Archive for the ‘Training & Behavior’ Category

A Day in the Life of a Service Dog

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022
A white service dog.

All dogs are special in the eyes of their human companions, and it’s no wonder. Dogs offer a constant source of companionship and unconditional love. But for people who depend on a dog to serve, assist, and protect their quality of life and independence, the human-animal bond reaches even deeper levels of trust and significance.  

At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we honor and celebrate service dogs and the pivotal roles they play in the lives of those who rely on their support. If you or someone in your care could benefit from having a service dog, keep reading for information about how to make your dog a service dog or how to get a service dog of your own. 

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How to Pick the Purr-fect Kitty Litter

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
Kitty litter.

Whether you’re a new cat owner or you’re just looking for ways to improve your favorite feline’s experience at home, choosing the right kitty litter is an important facet of cat wellness. Here are some tips on choosing a litter that will work the best for your cat and your home:

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How to Spot Loneliness in Pets

Tuesday, January 4th, 2022
Bored and lonely cat.

Dogs and cats have unique personalities and behaviors that can be hard for us humans to dissect. Just like humans, our animals can feel a range of emotions, and not all of them are positive. Since we only want the best for our pets, the idea that a dog or cat might potentially be lonely is anxiety-inducing. Your friends at Berkeley Veterinary Center are here to help you determine if your pet is lonely and what to do about it if they are:

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The Joys (and Sometimes Challenges) of New Dog Ownership

Friday, October 23rd, 2020
A cute happy puppy greets his new dog owner.

If you have decided to adopt or bring a new pet companion into your life, congratulations! Pets are wonderful companions and are so hard to resist when we see them looking lonely in a shelter or rescue. No wonder there are so many multi-pet households, since one sweetie is never enough! 

If you have never cared for a pet before, there is a lot to consider when it comes to making the adoption and your life with a new pet successful. The team at Berkeley Veterinary Center is here to give you some helpful tips as you embark on new dog ownership.

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Kids Going Back to School? The Many Ways Pet Anxiety is Linked to Change

Thursday, August 22nd, 2019
A floofy dog stares out the window of a door, waiting for its owners' return

Summer is the season when pets and kids have the most fun. Whether it’s playing fetch, or rolling around in muddy puddles together, the endless fun is priceless. But with the start of another school year, all these fun times are about to come to an abrupt end. 

Kids have dozens of distractions to keep them from missing their furry best friend, but pets don’t always have those helpful distractions. Pet anxiety can be a direct result from a sudden shift in routine. With the start of a new school year approaching, know what you can do to help your pet transition smoothly from summer to fall.

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Fireworks, Thunder, and Parties…Oh My! Battling Pet Noise Anxiety

Thursday, June 20th, 2019
A cat hiding in the shades

Summer means different things to different people – backyard barbeques, camping, trips to the lake, or a big family vacation may be on your agenda. For many pets, however, the warmest months are also the scariest. Thunderstorms, fireworks, and all the parties and gatherings can trigger a host of upsetting behaviors and put a real damper on everyone’s quality of life.

Pet noise anxiety can be a serious concern for pet owners. Prolonged periods of anxiety can be harmful to a pet’s health and wellness, and it can put them at risk for escape or injury. At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we’re a certified Fear Free practice, meaning we’re committed to reducing fear and stress in pets.

Keep reading to understand more about pet noise anxiety and how you can help your furry loved one remain calm and comfortable this summer.

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Why a Certified Fear Free Practice May Be Right for Your Pet

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

fear freeWe are committed to providing a calm, stress-free environment for our patients, which is why we have taken the steps necessary to receive our Fear Free Certification

As pet owners, we all know how important it is to bring our pets in for their regularly scheduled wellness exams, but finding the time and energy to get a fearful or anxious pet in for a check-up can be a daunting task. Because bringing and managing a scared animal at the vet’s office is so difficult, many pets end up missing out on wellness visits and other important care.

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