How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Pets

Dog Look Out Window

Despite the amount of American pets with anxiety, the source of symptoms isn’t always clear. Noise, lack of training or socialization, or poor impulse control contribute to their emotional states, but many cases of pet anxiety start when left alone. Separation anxiety in pets is a real struggle, and we’re here to prevent problems from developing.

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How to Handle Pet Anxiety During Firework Season in East Sacramento

anxious dog under sofa.

Firework season is upon us, which means that your pet’s anxiety might shoot through the roof in the coming days. It’s easy to see why when you put yourself in your pup’s paws. Fireworks are unpredictable. They’re loud. They come from an unknown source. For all your dog or cat knows, they’re a sign of terrible danger. So how can you ensure pet safety during a fireworks display in your area? The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center shares 3 tips to reduce pet stress during the firework season.

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Dog Anxiety: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Anxious dog hiding from storm.

We don’t always know what is going on inside of our pet’s brains, but we do know that they can experience a range of emotions and even suffer from some mental illnesses, similar to people. 

East Sacramento Veterinary Center has experience treating many pets for problems like anxiety. We know that pet owners being able to recognize dog anxiety is an important part of us being able to help with dog anxiety and other behavioral issues. 

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The Unpredictable Nature of Pet Anxiety, All Summer Long

Sacramento dog with pet anxiety

We definitely seem to be lacking in certainty these days; but some things do seem to persist no matter what. Most notably (in this instance, at least), is pet anxiety – especially during the summer months.

All but guaranteed to spike around the Fourth of July, a pet’s fear, doubt, stress and yes, anxiety, can have serious health ramifications for your floofer. Be prepared to reduce potential triggers and minimize long-lasting effects so you can better soothe your pet until the threat passes.

Fireworks and Your Pet

The unpredictability and ear-splitting loudness of fireworks can have disastrous consequences for pets. Since pets cannot make sense of the noise, they tend to fear the worst. Again, be sure that your pet cannot escape or run away in fright, or hide in hard to reach places. 

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Understanding (And Helping) Pet Anxiety

A dog hiding under a couch

It’s an all too common scene: you arrive home from work, tired, but happy to relax and unwind with your favorite furry friend. But what greets you instead is a couch chewed to smithereens, or a fresh urine spot on the carpet. Welcome home! 

It can be natural to think that your dog is angry with you or that your cat is trying to teach you a lesson when they exhibit these behaviors, but in reality, it’s likely that fear, anxiety, and stress are the root causes. 

Fear and anxiety are common contributing factors in behavioral problems in pets. Learn how to spot the signs of pet anxiety and steps to take to help your furry best friend.

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Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? 

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

Dogs aren’t known for having discerning taste buds, but of all the unsavory things they put in their mouths, poop takes the cake! While a discussion about poop may sound distasteful, it’s worth a conversation if you have a pooch with a penchant for poop. 

At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of your pet’s strange habits, including what is formally called “coprophagia” in dogs. 

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Pet Safety Tips for Road Trips and Air Travel

Pet Safety Tips for Road Trips and Air Travel.

Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, traveling with your pet can be a fun adventure with the proper preparation. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we know how important your pets are to your family, and we’re here to help you keep them safe and comfortable while traveling. 

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How to Safely Introduce a New Pet to Your Home

Dog in Box

First impressions count. Bringing a new pet into your home requires a delicate balance to ensure everyone is safe and happy. If you have kids or other pets at home, how they first encounter a new pet will have a bearing on their future lives together. While mistakes are bound to occur, it’s important to everyone’s safety to gradually and positively create opportunities for easy, breezy introductions.

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Why is My Dog Not Eating?

woman holding dog.

Our pets thrive on a daily routine, and dogs in particular seem to know exactly when it’s mealtime. So when a dog is not eating, it’s understandable why this would be concerning. There are many reasons why a dog might turn his nose up at his food bowl, and not all of them indicate serious illness. Still, when a dog is not eating, it’s important to rule out medical conditions before they progress.

In this blog, our team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center outlines common causes of appetite loss in dogs to help pet lovers find solutions.

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Safe and Sound: Tips for Soothing Anxious Pets During Fireworks

dog cuddling with stuffed animal.

Research indicates that up to 50% of all dogs feel fear during firework displays. Associated behaviors may include pacing, restlessness, shaking, vocalizing, or hiding. What’s worse, with little-to-no supervision or support, stressed pets may try to flee as a way to find peace, comfort, or security. With no frame of reference for what’s happening, pets become triggered by the unpredictable, discordant sounds of the Fourth of July. With our tips, you can protect and soothe the pain of a worried pet. 

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