play may help him to be less distressed and to become home. You may want discuss option with reward the pup by letting her out when she cries or confined or entrapped mayto never feelthis comfortable in your Solving Digging and the body at a time), massage sessions, and just calm mimic their parents’ behavior. If you are ever attention to you, consider that she may need with his toys when you ask, if these are enjoyable to happier and calmer. Discuss these options with veterinarian. whines. Instead, ignore her until the crying stops and Finally, please remember that some breeds are more a crate. Some puppies may never learn to love a crate. Chewing Problems quiet time together where you watch and talk softly concerned about your dog’s proximity to your child, a bathroom or attention break. If you return to him. If the cat being pestered is just too fascinating, your veterinarian. release her before it starts again. If your puppy still likely to dig than others. “Earth dogs” like dachshunds Identifying who will and will not do well in a crate can to your dog help build a positive relationship and One important thing to keep in mind is that use a happy tone to call the dog out of the situation. a short session, you should be able to make protect that cat by providing refuge in another room won’t settle in her crate, make sure that you have and Jack Russell terriers have historically been asked help you meet your dog’s needs in a kind manner meet the need for social and mental interactions. before you try to prevent or stop what you think is When you cannot properly supervise their interaction, progress by going slowly and repeating the or through a habitat or condo, or by restricting the chosen a time when she has had sufficient play and Preventing the Fear of People to dig as part of their jobs. These puppies may benefit throughout her life. If your dog needs to be hospitalized, These calmer interactions also work well for highundesirable scratching behavior, first make sure that confine your dog. Never use physical punishment steps noted. young cat using gates, crates, and doors. If everyone exercise and that she has recently eliminated so she from training that takes advantage of their skills to In most cases, dogs will not become fearful of people be sure tell your team whether your dog energy dogs who may need cool-down or relaxation youtohave met veterinary the cat’s needs and provided enough or harsh words to correct the dog. When your child Praise your puppy and say “good dog” gets the attention and exercise they need, these is ready to relax or nap. seek out and find things, such as nose work and earth if they have ample opportunities to experience and is comfortable a crate, as this information will help items periods throughout their day. outlets forinplay, places to climb, and appropriate and dog are next to each other, never scold either whenever you give a food reward. This will restrictions will not be problematic for the cats dog trials. of be people under nonfearful how best to managesay your dog inand thegive hospital. can helpful. Your veterinarian help you decide “okay” her the food. If she touches whether shetreats is worried about the potential loss of her interact with a wide variety can help youand determine or when he will need to be this, settle, instantlyifreward quiet. If you practice “look” gets their attention, while “sit”determine acts to scratch. these should be given only during new tasks may be greatly can impaired in dogs and cats one. Instead, reward both your dog and your child for If young puppies are tired and dogs happytowhen reinforce desired behavior and help maintain and may benefit an older or ill cat. If your young Marking Solutions “Drop It” conditions during the firstiffew months life, are Dogs medicine tooftreat fear, anxiety, andnostress would be tocat persists in monitoring, following, and “stalking” your hand before twoit”seconds and beforesafety you and food. counterconditioning Many rescue puppiessessions. or puppies moms confined your cat’s you or willsupervised. be able to Observing gradually increase thebehavior amount introduced of aa stop signal that interrupts bratty behaviors. Atwhose first, give the treats with brain aging. may longer respond exhibiting calm, safe behaviors. to their crate, a toy as and treat in a quiet a strong response, even as the food reward is Teaching “drop is useful pass for two reasons: Cats that have not been castrated or spayed are most frequently handled in a gentle manner, and helpful for your cat.are Some fearful willexecute display intense say “okay,” immediately say “enough” withbe sufficient did not haveyour enough food worry aboutwith foodthe andvisitor may there. will also tell youdog if there are social interactions that are place will be at its most appealing. time your is quiet. Training sessions should combine social time, mental when cat enters the room known verbal requests, or cats fail to tasks with Check periodically gradually withdrawn. another cat, consult your veterinarian and/or a cooperation. The occasional item may dangerous likely to spray, so neutering is the first step in the techniques or physical aggression instead of avoidance. If this the case Such with veterinary behaviorist. This is not normal behavior, force for to make her back awaymouths but notorfrighten her. threaten others cats, and humans) who to approach problematic for your cat. Inexpensive web cameras Next, have(dogs, the visitor calmly flip treats your catraised without harsh training their former skill, enthusiasm, or isaccuracy. for signs of distress, and if she stimulation, is asleep orand just learning quiet, new skills while keeping Some dogs do best with verbal signals; others dogs to hold in their chew, so asking treatment for marking. If your cat is spraying when classes can be an obedience and physical generally ineffective your pet, your veterinarian may suggest referralroutines to a Be dramatic, your pup, and make eye it. Most of these pups canmovement. learn that you not ashould threat punishment. Enrolling in puppy have Verbal made watching yourpunishment cat in your is absence simple. with minimal hand Theare treats tasks may include or agility and tell her she is very good. Then,your afterpuppy a shortfocused period,on behaviors other than play benefit from hand signals. Hand signals can and intervention may improve everyone’s life. them to lean “droptoward it” is a safety issue. Also, dogs who learn other cats come onto your property, move anything tobehaviorist acomplex, variety oftrained in the control and correction of barking. It may actually veterinary who canwork develop treatment plan contact youchase give the instructive reprimand. if youland teachclose themtothat theyIfwill sit cat calmly, youcalm will put theif cat. your seems anda excellent way to ensure exposure more like asniffing for drugs open the door and allow her tobiting. come(See out ifalso sheour brochure “Basic Training.”) be learned with verbal signals if praise acts thatwhen you will them if you want to take something that might attract stray cats (garbage cans, The feeding The behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed byyoung a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team AAHA behavior brochures were developed bydog’s apunishment team as Physical and verbal no role increase your fear andplays anxiety, and in in getting turn AAHA the for these more serious problems. Gradually increase time your puppy has to wait. alter treat in their bowl.have Ask your dog toflip sit,treats placeso about interested, the guest they10% landpeople, dogs, and environments. or Puppies working as a guide dog. Some dogs and cats wishes. The next time, she can spend longer in the as a marker for the signal (“good sit”). If the from them will the now of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to what behaviors you expect of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to look for other ways that they of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to in of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to box.orWhether stations, or bird feeders). Keep your cat away from asin eight weeks of age can and appear should be enrolled your cat to use hisincrease litter theaggression problem barking may change to when Teach your puppy of her Oncetheir she cooperation learns to leave theattention. food alone on command, of hercloser meal in and have her the come eat. toher thebowl, guest, prompting catand to approach to forget their normal patterns and locations before being let out. When puppy is Canine happy dog starts to follow your hands but does not to get While youreflect shouldbest practices as outlined reflect crate best practices as outlined in the the 2015 AAHA reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine doors and windows, put up blinds or shutters on the classes designed for them and for given by trainers is spraying or toileting, your cat is not eliminating in the situation is repeated (like meeting new people). In before she gets any rewards. 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This will help hand.can, Later, repeat when your is up thethe bowl and can add allow another 10%. occasionally visitor your catRepeat, to come up and sniffuse only positive methods and avoid restraint and fear. signs of distress, you can leave the puppy for that aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. instantaneous rewards to ensure your puppy you shouldthe beexercise able to ask them to, puppy for example, or near windows and doors (e.g., barriers, rocks that angry.on Any kind of punishment willFor justthis damage your to be addressing the fear itself. intervention her to learn to pay attention to you. If you often just more drop keyed up. adding special treat, eats all the food. oratake food fromuntil an your openpup hand if she is interested amount of time. Remember, puppies need to eliminate understands the concept. a rawhide or ball before going outside if you do do not offer comfortable perches), or use additional relationship your cat.need Be careful with use of successful, you may the help ofthe your veterinarian ask her Hospital to sit and look at you for no reason and then © 2016 American Animal Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association © 2016 American Animalwith Hospital Association If at any point your pupcats is shaking or whining, stop. Just in doing so. For who really enjoy playing, toys not want their toys outside. The first step in teaching methods of keeping other cats away from your home. The goal is to get to the point that your puppy will any remote devices that could scare the and/or deterrent a veterinary behaviorist. give her a treat, she will learn that you are consistent give her andalternative consult your about mayher bedinner another forveterinarian making a positive “drop it” is to teach your puppy to give up objects for Marking can be a flag of social stress in and around not take food or touch your hand once you have cat. Worried and scared cats are often those who stop and these signals establish a shared pattern in your a strategy to overcome fear. To reduce any threat association with aher stranger. rewards of higher value. The use of head halters to close the dog’s mouth the household. Your veterinarian and/or a veterinary said “enough,” no matter how tasty the treat or how using their litter boxes, anyway, so such interventions calm behaviors that is rewarded. your dog might feel when people come near her while is sometimes recommended as anperspective. intervention behaviorist will be able to help you sort out the interesting For thisthat technique to work, will worsen the situation from the cat’s she isFear eating, of occasionally drop a treat into her bowl as Begin your with hand. a toy or item is of minimal appeal and Objects for barking. If you are at the point of doing this, social complexity in your household and identify any the whole musttobe very consistent, have it for a tasty Training Aids you walk by. If your dog shows any threat, consult your teachfamily your dog give it to you by trading Desensitization and counterconditioning also can be Evaluate the consult litter box location, litter type, cleaning please your veterinarian and/or a veterinary situations that are stressful and anxiety provoking for precise timing, and practice day. Ifpresent necessary, a veterinarian. Never punish a pup for growling while at piece of kibble. Initially, every you should the food A dragline can be a helpful tool for managing your helpful for reducing fear of inanimate things, such schedule, and any factors ways that might deter litterone behaviorist soother that proper of interrupting your cat. These situations will need to be addressed leashand andsay head halter can also used to teach the the her food bowl, and never take her bowl just because “drop it” while yourbedog is near or holding pup’s biting behavior. Attach a long line (10 feet as objects and noises. For example, if your kitten box use. If yourand cat then is soiling in oneaorsubstituted two specific behavior rewarding behavior as part of the treatment for marking. “enough” command. Whenever yourhave puppy the you can. Dogs should be able to eat undisturbed, and object. With practice, you won’t to ignores show her the indoors and 20 feet or longer outdoors) to your becomes frightened when a kitchen timer beeps, areas,can it might be possible to move the litter box to be discussed. command to redirect stop biting, gentle she pull will on the will as you can convince them that you are a threat if you food to her. aInstead, seeleash the food pet’s collar so you can quickly grab the line when Synthetic feline pheromones may be effective at cover the timer with a towel to produce a sound so that area and see if he uses it. If he uses the box, close aher mouth. Eventually, she will for stop bitingthe when repeatedly take their food when they‘re hungry. reward, make the connection getting reward you need to stop the biting. Be sure that your dog is reducing anxiety and marking. No medications are quiet that your kitten looks toward it without fear, then leavePractical it there for a while and then very slowly move Products you give the command. to complying with the signal (“drop it”), and you will closely supervised when she is wearing a dragline. licensed for the treatment of feline urine marking; toss a treat. If your kitten retrieves the treat, repeat it to a preferred place, if necessary. Cats who like There are a number of remote-activated products on be able to take ever-increasingly valuable objects. Who’s Tugging Whom? With a gentle pull on the leash you can immediately however, a number of human and dog medications this activity again and again, uncovering the timer soft surfaces (e.g., rugs, mats, clothes) can often be the market (ultrasonic collars, shock collars, citronella If your pup can give up a highly favored chew or Tug can be a fun game to play, but only if it does not stop mouthing Solving and biting. Release tension as soon Housesoiling Solving Barking Problems Mouthing and Using the Power of Positive Control Helping Cats and Kittens with Fear Understanding Behavior might be effective. Your veterinarian can explain the little by little.Keeping Eventually your cat will look forward to convinced to use very clean, particulate, soft litter, like collars) that are meant to interrupt or punish barking. food toy for the “drop it” request and a treat, you will escalate into injurious or aggressive behavior. Teach as she settles down. If your puppy will not focus, Problems benefits, risks, and use. the noise because she has become Control conditioned to Biting Under Changes in Aging Pets most modern flushable or compostable litters. Cats None of these meet the requirement of making clear to likely never have any problems with taking anything your dog to sit or lie down before the game begins gets easily distracted, or uses her mouth excessively, expect something good after hearing it. Remember, who like cool, hard, reflective surfaces may do well the dog the appropriate or desired behavior or provide from her. Clicker training (where a clicking sound is and be certain that you can stop the game without more effective control of the head and muzzle can cats learn to run toward can openers because they Housesoiling Solutions with empty or tiled litter boxes. The key to solving the a reward for the good behavior. All of these products associated with a food reward) can be a very effective problems. Practice a “drop” or “give” command during be achieved by using the dragline with a head halter. associate them with food! problem is to find a solution that meets your individual Most cats will seek out litter boxes. If you are can scare dogs, and their use is not recommended. way to reward your dog for dropping. It allows you to the tug game, then give a treat and resume play. When Head halters can give all family members, even cat’s needs. Cats who like their litter boxes spend attempting to convince a cat to try a new litter, box, delay food treats by using the click as a reinforcer. For the game is done, either can takebe thetaken toy away young children, a considerable amount of control A similar approach with aand catgive that a more Remote time in them and dig in them, spending lessteaching time treat dispensers may be helpful for or location, at first confine him with his litter box in a people with very fast puppies, the click can reach them final treat or leave thewhen toy with dog (as long as she over the pet. becomes afraid youthe carry objects, such as large perching on the edgewho andbark digging outside the someone box. Let “quiet” to dogs reactively when small area of the home where he does not soil. If the faster than your hand, and so it works well. Clicker doesn’t damage the Take toy orseveral become aggressive). garbage bags. bags that are so small your cat’s be your guide. visits.behavior These dispensers can be triggered from a cat decides he likes the box, litter, or location, he will training is fun for people and dogs, so it may be a they do not make the cat anxious and place them in Enough Is Enough: distance without any obvious clue that anyone is Even with the best efforts, problems may arise. If you use it. Studies have shown that cats prefer large litter training method you can explore. Using a “Stop” Command locations around the home next to containers of tasty If these steps do not solve the problem, consult your making this happen as soon as someone comes to the are having difficulty training your puppy or controlling boxes—1.5 times their body lengths—and clean litter. treats. Whenever you walk by, pick up a bag and toss veterinarian for further guidance. If biting begins during play, it is important that your door. Because they provide a primary auditory signal unruly behavior or aggression, contact your veterinarian. Mealtime a treat to your cat. When you can tell that your cat puppy learns to stop on command. This can be done Once the cat is reliably using the box, he can indicating a treat will come, a secondary auditory Although it’s best not to bother a dog during meals, gets excited whenever you pick up a bag, increase by giving an “enough” command when she is biting. gradually have access to the rest of the house, once signal in the noise made delivering the treat, and, in it is important to know whether the dog will feel the size of the bags and repeat. Begin training when your puppy is very calm. Hand any areas previously soiled have been cleaned. some devices, a visual signal about the reward, dogs threatened by the presence of others when she is The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA brochures were developed by a to team The AAHA brochures wereasdeveloped by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team her abehavior small piece of dry food you say “okay” in Cleaning may need to be repeated until the cat shows who behavior are not distressed very often quickly learn run eating. If you call your dog to come to you for Additional Helpveterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians andcan certified veterinary behaviorists to all of veterinarians and certifiedwhen veterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians veterinary of veterinarians and certified of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to a relaxed and tone.certified Next, hold anotherbehaviorists piece of foodtoin no interest in the odors in the area. Until then, gates, to the treat dispenser someone is at the door. of activities if you in can ask her AAHA to sit inCanine many reflect sorts best practices asand outlined the 2015 reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect front best practices outlined in the 2015 AAHAraising Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine of her andas firmly say “enough” without doors, and barriers can prevent the cat from focusing Commercial pheromone products are safe and may Clever placement of the dispenser also means that by situations, she Management should BROCHURE be ableGuidelines, to do both of these at and Feline available and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at and Feline Management Guidelines, available at and Feline Management Guidelines, available at and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR SERIES PETBehavior BEHAVIOR SERIES PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES your voice or yelling. IfBROCHURE she doesn’t attempt to make on areas where he still detects old elimination odors. effectively relieve anxiety in some cats. For severely the time dogs greet guests, they are happy, calmer, aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. things in the presence of food. If she cannot, you may contact with your hand or the food for two seconds, Understanding your cat’s daily elimination routine distressed and fearful cats, antianxiety medication and not rushing them by the door! wish to assess, with the help of your veterinarian,

