Phovia Equine Toolkit

Phovia Fluorescent Light Therapy Equine Toolkit

Below are resources you can use in client education materials. Use the information as provided or personalize to your taste.

Contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Case Studies

Videos


Social Media Posts

Copy and paste the desired text to your clinic’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and follow any additional steps as instructed. Right-click the associated image and choose “Save Image As…” to save the image to your computer, then add the image to your post.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Case Studies

Videos


Social Media Ad

Right-click the image below and choose “Save Image As…” to save it to your computer, then upload to your social media accounts. Copy and paste the text into the body of your ad post.

Cut the time you spend dealing with bandages

Quicker healing from common skin conditions means less time dealing with bandages for you with Phovia Fluorescent Light Therapy.

#lightitupwithphovia


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Case Studies

Videos


Case Studies

Right-click the image below and choose “Save Image As…” to save it to your computer, then upload to your social media accounts. Copy and paste the text into the body of your post.

CASE STUDY: A 5-year-old Quarter Horse stallion with traumatic wound abrasions showed significant reduction in inflammation and healing time after 3 back-to-back Phovia applications. Prior to the first Phovia application, the wound was rinsed with saline and chlorhexidine, plus Derma GeL® was applied daily for the first week.

Read more ?

#LightItUpWithPhovia #equine #horsedocs #vetmed #veterinarydermatology #veterinary

CASE STUDY: After a trailer accident, this 8-year-old horse received NSAIDs and antibiotic ointment. After just 4 back-to-back Phovia applications, the epithelization was “impressive” according to the treating veterinarian.

Read more ?

#LightItUpWithPhovia #horses #equinemedicine #equineveterinarians #horsevet #veterinarymedicine


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Case Studies

Videos


Videos

Share these videos with your clients on social media or play in your waiting room.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Case Studies

Videos

PHO-22-00056

Phovia Equine Toolkit
view toolkit

Phovia Toolkit

Phovia Fluorescent Light Therapy Toolkit

Below are resources you can use in client education materials. Use the information as provided or personalize to your taste.

Contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Brochures


Social Media Posts

Copy and paste the desired text to your clinic’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and follow any additional steps as instructed. Right-click the associated image and choose “Save Image As…” to save the image to your computer, then add the image to your post.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Brochures


Social Media Ad

Right-click the image below and choose “Save Image As…” to save it to your computer, then upload to your social media accounts.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Brochures


Brochures

Here are handy infographics with helpful information for pet parents. You can print the files for use in your clinic or send electronically to your clients. Click the images below to save a PDF to your computer.


Social Media Posts

Social Media Ad

Brochures

PHO-22-00017

Phovia Toolkit
view toolkit

Parasite Control Toolkit

Improving Compliance in Parasite Control

We are happy to provide you with this Improving Compliance in Parasite Control Toolkit, a resource that makes it easy to maintain timely, relevant communications with pet parents. The Vetoquinol team is dedicated to helping pets and improving the clinic experience for you and your clients. This digital toolkit is just one of the ways we use our passion for animal health to help you grow your business.

Below, we have provided information you can use and share with your clinic staff. The material was developed in collaboration with Brian Conrad, CVPM, the practice manager for Meadow Hills Veterinary Center in Kennewick, Wash., since 1999. During his tenure at Meadow Hills, the clinic has been named a Veterinary Economics Hospital of the Year and the Mid-Columbia Small Business of the Year. Brian previously served as the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) President and served on the Board of Directors for 10 years.

The Parasite Control Toolkit includes the following:

  • One 4-page guide to easing the pain of parasite control
  • One proceedings paper based on a presentation by Brian Conrad at VMX 2021
  • 8 informational videos for clinic staff

We hope you find this toolkit to be a valuable resource for your practice. Please feel free to contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Dogs: WARNING: DO NOT ADMINISTER THIS PRODUCT ORALLY. For the first 30 minutes after application, ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated animals. Children should not come in contact with the application sites for two (2) hours after application. (See Contraindications, Warnings, Human Warnings and Adverse Reactions for more information.) Cats: Do not use on sick, debilitated, or underweight cats. Avoid oral ingestion. For full prescribing information, visit www.vetoquinolusa.com/imoxi-info.

Documents

Videos


Documents

Download PDF

“Easing the Pain of Parasite Control”

On the plus side, parasite control is a no brainer. Here’s the easy win quality generic products offer: More pets get the parasite protection they need, because we can offer pet owners a lower-priced option with the same benefits.

In this guide, Brian Conrad shows your staff how to supercharge their recommendations while keeping sales inside the clinic.