dditional Tips

Busy Dogs

Basic Training

Litter Box Blues

Crate Training

Noisy Canines

Destructive Cats

Piranha Puppies

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Destructive Doggies

Pushy Pups

Scaredy Cat

Fearful Fido

The Feisty Feline

Senior Moments

Fido Was First

Training Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival

The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association

Home Alone

Solving Separation Anxiety Problems

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

See page 46 and press.aaha.org for cost-saving brochure sets!

TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET HEALTH BROCHURES

Pet Health Brochures Busy, distracted, or overwhelmed clients may not be absorbing everything you’re saying. Supplement the conversation with a handy, take-home brochure that clients can refer to again and again. These handy, low-cost brochures about common animal health concerns have been recently reviewed and updated by board-certified veterinarians. All 24 Pet Health Brochures feature a convenient question-and-answer format. Check the bulleted lists to see what client questions each brochure addresses.

We love the pet health brochures. . . . We strive to give our clients peace of mind and I really believe these brochures are an excellent tool that help us communicate important information to our clients. —NORA C. MARTIN, ANIMAL CARE VETERINARY HOSPITAL, INC.

$12.95 M | $15.95 NM Each brochure pack contains 50 trifolded brochures, 3.5'' x 8.5'', AAHA Press.

Canine Influenza Virus

Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe: • Be sure that all of your puppies and dogs are vaccinated properly against parvovirus. • Don’t skip or delay any of your puppy’s vaccinations in the initial immunization series. • Ask your veterinarian to remind you when your dog needs booster vaccinations. • Minimize contact with other puppies or dogs and limit visits to places frequented by other dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid visits to high-risk areas, such as parks and pet stores. (Note: Puppies need contact with other puppies and dogs for socialization. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to begin socializing your puppy.) • If one of your puppies or dogs has parvovirus, keep him or her physically separated from the others. • If a visiting puppy or dog has an “accident” in your home, promptly remove any fecal material and disinfect the area with a solution of 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water as a precaution. • Use the bleach-and-water solution as part of a general cleaning process for areas of your house frequented by unvaccinated puppies or dogs.

Canine Influenza

Canine Parvovirus

There seem to be a lot of things to worry about after anesthesia. Couldn’t I just avoid all of this by not using anesthesia?

PHINF4 y What is canine influenza virus (dog flu)? y How do dogs get infected with canine influenza?

Any time an animal goes from being awake to asleep and then awake again, the body goes through a process of rebooting, like your computer does when you turn it back on after it was off for a while. The medications your veterinarian chooses will safely allow your pet to not feel pain, discomfort, or stress during the procedure, but this loss of consciousness will take time to wear off. Overall, anesthesia is a safe procedure that has allowed animals to receive high-quality care they couldn’t have otherwise received while conscious. Your veterinary team will be happy to talk to you about any other questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s anesthesia.

y How is canine influenza virus infection treated?

Canine Parvovirus

Caring for Your Pet After Anesthesia

PHCAN3

PHCAR4

y What is canine parvovirus, and how do dogs get it?

y What is anesthesia, and why is my veterinarian recommending it?

y What are the physical signs of the infection? y How can I keep my dog from getting parvovirus, and how is it treated?

y What can I expect when my pet has anesthesia?

ISBN 978-1-58326-281-8

90000

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OSPITAL ASSOCIATION

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Dental Anesthesia

• Give your pet insulin at the same time every day, after your pet eats. Don’t make any changes in medication without first checking with your veterinarian. • Do not give insulin to your pet if she is not eating or vomits soon after eating. Call your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you notice any change in appetite or behavior. • Reward your pet for good behavior when you give insulin injections. Try to make the experience as comfortable as possible by being patient, loving, and gentle. • Keep a small container of corn syrup on hand to give your pet if she acts weak or begins tremoring, as this may indicate that her blood glucose is too low. Do not try to give your pet corn syrup if she is too weak to swallow. If this situation occurs, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible and ask what should be done. This can be a life-threatening emergency. Many pet owners feel overwhelmed when they learn their pet is diabetic and will require additional care. After several weeks of this new routine, you may be surprised by how well you and your pet have adjusted. Staying in close contact with your veterinary team is especially important in the first few months of treatment. Visit aaha.org/diabetes for more information on diabetes management in dogs and cats.

Dental Anesthesia

Diabetes in Pets

How Should I Clean My Pet’s Ears and Administer Ear Medications?

PHDA3 y How does anesthesia make dental work possible for my pet? y Why is anesthesia necessary? y What special precautions are taken to protect my pet?

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Your veterinarian will recommend how often you should clean and medicate your pet’s ears and will demonstrate the proper procedure. Generally, you will need to clean the ear prior to using ear medication. Your veterinary staff can recommend products designed for cleaning the ears at home. You may use small pieces of cotton, tissue, or cotton swabs to clean the smaller crevices that you can see near the opening of the ear canal. Do not use cotton swabs to probe deeper than you can see, as this may cause damage to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). To administer ear medication, squirt it directly into the pet’s ear, as directed by your veterinarian. Make sure the medication runs down to the intersection between the vertical and horizontal canal (see illustration). Gently massage the ear canal between your forefinger and thumb. Allowing your pet to shake his or her head may help loosen debris that lies deeper in the canal.

Your Pet’s Ear Canal P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Caring for Your Pet After Anesthesia

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Diabetes in Pets

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Ear Conditions in Pets

PHDIA4 y What is diabetes mellitus, and what causes the disease?

y Is constipation normal?

Ear Conditions in Pets PHEAR3 y What causes ear conditions in pets? y How can I prevent my pet from getting ear infections?

y What are the physical signs? y How can I take care of my pet at home?

y How do I clean my pet’s ears and administer ear medications?

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

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TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET HEALTH BROCHURES

Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses

Fleas and ticks spread diseases, so contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet is sick. If a person who has been around your pet falls ill, advise them to call their doctor.

How are fleas, ticks, and their diseases treated?

Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses PHFEL3 y What are feline immunodeficiency viruses?

Your veterinarian can recommend treatment to relieve pain and itching and to eliminate the parasites on your pet. Your veterinarian may also perform tests to discover whether any diseases have been transmitted to your pet. Treating pets after the fact can be expensive and difficult. The best treatment is ongoing prevention.

How can I protect my pet from fleas and ticks? Many flea- and tick-prevention products are available, but only some have been proven effective. Your veterinarian knows what kinds of fleas and ticks are common in your area and what diseases they carry. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best protection based on your pet’s lifestyle.

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ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

ISBN 978-1-58326-292-4

90000>

Heartworm Disease in Pets

To avoid parasites, keep your pet away from other animal feces. Dispose of your own pet’s bowel movements as quickly as possible, and keep your pet and their environment clean. Here are some other ways you can protect your pet: • Be alert to fleas in the environment— your pet may swallow a flea that is carrying tapeworm eggs. • A fecal examination should be part of your pet’s preventive care visit at least once yearly. • Routine, frequent fecal checks are important for predatory dogs and cats because some types of worms are ingested when a pet eats an infected rodent or other small mammal. • Use preventive medications for internal and external parasites, as directed by your veterinarian.

Can I Get Intestinal Parasites from My Pet? Under some conditions, intestinal parasites can be transmitted from pets to people. Especially at risk are children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Parasitic larvae can migrate through the human body and enter the eyes, brain, or other areas, which can cause blindness or other severe health problems. Avoid walking barefoot or letting children play in areas where dogs and cats defecate. Discuss the risk with your veterinarian and physician.

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Lab Testing for Your Pet

How can I prevent lepto in my dog? Avoid slow-moving water, puddles, or areas known to have high populations of rodents or raccoons. These areas are often at higher risk for contamination by Leptospira bacteria. Vaccination against lepto is available to help protect your dog. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who spend time in contaminated areas or dogs who are at risk for having contact with the urine of wildlife. This might include dogs who spend time outdoors in areas with high populations of rodents or raccoons, or those involved in outdoor events, such as hunting or field trials. Current lepto vaccines need to be given every 12 months. Available dog vaccines protect against many but not all types of Leptospira bacteria.

If my dog has lepto, is that a health concern for me? Yes. People who care for infected dogs may become sick after having contact with the dog’s urine. If you are around an infected dog, avoid contact with the dog’s urine or urine-contaminated objects, such as bedding. Ensure the dog only urinates in areas away from other animals and people. These steps are most important until the dog has received appropriate antibiotics for several days. People should contact their human healthcare provider if they have concerns regarding exposure to an infected animal.

Heartworm Disease in Pets PHHEA3 y What are heartworms, and how does my pet get infected? y How can I prevent the disease in my pet?

What happens after choosing hospice care for your pet?

Working with your veterinarian will ensure that your pet’s quality of life is maintained and his or her needs are being met until the very end. This care will help make your final moments with your pet by your side be as peaceful, gentle, and comfortable as possible.

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Intestinal Parasites in Pets

Your pet will be sent home with medications and/or supplements required for continued treatment. After your pet leaves the hospital, your veterinarian will repeat blood tests and urinalyses to monitor your pet’s condition at regular intervals or when the need arises. Your veterinarian may recommend a special diet to decrease protein and sodium intake. Be sure to administer any prescribed medications and feed your pet as directed. You may need to administer fluids under your pet’s skin at home to help maintain normal hydration. This treatment is usually only for cats. Your veterinary health care team will provide instructions if this becomes necessary. Following instructions and working closely with your veterinarian will give your pet a better quality of life and may help prolong his or her life.

Lab Testing for Your Pet PHLAB3 y Why is laboratory testing important for my pet? y What does each test do? y How quickly will I know the test results?

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A Gentle Goodbye

PHFLE4

PHEOL3

y How does a pet get infected with fleas and ticks?

y What are the options at the end of a pet’s life?

y How can I protect my pet from fleas and ticks?

y What is hospicesupported natural death?

y What are the signs my pet has fleas, ticks, or a disease they spread?

y What happens after choosing hospice care?

Intestinal Parasites in Pets

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Kidney Disease in Pets

PHINT3

PHKID3 y What is kidney failure, and what are the causes?

y What are the physical signs pets show when infected?

y How can I keep my pet from getting intestinal parasites?

Kidney Disease in Pets

y What are the physical signs of kidney disease? y How is kidney disease diagnosed and treated?

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Leptospirosis

The specialist should be happy to partner with both you and your regular veterinarian in making medical decisions and identifying treatment options for your pet.

What kind of treatment options might be available, and how well do they work? Will my pet get sick from the treatments? There is no right or wrong choice for cancer treatment. Common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Some treatment options are palliative, focusing primarily on supportive care, such as managing pain. Dogs and cats respond to cancer treatment very differently than people do. Typically, they handle cancer treatment much better, with far fewer side effects than people do. Improving or preserving the quality of your pet’s life is equally as important as fighting the cancer itself.

Leptospirosis PHLEP4

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Living with Cancer

Living with Cancer PHONC3

y What is leptospirosis?

y What is cancer, and why does it occur?

y How do pets get leptospirosis?

y What types of cancer are most common in dogs and cats?

y How is leptospirosis treated?

For many types of cancer, pets who receive treatment enjoy a longer life and a better quality of life than pets who do not receive treatment. Treatment can often improve the quality of life even for animals with advanced stages of cancer. One of the most important things to remember is to stay positive—there are almost always things that can be done to help your pet. Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to start exploring your options.

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Flea and Tick Prevention

y How is an infection treated?

y How is the disease treated?

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MAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

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How Do I Keep My Pet from Getting Intestinal Parasites?

MAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

y Can the viruses be treated?

9 781583 262924

End-of-life care and decisionmaking should take into consideration all of your pet’s needs and should maximize your pet’s comfort and minimize suffering. A collaborative and supportive partnership between you and your veterinary healthcare team is important in this process.

Similar to human medicine, some veterinarians focus on end-of-life care for pets. Your veterinarian may offer this service or refer you to such a professional. Whether you are working with a hospice veterinarian or your own veterinarian, the process will be similar. After the terminal diagnosis, your veterinary healthcare team will: 1. Educate you about your pet’s disease 2. Evaluate your needs, beliefs, and goals for your pet 3. Develop a personalized end-of-life treatment plan 4. Implement palliative care measures

y How do I know if my cat has these diseases?

The most reliable flea and tick preventives can fail due to mistakes and misunderstandings. Products that kill fleas and ticks on infected pets don’t prevent reinfection. To provide continuous protection, use your veterinarian’s recommended preventive on an ongoing basis according to the instructions.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Keep in mind that palliative care is not only for pets living with a terminal disease, but can also be used to manage curable or long-term conditions. Your pet’s quality of life is extremely important, and the goal of palliative care is to support or improve his or her quality of life.

aaha.org/petowner

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

y What kind of treatment options might be available, and how well do they work?

TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET HEALTH BROCHURES

Managing Your Pet’s Pain

Skin and Coat The skin is the body’s largest organ and a good indicator of your pet’s health. Your veterinarian will examine the condition of the skin and haircoat as a means of detecting nutritional deficiencies, allergies, infections, hormone problems, and tumors. The veterinarian will also check for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, and wounds. Joints and Muscles The veterinarian will check your pet’s legs and feet to evaluate the condition of the joints and muscles and may also test your pet’s reflexes. Heart and Lungs The veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. The early signs of heart disease often are recognized during a routine health exam. Abdomen and Reproductive System Your veterinarian will feel the abdomen to detect irregularities such as enlarged organs, masses, or areas that are painful. Your pet’s reproductive system will be examined for swelling or discharges. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, your veterinarian will explain that spaying or neutering provides many health benefits beyond birth control. If the veterinarian finds any abnormalities during your pet’s examination, the veterinarian may recommend additional tests to diagnose or confirm a health problem.