Download PDF

“Brave Virtual World: Find Success with Product Sales”

Learn how veterinary practices can compete with the many options pet owners have to buy products and fill prescriptions. Presented by Brian Conrad at VMX 2021.


Documents

Videos


Informational Videos

Overcoming “No” from Pet Owners

There will be times when pet owners say “no” to our recommendations. This video can help clinic staff view lack of compliance today as an opportunity for tomorrow.

Download Video

Advocate for Pets with Confidence

Clinic staff can advocate with confidence when they know manufacturers will stand behind their products.

Download Video

Make the purchase easy for clients — every time

Make pet health purchases as convenient as possible to improve client compliance. This quick video is great reminder for all clinic staff from receptionists to inventory managers.

Download Video

Plan for success in parasite control education

This quick video from Brian Conrad discusses how success starts by identifying critical roles and responsibilities among your clinic staff.

Download Video

Close the recommendation

Here are quick tips to make it easy to take the recommendation from the exam room to the pet’s home.

Download Video

Recommend parasite control in 60 seconds

Use this video to practice how to make a strong recommendation for parasite control in your clinic.

Download Video

Recommendations are about education, not sales

Share this video with your clinic staff to help make recommendations, without feeling like a salesperson.

Download Video

Generic parasite control offers the opportunity to boost compliance

Help your clients get comfortable with generics and accept your recommendation while getting the protection they need for their pets.

Download Video

Documents

Videos

IMX-0619-CONKIT
Copyright © 2021 Vetoquinol USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Parasite Control Toolkit
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Separation Toolkit

Separation Toolkit

We are happy to provide you with the Separation Digital Toolkit, a resource that makes it easy to maintain timely, relevant communications with pet parents. The Vetoquinol team is dedicated to helping pets and improving the clinic experience for you and your clients. This digital toolkit is just one of the ways we use our passion for animal health to help you grow your business.

The Separation Digital Toolkit includes the following:

  • 5 articles written by our veterinarians for use on your website, blog or in newsletters
  • An infographic designed for pet parents
  • A tip sheet for use in your practice

We hope you find this toolkit to be a valuable resource for your practice. Please feel free to contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.

Blog Post Articles

Infographic & Tip Sheet


Blog Post Articles

Use the professionally-written articles below on your website, blog, or in your newsletter.

About Separation

Separation related disorders are some of the most common behavior disorders in pets; they are estimated to affect at least 14% of dogs in the United States. These conditions have also been identified in cats. They can present in a variety of ways. Some pets show distress when a particular person is gone, others when all people depart, and still others when there is a barrier between them and others.

The specific causes are still unclear. Dogs are often seen as a more social species than cats, but both form strong bonds with social group members. It is proposed that vocalizations such as whining, barking, and howling are used to reach out to other social group members.

Multiple studies have shown that separation disorders are more common in dogs and cats without experience being alone, that follow their pet parents constantly, and those with a change in household routine. Changes in routine can be minor or major. Some typical situations are after someone leaves the house more after an extended period at home, when someone leaves or joins the household, or after the family has moved. Separation disorders can also arise after something frightening has happened in the family’s absence, such as a thunderstorm or fireworks. Older pets are less able to adapt to change and may develop separation disorders as a result. Additionally, there can be significant overlap between pets that show distress when alone and those that show distress during storms or loud noises. Since it isn’t unusual for pets to have fear of noises as well as separation issues, it is important to carefully assess for both conditions when evaluating one of them.

The clinical signs of a separation disorder vary from one pet to another. Vocalization (barking or howling), destruction, urination, and defecation are the most obvious and also the most commonly reported. Pets frequently show other clinical signs as well, which may not be noticed as readily. Some of these other signs include salivation, whimpering, pacing, and panting. In some pets these signs can be seen before the family leaves the home, but for others they only occur after the pet is completely alone. Taking an excessively long time to calm down when the family returns is another common sign.

What to Do If Your Animal Has Destructive Behaviors While Away (And How to Prevent Them)

Destruction is one of the most commonly reported signs of separation disorders, and it is easy to see why. Unless your home shares walls with others, you may not be aware of barking or whining. It is tough to miss damaged furniture, though.

Chewing and scratching may be focused on exit points, like doors or windows. In some cases the target is only the door where the family leaves and returns. Destruction can vary from minor to severe. The actual damage and cost to repair it is a major concern, but it can also be dangerous for your pet. Some common injuries include broken nails and teeth, cuts, and ingestion of furniture or building materials.