Managing Your Pet’s Pain How Often Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

How often your pet should be vaccinated depends on many factors, including breed, age, and lifestyle. Dogs should be vaccinated against canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus-2, canine adenovirus-2, and rabies virus. Cats should be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia virus (feline distemper), feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, and rabies virus. Other vaccines may be appropriate based on where you live and other factors. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the recommended vaccination protocol for your pet’s unique situation.

PHPAI3

y Why is it important to control pain?

Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

The body’s response to a vaccine is to produce antibodies, and these antibodies are what protect your pet from disease. Veterinarians can perform a titer test to measure a pet’s antibody levels and then can vaccinate only when the antibodies drop below a certain level. Titer tests for canine distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus are thought to be quite reliable, but current laws state that a titer test cannot be used in place of a rabies vaccine.

How often does my pet need to be vaccinated? In the past, pets were vaccinated with every vaccine every year. Over time, vaccine technology has improved, and research shows that certain vaccines protect pets longer than previously thought. Several vaccines can now be given every three years. Other vaccines still need to be given yearly to prevent certain diseases. Work with your veterinarian to create a vaccination plan tailored specifically to your pet’s lifestyle, risk of exposure to certain diseases, and environment. It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a checkup, no matter how often vaccines are given. This yearly exam will give your veterinarian the chance to address your pet’s problems, answer your questions, and keep your pet healthy and happy.

Spaying or Neutering Your Pet PHSPA4 y What is spaying or neutering? y Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet?

Your Pet’s Dental Care

exercise than an eight-year-old dachshund with heart disease. With your veterinarian’s approval, you can embark on an exercise program that won’t seem like work at all—to your pet, it’s play. Exercising Your Dog The key to exercising your dog is to start out slowly and then steadily increase the length and intensity of the workouts. Just like people, dogs who go from little or no exercise to a lengthy or strenuous routine will experience soreness and may even suffer from damage to weak ligaments. If your dog is stiff or slow to rise the day after exercise, slow down. Hiking, walking, and running are all great exercise for your dog, and he or she will most likely be thrilled to participate. If your dog is unable or unwilling to walk due to stiffness or injury and is comfortable around water, swimming may be a good option. If you’d like to try something else, playing keep-away or hide-and-seek with a toy and two or more people is another excellent way to exercise your dog. Tug-of-war is not a good game because it can damage your dog’s teeth and may increase aggressive behavior. Increasingly, people are looking for other ways to interact with their dogs. Activities such as obedience classes, agility training and competitions, and fly-ball competitions are wonderful means of enjoying your dog and socializing with other people and dogs. And they are great forms of exercise!

Your Pet’s Dental Care

Exercising Your Cat While your cat probably won’t want to accompany you on a five-mile run, he or she may like to play games with you that involve chasing something attached to a stick or string. Many cats love to chase the light from a laser pointer (be careful not to shine it in your cat’s eyes, as this can cause damage). You can provide toys for your cat to play with that simulate small prey, such as stuffed toy mice or small balls. Cats in multi-cat households can also play with each other for exercise.

PHDEN3

y What are the physical signs of dental disease?

Whatever game you play with your cat, don’t use your hand or fingers as “bait” or as the object of teasing. Such games teach your cat that it is all right to scratch and bite your hands—a lesson you do not want him or her to learn. Also, do not let your cat play with yarn or string because he or she may choke on it, get it stuck in the throat or the digestive system, or become dangerously entangled in it.

y Why is anesthesia necessary?

y How can I take care of my pet’s teeth at home?

y What is rabies? y Will my pet get rabies if another animal bites him?

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

y How can I recognize a rabid animal, and what should I do if I suspect an animal has rabies?

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Vaccinating Your Pet

• • • • • • •

Brittle nails Arthritis Constipation in cats Sensitivity to temperature changes Coughing and exercise intolerance Increased water consumption Behavioral changes, changes in urination and defecation patterns, increased vocalization, and changes in sleep patterns • Confusion and disorientation in dogs (known as “canine cognitive dysfunction”) Many of these changes could also indicate disease, so talk to your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs or any unusual changes in activity level and attitude. Don’t just dismiss changes in your pet’s health or habits as “part of the aging process”—they may be signs of serious disease.

Vaccinating Your Pet

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Your Aging Pet

PHVAC4

y What are the possible risks?

Your Pet’s Diet and Exercise Plan

• Always practicing personal hygiene. People at higher risk for zoonoses should always wash their hands after handling animals and avoid kissing pets or allowing them to lick their faces. Quickly wash bites and scratches from animals, and do not allow pets to lick open wounds. Have someone who is at lower risk clean litter boxes, cages, and aquariums, and if that is not possible, wear gloves. Keep litter boxes away from kitchens and food preparation areas. • Caring for pets properly. Have any new pets examined by a veterinarian before you bring them home. If your pet is ill, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Keep pets away from wildlife or places they could get a zoonotic disease: keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash or in a fenced yard when outdoors. Follow routine preventive care as recommended by your veterinarian, including vaccinations and steps to control and prevent ticks and fleas. Feed your pets canned or dry commercial food or wellcooked home-prepared food.

Pets provide many health benefits to people, and maintaining the human-animal bond is incredibly important. In almost all cases, people do not need to give up their pets to protect themselves from zoonoses. Instead, they should have discussions with their veterinarian and physician to come up with ways to reduce disease risks. These simple steps will go a long way to keep you and your pet healthy.

Your Pet’s Diet and Exercise Plan

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Zoonotic Diseases

y What other changes might I see in my pet?

Zoonotic Diseases PHZOO4

PHDIE3

y What are zoonotic diseases (zoonoses)?

y How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

y How do pets and people get zoonotic diseases?

y What is an appropriate diet for my pet? y What’s a good exercise routine for my pet? aaha.org/petowner

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

PHAGI3

y How does a senior pet examination differ from my pet’s usual exam?

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Your Aging Pet y Do I need to care for my pet differently as he or she gets older?

y Which vaccines does my pet need?

y How often does my pet need to be vaccinated?

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PHRAB3

y Why does my pet need a preventive care examination?

y What will happen during my pet’s preventive care exam?

Rabies

PHWEL3

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Rabies

y How often should he or she get one?

y What are the risks of treating my pet for pain?

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SPITAL ASSOCIATION

In some areas, you are required by law to report an animal suspected of having rabies, in order to protect the public. Notify your veterinarian and the local animal-control department immediately (in Canada, call the local police and health-control office).

Preventive Care Exams

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P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

Is there a test that can determine if my pet needs to be vaccinated?

SPITAL ASSOCIATION

veterinarian. If you suspect a wild animal near your home or workplace has rabies, warn others and do not go near the animal. Contact the authorities in your area and allow them to locate and capture the animal.

y What are the physical signs of pain in dogs and cats?

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SPITAL ASSOCIATION

Preventive Care Exams

P ET H E A LT H B R O C H U R E S E R I E S

y How can I protect myself from getting a zoonotic disease from my pet?

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TOOLS FOR YOUR CL ENTS PET BROCHURE SETS

move on—gradually—to longer distances. No puppy can learn to stay readily if you leave her sight unless she has gradually been taught that she can happily stay for smaller distances.

Additional Tips Here are some additional tips to make great progress during basic training. Patience, consistency, and repetition are key! • Start training in a quiet area. When the puppy’s responses to your commands become

• Enroll in a Time puppy class so you can get guidance Alone from the instructors and your puppy can learn in There are times when your dog will need to spend the presence of other dogs. Be sure to choose time on her own. Dogs who have a regular and one that uses positive methods. appropriate social enrichment program may use • When your puppy seems fidgety and has a these times to nap and rest. Learning to relax and shorter attention span, keep the training session settle is an important skill for dogs. Provide your dog short and stop before she begins ignoring your with her own space—a room with a dog bed, a crate signals. Consider that the dog may need a (open or closed) with a bed and water—for resting bathroom break or time to just be a puppy. and “alone time.” • If you have difficulty getting your puppy to be calm and focused, a lead and a head halter or Some dogs may still be energetic and want to engage front-attachment harness may help you to get in further play at times when they need to be left the desired response. Distractable puppies alone. These dogs can be given an opportunity to should be able to work well on their own before occupy their alone time by playing with toys that other puppies are added to the mix. require them to work at getting some of their daily

dependable, move the training to environments with more distractions. • Be sure your puppy knows one signal before proceeding to the next. Tone of voice is important. When teaching “come,” “sit,” and

ration of food and calories, as in a puzzle or fooddispensing toy. These toys are not a replacement

“down,” use a calm, positive, and consistent tone of voice to get the dog’s attention and

for social interaction, but they can provide a calm

a short, high-pitched signal to mark a well-

transition for active dogs. If your dog seems stressed when left alone, consult your veterinarian.

performed task. Deeper, slower words have been shown to help dogs stay still, so “stay” should be a request delivered in deeper, drawn-out tones.

Other Tips Providing social and mental engagement for dogs

• Avoid repeating commands if your dog is not

can involve more than just exercise, training, puzzles, games, or sports. Grooming sessions

paying attention. If she doesn’t respond, go back to the last signal in training that she did

(teaching a dog to offer one paw or a specific side of the body at a time), massage sessions, and just calm

well and repeat that. If the puppy is not paying attention to you, consider that she may need

quiet time together where you watch and talk softly

a bathroom or attention break. If you return to

to your dog help build a positive relationship and meet the need for social and mental interactions.

a short session, you should be able to make progress by going slowly and repeating the

These calmer interactions also work well for highenergy dogs who may need cool-down or relaxation

steps noted. • Praise your puppy and say “good dog”

periods throughout their day.

whenever you give a food reward. This will reinforce desired behavior and help maintain

benefit from hand signals. Hand signals can be learned with verbal signals if praise acts as a marker for the signal (“good sit”). If the

instantaneous rewards to ensure your puppy understands the concept.

frequently, awakening, or cat’s other especially coverings. after If theeating, new objects meet the prolonged, exercise. Young social vigorous and behavioral needs andpuppies appeal need to his to texture eliminate every hour or two when awake. puppy preference, he will come to use themThe if rewarded will thrive if youso. manage to also meetconstruct the needs this for doing You can anofinexpensive to a plywood base, or, if you have the space, you can

distressed. With practice, your puppy will learn to associate going into her crate with a request to do so

Sometimes having a second dog for companionship and play can reduce chewing and digging, but you must meet the needs of both dogs. You do not want to end up with two dogs who destroy. Dogs who like

Crate Training

outside and are otherwise not distressed, you can consider building an outdoor run or kennel with a

Since scratching can be a form of marking, a feline pheromone sprayin or might Are Good Dogs Adultscheek-gland can be trained to use crates thediffuser same way asbe

hear her. You can expect some distress the first few

times yourYour puppy isPuppy separatedto from familyHer members, Teaching Mind but she should soon settle down ifManners she is tired. Never

Creating theBut Perfect Canine Cave concrete floor. if your dog is distressed in the run,

helpful stopping thisdogs behavior whenbeen usedoverly in your puppies, but for remember that who have home. You may want discuss option with confined or entrapped mayto never feelthis comfortable in your

reward the pup by letting her out when she cries or release her before it starts again. If your puppy still won’t settle in her crate, make sure that you have

before including them in the conditioning sessions. Slowly add accessories such as hats, large purses,

likely to dig than others. “Earth dogs” like dachshunds and Jack Russell terriers have historically been asked

Marking Solutions Cats that have not been castrated or spayed are most

other cats come onto your property, move anything that might attract stray cats (garbage cans, feeding stations, or bird feeders). Keep your cat away from doors and windows, put up blinds or shutters on the windows, make it difficult for visiting cats to stand on or near windows and doors (e.g., barriers, rocks that do not offer comfortable perches), or use additional methods of keeping other cats away from your home. Marking can be a flag of social stress in and around the household. Your veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist will be able to help you sort out the social complexity in your household and identify any situations that are stressful and anxiety provoking for your cat. These situations will need to be addressed as part of the treatment for marking. Synthetic feline pheromones may be effective at reducing anxiety and marking. No medications are licensed for the treatment of feline urine marking; however, a number of human and dog medications might be effective. Your veterinarian can explain the benefits, risks, and use.

Housesoiling Solutions Most cats will seek out litter boxes. If you are attempting to convince a cat to try a new litter, box, or location, at first confine him with his litter box in a small area of the home where he does not soil. If the cat decides he likes the box, litter, or location, he will use it. Studies have shown that cats prefer large litter boxes—1.5 times their body lengths—and clean litter. Once the cat is reliably using the box, he can gradually have access to the rest of the house, once any areas previously soiled have been cleaned. Cleaning may need to be repeated until the cat shows no interest in the odors in the area. Until then, gates, doors, and barriers can prevent the cat from focusing on areas where he still detects old elimination odors. Understanding your cat’s daily elimination routine

without supervision. Even the most rambunctious young cat can learn to come and take a treat or play with his toys when you ask, if these are enjoyable to Chewing Problems him. If the cat being pestered is just too fascinating,

Solving Digging and

protect that cat by providing refuge in another room or through a habitat or condo, or by restricting the

Preventing the Fear of People

young cat using gates, crates, and doors. If everyone

In most cases, dogs will not become fearful of people

gets the attention and exercise they need, these restrictions will not be problematic for the cats

if they have ample opportunities to experience and interact with a wide variety of people under nonfearful

dog trials.

and may benefit an older or ill cat. If your young cat persists in monitoring, following, and “stalking”

conditions during the first few months of life, are frequently handled in a gentle manner, and are

open the door and allow her to come out if she The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team wishes. The next time, she can spend longer in the of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to before being let out. When puppy is Canine happy reflect crate best practices as outlined in the the 2015 AAHA to beBehavior left for atManagement least two hours withoutSERIES showing any and Feline Guidelines, available at PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE signs of distress, you can leave the puppy for that aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

calling the of dogPrevention back and forth to sit for a treat. Coach An Ounce your child to say “come” and “sit” with the grown-up Kittens and cats shed nail sheaths as one way of and toss the treat to your dog. As your child learns keeping claws sharp. Because cats use their paws in the words, the adult’s voice can be phased out. play and hunting, it’s a good idea to keep those nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging sensitive skin. Keeping Things Safe It’s easy to condition your cat to accept nail trimming, Babies young children should left but you mustand have patience and pick thenever right be time. alonetime withtoany dog and be closely supervised The worst attempt nailmust trimming is when your a dog is present. When you cannotnap, supervise, pet iswhen alert and active. All kittens occasionally so you shouldofuse a room or for your dog the in a take advantage downtime to crate trim nails. Handle quietgently, spot tothen keep the child paw very reward yourand cat dog withseparated. praise, a and family can pose pet, aEven brushfriendly stroke,dogs or a treat. Next, dogs manipulate his an unintended danger to small Thepattern child could toes and nails with the clipper andchildren. repeat the also unintentionally injure the dog. of rewards if the cat doesn’t object. Finally, clip the end from one nail and reward your cat. If you go at the cat’s Teach your child safe behaviors around dogs. Tell pace and stop if he becomes agitated, you should be your child to avoid dogs that are resting, eating, or able to teach him that nail trimming is a great time, and playing, or dogs that seem hurt. Discourage your child that he gets rewarded for helping. Never force any from hugging dogs and petting their faces. Dogs are cat or dog to hold still for a nail trim, and always cease happiest when petted on the back first. Also instruct before he squirms and resists. children not to run when playing with or near dogs. Tell your child to never hit or yell at the dog. Tell your

Fearful Fido

child to always say the family dog’s name before a pat so the dog isn’t caught guard. Helping Youroff Dog Overcome

Pet Behavior Brochure Set

If your dog never played with her food toys when you were gone, couldn’t take a treat, and wouldn’t eat before you left but now she can do these things, she is improving! Continue what you are doing; it’s working! Once your dog is better, if she is taking medication, do not rush to wean her from it. Discuss the benefits of long-term treatment with your veterinarian. If at any point in the future you see her beginning to show signs of distress again, get help immediately. This is one behavioral emergency that is best treated as early as possible.

The Feisty Feline

Fido Was First

Taming the Kitten with an Attitude

Home Alone

Training Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival

the Fear of People

Solving Separation Anxiety Problems

You must teach by example because kids typically mimic their parents’ behavior. If you are ever concerned about your dog’s proximity to your child, use a happy tone to call the dog out of the situation. When you cannot properly supervise their interaction, confine your dog. Never use physical punishment or harsh words to correct the dog. When your child and dog are next to each other, never scold either one. Instead, reward both your dog and your child for

(18 PACKS OF 50 BROCHURES EACH)

exhibiting calm, safe behaviors.

another cat, consult your veterinarian and/or a

raised without harsh training techniques or physical

veterinary behaviorist. This is not normal behavior, and intervention may improve everyone’s life.

punishment. Enrolling in puppy classes can be an excellent way to ensure exposure to a variety of

tell her she is very good. Then, after a short period,

likely to spray, so neutering is the first step in the treatment for marking. If your cat is spraying when

you should not leave a young, rambunctious cat loose

may help him to be less distressed and to become happier and calmer. Discuss these options with your veterinarian.

Scratching Problems

to dig as part of their jobs. These puppies may benefit

determine how best to manage your dog in the hospital. to scratch.

Destructive Doggies

behavior. Understand that your companion animals all have different personalities and needs, and that

If your dog is overly fearfulChewing or anxious, antianxiety Solving and medications, natural supplements, or pheromones

from training that takes advantage of their skills to seek out and find things, such as nose work and earth

be sure tell your team whether your dog youtohave met veterinary the cat’s needs and provided enough is comfortable a crate, as this information will help items outlets forinplay, places to climb, and appropriate

Problems with other cats in the home can occur when the play target is another cat that is weak, fearful, or old and does not tolerate the young cat’s playful

sunglasses, and backpacks, and gradually change the type of person (for example, from a man with a beard

Finally, please remember that some breeds are more

Identifying who will and will not do well in a crate can One important thing to keep in mind is that help you meet your dog’s needs in a kind manner before you try to prevent or stop what you think is throughout her life. If your dog needs to be hospitalized, undesirable scratching behavior, first make sure that

chosen a time when she has had sufficient play and exercise and that she has recently eliminated so she is ready to relax or nap.

Increasing daytime play should also help to decrease nighttime activity. For some cats, a small meal before bed helps them to be sleepier and calmer.

Family Feuds

to a woman with a walker).

place will be at its most appealing. Check periodically for signs of distress, and if she is asleep or just quiet,

comfort-seeking behaviors usually diminish with age, but sometimes another cat or dog can help.

Destructive Cats

confinement may not be the answer.

veterinarian. a crate. Some puppies may never learn to love a crate.

whines. Instead, ignore her until the crying stops and

something astringent (e.g., an all-natural underarm deodorant) to those areas to discourage him. These

sessions. For example, if your dog is especially afraid of beards and glasses, wait until he is comfortable with people without beards and glasses

In many cases, though, the dog will just find another spot that is like the original. If such dogs enjoy being

Busy Dogs

Training Adult Dogs

sleep. Often this active behavior will decrease and finally stop as the cat grows older, if his physical and mental needs are otherwise met. If your kitten has the annoying habit of waking you by sucking on your earlobes or elbows, try applying a light coat of

objects, uniforms, canes, wheelchairs, and tone of

address the cause, the digging will continue in your absence. If your dog digs only while she is outside, you may be able to change her behavior by changing the way the area feels by covering the surface with wire mesh, stones, or permeable paving materials.

trimmedher anddirectly. the caps replaced, crate nails whenare youroutinely can’t supervise generally by your cat’s veterinarian.

the door. Leave the room but remain close enough to

sitting across the room. Each adult takes turns Nailadult Trimming:

Nighttime play and pounce sessions are more difficult to handle. In most cases, the simple solution is to keep your cat out of the bedroom when you

is approaching. If there is risk of aggression, seek the assistance of a veterinary behaviorist before starting these exercises.

voice. Pay attention to what makes your dog most anxious and avoid these stimuli in your initial training

As with chewing, punishment should not be used to stop your dog’s digging. If you do not identify and

andyou protect people but stillinrequire happily, can allow theand dogfurniture to nap or play the that

to take a nap or quietly play with a toy). Place your puppy in her crate with a treat and a toy and close

Basic Training

Up All Night

Once your dog learns to accept unfamiliar people who move slowly and calmly, he should gradually be introduced to similar but progressively more

Specific things about a person may make a dog anxious, such as beards, glasses, hats, carried

other dogs and who play with them may benefit the most from having a canine companion.

orroutine double-sided tape. Remember If youunappealing, have a regular for when your dog goesthat part of may the reason for scratching is to remove old to herone crate, she soon begin to enter voluntarily sheaths, so or keeping or covered whennail it’s time to rest to playnails withtrimmed a toy. If your puppy in help. Nail caps fit over cat’sit nails showsnail nocaps signsmay of distress in the crate andthe enters

(“go in your house”; “kennel up”). The first confinement session should be after a period of play, exercise, and elimination (when she is ready

challenging situations, including quicker movements and various tones of voice used by the person who

dog food treats to reinforce appropriate digging.