If your pet is destructive when you are gone, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Take a deep breath. It is normal to be dismayed, frustrated, and even angry when you come home to damage. Keep in mind that your pet absolutely has not done this because they are angry, or out of spite. Pets often seek out items that smell like family members, but this is not retaliation. Punishing your pet will not make the situation any better and in fact can make things considerably worse.
  2. Get a video camera. Actually seeing what your dog’s body language is like when they are alone can help figure out whether the reason for the behavior is distress at being alone, reacting to things outside the house, or even a housetraining issue. Each of these problems requires a different treatment approach, so this is invaluable information. It does not need to be longer than 30 minutes. If you already know that your pet’s distress is severe, either skip this step or keep your departure <10 minutes.
  3. Providing plenty of activities to keep your pet busy while you are gone is always a great idea. There are endless possibilities available, from challenging puzzle toys found online to do-it-yourself options. Destructive pets can respond well to having something appropriate to tear up, like a box stuffed with crumpled paper with tiny treats sprinkled inside. Giving your pet somewhere to focus their energy can be a game changer.
  4. Sometimes pets need to be confined to ensure their safety. If your pet is already crate trained and really loves their crate, using that may be a good option. For many pets, however, being confined to a crate or a room increases their stress levels. Use the camera to see how your pet tolerates this. If they are distressed or attempt to escape, reach out for help (see next tip). If your dog enjoys daycare, taking your pet there when you leave can prevent damage while you work on a treatment plan.

Speak to your vet. Describe what you are seeing and share any videos you have when your pet is alone. Depending on your pet’s signs, they can make recommendations for pheromones, supplements such as Zylkene, or pharmaceutical options if appropriate. They may recommend a referral to a veterinary behaviorist, who specializes in these types of problems.

How to Change Your Routine (Like Back to School and Work) Without Causing Stress to Your Pet

If you know you have a change in your routine coming up, here are some steps you can take to ease the transition for your pet.

  • Gradually shift your morning routine to match the new one. This is an important step when you go back to work after an extended period at home, for example. A simple way to do this is to start waking up earlier every couple of days until you reach your new wake up time.
  • If you walk your dog, shift the timing to match the upcoming change in routine.
  • Start to leave the house for longer periods so they can get used to being alone again. Even going for a drive is a good start. If your pet shows significant signs of stress with this change, speak to your vet before your new routine starts.
  • Get in the habit of leaving your pet with something to do. Don’t underestimate the power of food! A delicious food toy is all it takes for some pets to switch from concerned about you leaving to wondering when you will get out of the house!
  • Keep your departures and returns home low key. Instead of lavishing your pet with attention, you want these times to be boring. This helps teach that departures and returns are no big deal.

Talk to your vet about other options to help your pet adjust. Products like pheromones or supplements such as Zylkene work best when started at least a couple of days before the new routine starts. If your pet has a history of distress when left alone, start working with your vet right away.

Activities and Exercises to Help Prevent Separation Stress

There is little data available on how to prevent the formation of separation disorders. This is at least in part because the causes are still unclear. There are probably multiple factors at play.

Veterinary and animal behaviorists do recommend encouraging independence in your pet. It can be nice to feel needed, but it is important for your pet to be able to function when you are not present.

When your pet chooses to rest across the room from you, instead of at your feet, reward them. Tossing very small treats can work well. If your pet gets too excited about treats, then calm verbal praise can work. Do the same when your pet chooses to spend time in a different room than you.

Make alone time fun! Get your pet used to having some alone time every day. This can be in an enclosed room, their crate, or behind a baby gate. Give them a delicious stuffed food or puzzle toy to make this a fun time. You also want to get used to giving them an activity before you leave the house.

If your pet shows distress when they cannot get to you, or when you leave the house, speak to your vet about options. The problem is unlikely to get better on its own.

Adding another pet to the home is rarely successful for reducing or eliminating separation related behaviors. This is not recommended unless the family was already hoping to add a furry family member.

Questions and Topics to Discuss With Your Vet

  1. Ask your vet whether there could be an illness causing your pet’s change in behavior. They will likely want to do some tests to rule out common medical conditions.
  2. Where can I go to get helpful information about this problem?
  3. Is this something that my pet will outgrow or get used to?
  4. Discuss your comfort level with giving your pet any behavioral supplements or pharmaceuticals. What concerns or reservations do you have?
  5. What medication or supplement options are available to help with this problem?
  6. Have a conversation about what treatment success might look like for your pet.
  7. Ask what you should be doing to track the response over time (ex. keep a behavior journal, collect videos of your pet, etc.)
  8. Ask how long it might realistically take to see some improvement with the treatment plan you have chosen.

Understand that treating behavioral problems sometimes involves a little trial and error to see what works best for each individual pet. Good communication between you and your veterinarian can significantly help improve this process for your pet!