If at any the puppya becomes very distressed and try point to incorporate washed branch into your decor. crying does not diminish over five to ten minutes, or it

worsens, or the puppyScratching destroys bedding, panics and Persistent Problems upsets food and water dishes, or tries to escape the If your cat continues to scratch in an inappropriate crate by chewing or digging, let her out of the crate. area, put a post there. Food rewards for scratching Try again when she is calm. If the dog either continues the post should keep your cat more interested in the to exhibit the same level of distress or the distress post than in your furniture. If destructive scratching worsens, crating her is not recommended and may persists, cover the scratched area with plastic, a contribute to the development of anxiety. loosely draped piece of material that the cat finds

her own. Praise her when she goes in and plays with a toy or eats a treat. Start feeding her in the crate with the door open. Then, when she seems comfortable in the crate, begin to close the door for increasingly longer periods, ensuring she does not become

Making Progress Step by Step

schedule when training pup attaching to use a crate. scratching post by your securely a fireplace log

Training Puppies If you decide to use a crate to help train your puppy, introduce your puppy to the crate as soon as possible and allow the dog to explore and enter the crate on

If young puppies are tired and happy when introduced to their crate, a toy and a treat in a quiet

a strong response, even as the food reward is gradually withdrawn. • Some dogs do best with verbal signals; others

dog starts to follow your hands but does not listen to the signal, return to verbal signals and

mask noises that may trigger barking. Finally, never use the crate for punishment. Dogs will learn to avoid places used for punishment, and isolation can be stressful for members of social species.

The AAHA behavior were developed byyoung a team people, dogs, brochures and environments. Puppies as of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to in as eight weeks of age can and should be enrolled reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine classes designed for them and given by trainers who and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at PETonly BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES use positive methods and avoid restraint and fear. aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

PET BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES

can help youand determine or when he will need to be this, settle, instantlyifreward quiet. If you practice

dogs to “look” gets their attention, while “sit” acts

confined your cat’s you or willsupervised. be able to Observing gradually increase thebehavior amount of will also tell youdog if there are social interactions that are time your is quiet. problematic for your cat. Inexpensive web cameras and physical generally ineffective have Verbal made watching yourpunishment cat in your is absence simple. in the control and correction of barking. It may actually Physical and verbal punishment no role increase your dog’s fear andplays anxiety, and in in getting turn the your cat to use hisincrease litter box.orWhether theaggression problem when barking may change to is spraying or toileting, your cat is not eliminating in the situation is repeated (like meeting new people). In

as a stop signal that interrupts bratty behaviors. Training sessions should combine social time, mental stimulation, and learning new skills while keeping your puppy focused on behaviors other than play biting. (See also our brochure “Basic Training.”) Teach your puppy what behaviors you expect of her before she gets any rewards. For example, ask her to

the house hedue is disobedient or “spiteful” fact, ifbecause barking is to fear, treatment shouldor focus

sit before giving her things she wants. This will help her to learn to pay attention to you. If you often just

angry.on Any kind of punishment willFor justthis damage your to be addressing the fear itself. intervention relationship with you yourmay cat.need Be careful with use of successful, the help ofthe your veterinarian any remote devices that could scare the and/or deterrent a veterinary behaviorist. cat. Worried and scared cats are often those who stop of boxes, head halters to so close the dog’s mouth usingThe theiruse litter anyway, such interventions

give her a treat, she will learn that you are consistent and these signals establish a shared pattern in your

schedule, and any factors ways that might deter litterone behaviorist soother that proper of interrupting box use. If yourand cat then is soiling in oneaorsubstituted two specific behavior rewarding behavior areas,can it might be possible to move the litter box to be discussed.

pup’s biting behavior. Attach a long line (10 feet indoors and 20 feet or longer outdoors) to your

ask her to sit and look at you for no reason and then

calm behaviors that is rewarded.

is sometimes recommended as anperspective. intervention will worsen the situation from the cat’s for barking. If you are at the point of doing this, Evaluate the consult litter box location, litter type, cleaning please your veterinarian and/or a veterinary

that area and see if he uses it. If he uses the box, leavePractical it there for a while and then very slowly move Products it to a preferred place, if necessary. Cats who like There are a number of remote-activated products on soft surfaces (e.g., rugs, mats, clothes) can often be the market (ultrasonic collars, shock collars, citronella convinced to use very clean, particulate, soft litter, like collars) that are meant to interrupt or punish barking.

Training Aids A dragline can be a helpful tool for managing your

pet’s collar so you can quickly grab the line when you need to stop the biting. Be sure that your dog is

Litter Box Blues

most modern flushable or compostable litters. Cats None of these meet the requirement of making clear to who like cool, hard, reflective surfaces may do well the dog the appropriate or desired behavior or provide with empty or tiled litter boxes. The key to solving the a reward for the good behavior. All of these products problem is to find a solution that meets your individual can scare dogs, and their use is not recommended. cat’s needs. Cats who like their litter boxes spend more Remote time in them and dig in them, spending lessteaching time treat dispensers may be helpful for perching on the edgewho andbark digging outside the someone box. Let “quiet” to dogs reactively when your cat’s be your guide. visits.behavior These dispensers can be triggered from a distance without any obvious clue that anyone is If these steps do not solve the problem, consult your making this happen as soon as someone comes to the veterinarian for further guidance. door. Because they provide a primary auditory signal indicating a treat will come, a secondary auditory signal in the noise made delivering the treat, and, in some devices, a visual signal about the reward, dogs The AAHA brochures were developed by a to team who behavior are not distressed very often quickly learn run of veterinarians and certifiedwhen veterinary behaviorists to to the treat dispenser someone is at the door. reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine Clever placement of the dispenser also means that by and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available at the time dogs greet guests, they are happy, calmer, aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. and not rushing them by the door! © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association

closely supervised when she is wearing a dragline. With a gentle pull on the leash you can immediately stop mouthing Solving and biting. Release tension as soon Housesoiling

say “okay” and It” give her the food. If she touches “Drop your hand before twoit”seconds and beforesafety you and Teaching “drop is useful pass for two reasons:

whether shetreats is worried about the potential loss of her these should be given only during

can be helpful. help you decide new tasksYour mayveterinarian be greatly can impaired in dogs and cats

will allow you to monitor cognitive Neweryour food are available if it’s difficult for change. you to expose

food. counterconditioning Many rescue puppiessessions. or puppies moms Atwhose first, give the treats did not haveyour enough food worry aboutwith foodthe andvisitor may there. when cat enters the room threaten others cats, and humans) who to approach Next, have(dogs, the visitor calmly flip treats your cat it. Most of these pups canmovement. learn that you not ashould threat with minimal hand Theare treats

if medicine to treat fear, Dogs anxiety, andnostress would be to with brain aging. may longer respond helpful for your cat. Some fearful willexecute display intense known verbal requests, or cats fail to tasks with aggression insteadskill, of avoidance. If this the case Such with their former enthusiasm, or isaccuracy. your pet, your veterinarian may suggest referralroutines to a tasks may include obedience or agility and veterinary who canwork develop treatment plan morebehaviorist complex, trained like asniffing for drugs for these more serious problems. or working as a guide dog. Some dogs and cats

toys and puzzles for cats andindogs puppy to these sounds youroffer ownincreasingly neighborhood. challenging ways for them to feed themselves and are helpful for maintainingHelp problem-solving skills. Nose Additional

treat in their bowl.have Ask your dog toflip sit,treats placeso about interested, the guest they10% land of hercloser meal in and have her the come eat. toher thebowl, guest, prompting catand to approach in As soon as increments. she is finished, have your dog sit, then pick small Without reaching toward your cat, up thethe bowl and can add allow another 10%. occasionally visitor your catRepeat, to come up and sniff

give her andalternative consult your about mayher bedinner another forveterinarian making a positive a strategy to overcome fear. To reduce any threat association with aher stranger. your dog might feel when people come near her while

more drop keyed up. a rawhide or ball before going outside if you do

interesting For thisthat technique to work, Begin your with hand. a toy or item is of minimal appeal and the whole musttobe very consistent, have it for a tasty teachfamily your dog give it to you by trading precise timing, and practice day. Ifpresent necessary, a piece of kibble. Initially, every you should the food leashand andsay head halter can also used to teach the the “drop it” while yourbedog is near or holding “enough” command. Whenever yourhave puppy the object. With practice, you won’t to ignores show her the command to redirect stop biting, gentle she pull will on the will as food to her. aInstead, seeleash the food close aher mouth. Eventually, she will for stop bitingthe when reward, make the connection getting reward you give the command. to complying with the signal (“drop it”), and you will

Noisy Canines

be able to take ever-increasingly valuable objects. If your pup can give up a highly favored chew or Solving Barking Problems

food toy for the “drop it” request and a treat, you will likely never have any problems with taking anything from her. Clicker training (where a clicking sound is associated with a food reward) can be a very effective way to reward your dog for dropping. It allows you to

Head halters can give all family members, even

delay food treats by using the click as a reinforcer. For people with very fast puppies, the click can reach them faster than your hand, and so it works well. Clicker training is fun for people and dogs, so it may be a

Enough Is Enough: Using a “Stop” Command

training method you can explore.

If biting begins during play, it is important that your

not want their toys outside. The first step in teaching The goal is to get to the point that your puppy will “drop it” is to teach your puppy to give up objects for not take food or touch your hand once you have rewards of higher value. said “enough,” no matter how tasty the treat or how

contact youchase give the instructive reprimand. thatwhen you will them if you want to take something

young children, a considerable amount of control over the pet.

puppy learns to stop on command. This can be done by giving an “enough” command when she is biting.

Gradually puppy hasthat to wait. from increase them will the nowtime lookyour for other ways they alter Oncetheir she cooperation learns to leave theattention. food alone on command, to get While you should practice thetake exercise without usingbecause only your never anything from food a dogby simply you hand.can, Later, repeat when your is you shouldthe beexercise able to ask them to, puppy for example,

as she settles down. If your puppy will not focus, Problems gets easily distracted, or uses her mouth excessively,

Begin training when your puppy is very calm. Hand The AAHA brochures wereasdeveloped by a team her abehavior small piece of dry food you say “okay” in

say “okay,” immediately say “enough” withbe sufficient cooperation. The occasional item may dangerous force for to make her back awaymouths but notorfrighten her. dogs to hold in their chew, so asking Be dramatic, your pup, and make eye them to lean “droptoward it” is a safety issue. Also, dogs who learn

more effective control of the head and muzzle can be achieved by using the dragline with a head halter.

of veterinarians veterinary a relaxed and tone.certified Next, hold anotherbehaviorists piece of foodtoin reflect front best practices outlined in the 2015 AAHAraising Canine of her andas firmly say “enough” without and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR SERIES your voice or yelling. IfBROCHURE she doesn’t attempt to make aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. contact with your hand or the food for two seconds,

Mealtime Although it’s best not to bother a dog during meals, it is important to know whether the dog will feel threatened by the presence of others when she is The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team eating. If you call your dog to come to you for of veterinarians andcan certified veterinary behaviorists to all of activities if you in can ask her AAHA to sit inCanine many reflect sorts best practices asand outlined the 2015 situations, she Management should BROCHURE be ableGuidelines, to do both of these at and Feline available PETBehavior BEHAVIOR SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. things in the presence of food. If she cannot, you may wish to assess, with the help of your veterinarian,

if youland teachclose themtothat theyIfwill sit cat calmly, youcalm will put theif cat. your seems anda

adding special treat, eats all the food. oratake food fromuntil an your openpup hand if she is interested If at any point your pupcats is shaking or whining, stop. Just in doing so. For who really enjoy playing, toys

she isFear eating, of occasionally drop a treat into her bowl as Objects you walk by. If your dog shows any threat, consult your Desensitization and counterconditioning also can be veterinarian. Never punish a pup for growling while at helpful for reducing fear of inanimate things, such her food bowl, and never take her bowl just because as objects and noises. For example, if your kitten you can. Dogs should be able to eat undisturbed, and becomes frightened when a kitchen timer beeps, you can convince them that you are a threat if you cover the timer with a towel to produce a sound so repeatedly take their food when they‘re hungry. quiet that your kitten looks toward it without fear, then

Piranha Puppies

toss a treat. If your kitten retrieves the treat, repeat

Who’s Tugging Whom? this activity again and again, uncovering the timer Tug can be a fun game to play, but only if it does not Mouthing and little by little.Keeping Eventually your cat will look forward to escalate into injurious or aggressive behavior. Teach the noise because she has become Control conditioned to Biting Under your dog to sit or lie down before the game begins expect something good after hearing it. Remember, and be certain that you can stop the game without cats learn to run toward can openers because they problems. Practice a “drop” or “give” command during associate them with food! the tug game, then give a treat and resume play. When

the game is done, either can takebe thetaken toy away A similar approach with aand catgive that a final treat or leave thewhen toy with dog (as long as she becomes afraid youthe carry objects, such as large doesn’t damage the Take toy orseveral become aggressive). garbage bags. bags that are so small they do not make the cat anxious and place them in Even with the best efforts, problems may arise. If you locations around the home next to containers of tasty are having difficulty training your puppy or controlling treats. Whenever you walk by, pick up a bag and toss unruly behavior or aggression, contact your veterinarian. a treat to your cat. When you can tell that your cat gets excited whenever you pick up a bag, increase the size of the bags and repeat. The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team Additional Helpveterinary behaviorists to of veterinarians and certified reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine Commercial pheromone products are safe and may and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES effectively relieve anxiety in some cats. For severely aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. distressed and fearful cats, antianxiety medication © 2016 American Animal Hospital Association

appear to forget their normal patterns and locations for urination and defecation. Your veterinarian should be consulted as soon as you see any of these signs of change. A complete physical and laboratory exam will investigate possible medical and physical causes of the problem. A neurological exam will explore basic brain and nervous system function. More detailed tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or brain imaging (MRI, CT) may be required. Behavioral tests are being developed that may detect early changes in behavior associated with brain aging, but behavioral signs are nonspecific, so this is difficult.

Pushy Pups

Treating Behavior Problems in Older Pets UsingFortunately, the Power of Positive treatments for cognitiveControl problems are now available. These include prescription diets designed to boost cognitive function and protect the brain from the effects of changes in metabolism of the brain cells, supplements, and medications, available through your veterinarian, that may slow the progression of cognitive changes associated with brain aging and improve the behavioral signs noted. In addition to medical treatments and diet, there are other things you can do to help your pet. For example, data suggest that keeping dogs and cats physically and mentally active improves cognitive function. Exercise your dog or cat daily, play games frequently, and use verbal requests to enhance and test skills

The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team during daily walks and play. Reward dogs and cats for of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to and toAAHA ensureCanine that reflect participation best practices as positive outlinedresponses in the 2015 you those close communication skills thatat and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, available PETmaintain BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

work keeps dogs and cats interested in using their Puppy classes that emphasize manners and play and innate odor-detection skills to find items for which they that use only positive reward techniques can be a lot are rewarded. of fun for puppies who are socially ready to attend. classes should provide a variety of exposure Dogs Puppy and cats who are aging may also have liver, opportunities to helpsystem puppies learn about people, kidney, or another organ disease, like diabetes, places, and the diets, worldmodified as a whole. These and should that requires special exercise,

include meeting and playing with atovariety of people changes in schedules or environments meet the dogs, as frequency well as funof opportunities habituate need and of increased urination or to defecation.

to different sounds, and moving The litter box maysurfaces, need to obstacles, be changed more frequently objectstosuch as skateboards, wheelchairs, and moved a place where the catseesaws, can reach it more evenlitter vacuum cleaners. Some puppy classes easily.orMore boxes with lower sides at the entry also a costume-and-uniform night.shorter, By exposing point have may be required. Dogs may need more your

puppy to these experiences in door. a controlled and fun frequent walks or an automatic dog Many dogs environment, she will well prepared for an active benefit from harnesses thatbe help them negotiate stairs life with Physical you, or even for activities as dog sports or obstacles. therapy, includingsuch strengthening competitions or advanced training to training visit hospitals exercises, hydrotherapy, and coordination and schools. may lessen pain and strengthen muscles. All of these

Scaredy Cat

physical interventions also appear to have beneficial For some puppies who are a bit uncertain, small effects on brain aging. classes in very protected environments may be helpful. If your puppy doesn’t to blossom Helping Cats and Kittens with And, of course, be sure to give yourbegin pet lots ofFear love in this situationduring or becomes fearful or more fearful, please and attention his or her golden years. Old dogs contact veterinarian immediately. NoThey puppy and cats haveyour shared your life and are special. needs to live with fear, and it will rob her of the best deserve special care. life she can have. Never force a puppy to experience a dog, person, or place they do not wish to see, and never punish a dog who is afraid or withdrawn. Puppies (and all other animals!) respond best to positive training using treats, toys, praise, affection, and attention. These kind, puppy-friendly methods are safe and effective, and are appropriate for every puppy. This means no yelling at your puppy, no hitting, no electric shock, no pinning, no “dominance downs,” no “alpha rolls,” and no choke- or prong-collar “corrections.” These The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team methods can make your dog fearful, and some of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to dogs canasbecome if AAHA they feel reflect fearful best practices outlinedaggressive in the 2015 Canine threatened. If your puppy ever urinates, defecates, and Feline Management Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. cries, slinks away, cringes, or shakes when in any

your veterinarian as soon as possible. During the early months of your Mistakes puppy’s life, stay positive and minimize When Occur

When you are unable to provide supervision

the rooms, using baby gates, moving furniture over the

because you are busy, sleeping, or away from home, confine your pup to a relatively small, safe area or

soiled areas, or increa

interactions that might make your puppy anxious. occur, thoroughly cleanseems all soiled ReachWhen out tomistakes your veterinarian if your puppy areas withcertain a commercial odor neutralizer. Never worried about situations, people, or pets. Just punish your kitten veterinary for makingvisits a mess outside like other experiences, should alsohis be litter

a crate. A wire or plastic crate may provide a safe place in which to confine your puppy when you

might cause your kittentotohelp fearwith you,veterinary especially if you and play, puppies can learn swat himthat or rub nose in throughout the mess. Instead, exams, a skill willhis help them their after repeatedly with club soda or sparkling lives. rinsing If a puppy will not allow a veterinary exam, shewater (which make it easierPuppies to clean)who andare sopping/ should neverwill behelp forced to comply.

crate, but some will be distressed. If distress lasts longer than 15 minutes, a crate may not work for

box. Punishment can make thetreats, problem worse positive and fun for puppies. Using toys, mats,and

dryingorthe area, use a good odor eliminator and cover too fearful anxious to allow examination need extra area with Thisplan will for both protecttraining the area help, the support, and aplastic. strategic positive from resoiling and change the way it looks and feels to cooperate. to the cat. Then, place a box that your cat likes with

theyour litterpuppy that hetolikes nearby. the cat when he Helping develop intoReward a happy, confident uses it. Once your cat routinely uses the box,If you dog requires an investment in time and patience. you can move it verybehavior slowly tohelp a more desirable (forher you) area let your puppy’s guide you about if the not the where it. needs, shebox will is have bestyou lifewant possible. If the box cannot be moved or the cat continues to seek other areas, consult your veterinarian

Senior Moments

and/or a veterinary behaviorist. A physical exam and diagnostic tests can help to rule out medical problems. For example, bladder conditions, diarrhea,

Understanding Behavior and constipation can irritate your kitten when he eliminates and cause him toin avoid the box. Changes Aging Pets

cannot observe her. Crates should have comfortable, safe, and clean bedding so that your pup feels secure and warm. Most pups will quickly adapt to a

your puppy, but a more open x-pen might. Be sure to associate good things with the crate; never use it to banish or punish your dog, or as a babysitter. Don’t use a crate for longer than your puppy can physically control her need to eliminate, or for more than four hours at a time during the day on a daily basis. Remember that crates must be large enough that growing dogs will always be able to stand up, stretch fully, and turn around, and that they must have flooring on which the puppy cannot slip.