Blog Post Articles

Infographic & Tip Sheet


Infographic & Tip Sheet

Click the images below to save the files to your computer.

Pet Parent Infographic

Tip Sheet for Office Staff


Blog Post Articles

Infographic & Tip Sheet

Separation Toolkit
view toolkit

Feline Toolkit

Feline Toolkit

We are happy to provide you with the Feline Digital Toolkit, a resource that makes it easy to maintain timely, relevant communications with pet parents. The Vetoquinol team is dedicated to helping pets and improving the clinic experience for you and your clients. This digital toolkit is just one of the ways we use our passion for animal health to help you grow your business.

Below, we have provided information you can simply copy and paste into social media posts, on your website, and in emails and letters to your clients. Feel free to use the information as provided or personalize to your taste. The Feline Digital Toolkit includes the following:

  • 10 social media posts (including associated images) for use on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • 2 articles written by our veterinarians for use on your website, blog or in newsletters
  • 2 infographics

We hope you find this toolkit to be a valuable resource for your practice. Please feel free to contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.

Social Media Posts

Articles

Infographics


Social Media Posts

Copy and paste the desired text to your clinic’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and follow any additional steps as instructed. Right-click the associated image and choose “Save Image As…” to save the image to your computer, then add the image to your post.


Social Media Posts

Articles

Infographics


Articles

Use the professionally-written articles below on your website, blog, or in your newsletter.

6 Tips to Enrich Your Cat’s Life

A Wild Life

Imagine the daily routine of a cat that lives in the wild. What do you imagine this cat is doing all day? A typical day in the wild is spent hunting for food, marking one’s territory, defending that territory, hiding from predators, grooming and resting. All of these activities take a lot of physical and mental energy – cats need rest to stay sharp.

A Life of Ease?

Compare the daily routine of a cat in the wild to that of a typical domesticated indoor cat and you will find significant differences. In an indoor environment, a cat may be fed 2 or 3 times per day, or have access to its food at all times, rather than having to hunt for 10-20 small meals per day in the wild. Cats may have access to one or several litter boxes in the home where their owner would like them to use the bathroom. There are typically no significant predators, except for the overzealous canine housemate, who is likely more of an annoyance than anything else. Competition for resources is minimal, especially if there are only one or two cats in the household. With all of these differences, we might think that the indoor cat has all of its basic needs fulfilled.

This cat has plenty of food and water, a roof over its head, areas to use the bathroom and rest. What about all of the mental and physical stimulation that cats require? This consistent engagement and stimulation is commonly missing from the indoor cat’s life and it can be a significant cause of a terrible condition: “Boring Life Syndrome”. While the name of this syndrome is made up, the concern is real. The lack of engagement in the daily lives of indoor cats can lead to any number of problems, such as over-grooming, chewing inappropriate items and over-eating.

Resources and Enrichment

To provide a truly enriching environment for our indoor cats, we must think about how to provide resources and activities that mimic what they would naturally do in the wild. If we can do this well, then we will have the best of both worlds; the safety and consistency of an indoor environment and the engagement and fulfillment of the outdoor environment.

Enrichment doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are 6 simple tips you can implement today:

  1. Food:
    • Offer multiple small meals per day, rather than 1 or 2 large meals.
    • Hide these meals around the house or place small amounts of food in a puzzle feeder to encourage activity while fulfilling the primal urge to hunt.
  2. Playtime:
    • It is important to incorporate small sessions of play into your feline friend’s day. Try something that they can chase, and then grab ahold of and sink their teeth into at the end of the activity. This will mimic hunting in the wild while burning calories and increasing mental engagement.
    • Each cat is different, “play” around with what toys your cat enjoys the most and mix it up over time.
  3. Litter boxes:
    • Provide enough litter boxes! A basic rule of thumb is “n + 1”. If you have 1 cat, you should have at least 2 litter boxes in your home. If you have 3 cats, you should have a minimum of 4 litter boxes in your home.
    • Ideally, a litter box should be located on each level of your home for easy access. This becomes particularly important if you have a geriatric cat.
    • Clean your litter boxes daily! We want our cats to use the same litter box each and every time in our home. Our best bet for consistent success is to provide enough litter boxes and keep those boxes as clean as possible.
  4. Scratching:
    • Scratching is a normal cat behavior. It helps cats mark their territory, both visually and via pheromones that are left behind on the objects they scratch. Scratching is also a great way for cats to stretch their muscles by reaching well up onto a vertical surface such as a tree trunk to leave their mark.
    • Offer multiple scratching posts in different areas of the house. One of the best locations may be near their favorite sleeping area, as they can reach up onto the post and have a good stretch after their nap
    • Offer both vertical and horizontal oriented scratching posts. Pay attention to which type of orientation and which surface textures your cat prefers the most.
  5. Places to take a “cat nap”:
    • When it is time to rest, cats like to have a place that is comfortable and safe. You may find that some of your cat’s favorite areas to nap are under the bed or on the back of the couch with some sunshine warming their body. You can create ideal resting places by providing a comfortable spot in a quiet, undisturbed area of your house.
  6. Room with a view:
    • Elevated perches are ideal areas for your cat to catch a view of the world around him or her. For some cats, these elevated perches may also be one of their favorite spots to hunker down and catch a few Z’s.