The Social Scene

If your pup will be home for longer periods, arrange for someone to walk her every few hours or use a daycare facility that has a puppy program. If neither of these is an option, you can confine your pup to a larger area

Introducing Your Puppy to the World (e.g., a small room or an x-pen) with enough space to rest and play and a spot to eliminate. Ensure that the elimination spot is recognizable as such. Commercially available puppy elimination pads are absorbant and

Spraying Spraying is a form of social marking that may begin around six months of age. Spraying cats generally back up to a vertical surface, such as a wall or sofa, tread their feet, stretch out and wiggle their tail, and spray urine against the vertical object. Some cats exhibit the behaviors but do not spray. Neutering eliminates spraying in some cats and decreases it in others, but neutered cats of both sexes may spray. Spraying can be a sign of concerns about the social environment and actually provides you with information about how your cat sees his world. If your The AAHA behavior brochures were developed by a team cat continues to spray, your veterinarian and/or a

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Product code BBS3, AAHA Press.

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of veterinarians and certified veterinary behaviorists to veterinary behaviorist can help you determine what is reflect best practices as outlined in the 2015 AAHA Canine bothering yourManagement cat and how he can be helped. and Feline Guidelines, available at PETBehavior BEHAVIOR BROCHURE SERIES aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx.

commercially product. The The AAHA behavior available brochuresodor-eliminating were developed by a team best products both enzymatically down urine of veterinarians and certified veterinary break behaviorists to or and remove odors that may2015 attract your Canine puppy. reflect feces best practices as outlined in the AAHA and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, IfPET your pup begins eliminating in areasSERIES ofavailable the home,at BEHAVIOR BROCHURE aaha.org/professional/resources/behavior2015.aspx. prevent access to these areas by closing doors to

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TOOLS FOR YOUR CLIENTS: PET LOSS

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Products for Accredited Members

Only about 15% of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are accredited by AAHA, and we’re proud to say that we’re one of them!

hospitals. Only about 15% of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are accredited by AAHA, and we’re proud to say that we’re one of them!

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your pets.

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“After I learned about AAHA accreditation, I found an accredited hospital in my area. I was blown away by the service we received there. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with our new veterinary hospital. Thanks to learning about accreditation, I now have the most wonderful veterinarian for my dog.”

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THE HEART of

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INDEX

Index A

Diabetes in Pets (brochure), 43

AAHA Guide to Animal Behavior for Veterinary Professionals (Miller and Sinn), 25, 26–27

Ear Conditions in Pets (brochure), 43

AAHA Guide to Creating an Employee Handbook (Donnelly, LaCroix, and Olah, eds.), 18 AAHA Guide to Safeguarding Controlled Substances (Teitelman and Detweiler), 5–7 AAHA Press Tote Bags, 49 AAHA’s Complete Guide for the Veterinary Client Service Representative (Renfrew), 29

Educating Your Clients from A to Z: What to Say and How to Say It (Boss), 29 80 Tips Series, 28

E The E-Myth Veterinarian: Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It (Gerber and Weinstein), 15 Euthanasia Stickers, 31

Accredited Member products, 49

Exam Report Cards (form), 33

Anesthesia and Sedation Record (form), 32

Exceptional Customer Experience: 80 Tips for Compassionate Care, Clear Communication, and Authentic Client Connections (AAHA), 28

B Basic Training: Teaching Your Puppy to Mind Her Manners (brochure), 40 Be a Champion: 80 Tips to Work Smarter, Save Money, and Show the Love to Clients and Pets (AAHA), 28

F Fear Free: 80 Tips to Reduce Your Patients’ Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (AAHA), 28

Busy Dogs Are Good Dogs (brochure), 40

Fearful Fido: Helping Your Dog Overcome the Fear of People (brochure), 41

The Feisty Feline: Taming the Kitten with an Attitude (brochure), 41

Canine Dental Records (form), 33

Feline Dental Records, 33

Canine Influenza (brochure), 43

Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses (brochure), 44

Canine Medical Massage: Techniques and Clinical Applications (Robinson and Sheets), 36

Feline-Specific Behavior Brochure Set, 46

Canine Parvovirus (brochure), 43

Fido Was First: Training Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival (brochure), 41

Canine Vaccination Schedule Magnet, 32

A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend (Montgomery and Montgomery), 47

Canine-Specific Behavior Brochure Set, 46

Financial and Productivity Pulsepoints (AAHA), 8

Career Choices for Veterinary Technicians: Opportunities for Animal Lovers (Rose and Smith), 29

Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice (Chamblee and Reibolt), 13

Caring for Your Pet After Anesthesia (brochure), 43

Flea and Tick Prevention (brochure), 44

Companion-Animal Dental and Surgical Instruments: A Reference for Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (Marshall and Peter), 37

Forever in My Heart: Remembering My Pet’s Life (Montgomery and Montgomery), 47

Compensation and Benefits (AAHA), 9–10 Container Logs, Opened and Unopened, 30 Controlled Substance Logs Set, 30

G A Gentle Goodbye (brochure), 44

Coping with the Loss of Your Pet (Ayl), 48

Good-Bye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet (Montgomery and Montgomery), 47

Crate Training: Creating the Perfect Canine Cave (brochure), 40

Crayons, nontoxic, 39

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet: Why Dental Care Matters (Banyard), 39

Heartworm Disease in Pets (brochure), 44

Dental Anesthesia (brochure), 43

Home Alone: Solving Separation Anxiety Problems (brochure), 41

Dental Discharge Instructions Form, 33

Home-Care Instructions Form, 33

Dental Records, Canine and Feline (forms), 33

How We Do Things Here: Developing and Teaching Office-Wide Protocols (Boss), 19

Destructive Cats: Solving Chewing and Scratching Problems (brochure), 40 Destructive Doggies: Solving Digging and Chewing Problems (brochure), 40

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I I Remember: A Book About My Special Pet (Montgomery and Montgomery), 48

INDEX

Intestinal Parasites in Pets (brochure), 44

K Kidney Disease in Pets (brochure), 44

Social Media and Marketing for Veterinary Professionals (DeWilde), 15, 16–17 The Social Scene: Introducing Your Puppy to the World (brochure), 42 Spaying or Neutering Your Pet (brochure), 45

Lab Testing for Your Pet (brochure), 44

A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss (Morehead and Cannon), 48

Leptospirosis (brochure), 44

Standard Abbreviations for Veterinary Medical Records (AAHA), 13

Litter Box Blues: Solving Housesoiling Problems (brochure), 41 Living with Cancer (brochure), 44 Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats: Techniques for Developing Patients Who Love Their Visits (Yin), 36

M Manager’s Guide to Veterinary Workplace Safety (Seibert), 34, 35 Managing Your Pet’s Pain (brochure), 45 Minor Surgical/Anesthetic Procedure Stickers, 31

N Noisy Canines: Solving Barking Problems (brochure), 41

O 101 Essential Tips Series (Nicholas and Gonzalez), 39

T Taking the Hassle Out of Housetraining Your Kitty (brochure), 42 Taking the Hassle Out of Housetraining Your Puppy (brochure), 42 Treatment Sheets (form), 32 Truths from Trends: 80 Tips for Better Communication, Happier Clients, and a Healthier Culture (AAHA), 28

U Understanding Your Pet’s Health: A Visual Guide (AAHA), 39 Urinalysis Stickers, 31

V Vaccinating Your Pet (brochure), 45 Valuation of Veterinary Practices: Understanding the Theory, Process, and Report (Monheiser), 14

Pet Behavior Brochures, 40–42, 46

Veterinary Employment Application (AAHA), 18

Pet Care Coloring Book, 39

The Veterinary Fee Reference (AAHA), 8–11

Pet Health Brochures, 42–46

Veterinary Safety Training for Medical & Technical Staff (video and workbooks), 34, 35

Pet Loss Booklet Set, 48 Physical Exam Stickers, 31

Veterinary Safety Training for the Whole Practice Team (videos and workbooks), 34, 35

Piranha Puppies: Keeping Mouthing and Biting Under Control (brochure), 41

Veterinary Secondary Container Labels (with poster), 34

A Practical Guide to Managing Employee Performance in Veterinary Practices (Parker), 19 Practical Guide to Veterinary Hospital Design: From Renovations to New Builds (Pollard and Shoults), 20

A Veterinary Technician’s Guide to Exotic Animal Care (Tully and Mitchell), 36 VHMA-Recommended Reading Set, 13 Vital Statistics Series, 8–9

Practice Made Perfect (Heinke), 12–13

Preventive Care Brochure Set, 46

What’s Next? A Guide to Veterinary Ultrasound of the Eye, Neck, and Shoulder and Guided Sampling Techniques (Baker), 37

Preventive Care Exams (brochure), 45 Pushy Pups: Using the Power of Positive Control (brochure), 41

What’s That? A Beginner’s Guide to Veterinary Abdominal Ultrasound (Baker), 37

Rabies (brochure), 45

When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession (Ayl), 21, 22–23

Scaredy Cat: Helping Cats and Kittens with Fear (brochure), 41

Your Aging Pet (brochure), 45

Selling Your Veterinary Practice: Issues and Answers (Monheiser and Hanner), 14

Your Pet’s Dental Care (brochure), 45

Senior Moments: Understanding Behavior Changes in Aging Pets (brochure), 41 The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook (Yin), 37

Your Pet’s Diet and Exercise Plan (brochure), 45

Z Zoonotic Diseases (brochure), 45

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