To recap, there are two basic concepts to remember when providing an optimal environment for our feline friends.

  1. Provide all the basic resources that your cat needs to be healthy.
  2. Keep your cat actively engaged throughout their daily routine with enriching activities.

Cats enrich our lives – let’s enrich theirs!

Stress-Free Tips: Tackling Your First Vet Visit

Adding a new puppy, kitten or adopted pet to your family can be a fun and exciting time for your family. However, with it, comes a lot of new responsibilities and stressors. This is especially true for the new pet, who is having to adjust to a new environment, new people and new experiences. One experience that can be especially challenging for a new pet is going to the vet for the first time. Here are some simple tips that can help make the first vet visit a better experience for your new pet.

Tip #1:  Start eliminating stressors before the veterinary visit

A big part of how your pet reacts to their vet visits involves many things that happen before they even get there. Things like: car rides, the carrier experience or simply leaving the house (especially for house cats) can all play into your pet’s frame of mind when they get to the vet.

If you have a cat or small dog, ensure they are comfortable in their crate/carrier well before the vet visit. (for tips on this, click here). For larger dogs, practice using the restraint or seatbelt in the car. Take short, frequent car rides for a week or so leading up to the ride to the veterinarian to acclimate them to driving. You might even drop by the clinic a time or two so they can meet the staff and sniff around to get comfortable. Check with your veterinarian to make an appointment for this “happy” visit.

Tip #2: Practice handling techniques at home

Vet staff will need to explore and touch many areas on your pet’s body during their first visit, and visit thereafter. Prior to the visit, spend some time practicing touching your pet in the “trigger point” areas – ears, paws, hind quarters, muzzle – this is especially important if your new pet is adopted as they might have had negative experiences in the past. Work with your pet to get him/her more comfortable with touch. Positive reinforcement, such as treat rewards, can help your pet associate touch / petting as a positive. If your pet is still reactive to touch, let your veterinarian know ahead of time so they can be mindful.

Tip #3: Treats! Treats! Treats!

Find some treats that your pet enjoys and use them to help provide motivation to get into the carrier or the car, reward them for letting you touch them calmly. For particularly stressful situations, like this veterinary visit, high value treats are recommended.

Examples of high value treats for dogs:

  • Spray cheese
  • Peanut butter
  • Cheerios
  • Deli Meats
  • Softer treats of their favorite protein / flavor

Examples of high value treats for cats:

  • Marshmallows (also great for pilling cats!)
  • Canned tuna / tuna juice
  • Tiny shrimp
  • Deli Turkey

Consider asking your veterinarian if they use treats or food rewards as part of their treatment protocol; if not, you should bring your own. (Note: always check with your vet to ensure your pet can have food prior/during their appointment, as there are some tests and medications that require an empty stomach. Additionally, if your new pet is showing signs of stomach upset, this may not be interested in treats.)

Tip #4: Don’t forget leash training!

Your dog will need to be on a leash during their visit. As part of your preparation, work with your new dog or puppy on a leash as much as you can. A new pet has many “firsts” as part of their initial vet visit, so making them as comfortable as possible on a leash before they go can help make the trip much smoother. Simply using the leash around your house and yard can help acclimate your pup to their new leash. Remember, many veterinary clinics prefer (and in some cases require) the use of standard leashes versus retractable leashes due to animal safety concerns in the waiting room. So, make sure to practice with the type of leash you will be using at the clinic.

Hopefully these tips will help make the first vet visit a success for your pets!

If you are concerned that your pet will still have a “ruff” time at the vet’s office, try a calming supplement, such as Zylkene. Zylkene is safe for puppies, kittens and older dogs and cats and simply helps take the edge off of their anxiety. Always call your vet before administering any supplements.


Social Media Posts

Articles

Infographics


Infographics

Here are handy infographics with helpful information for pet parents. You can print the files for use in your clinic or send electronically to your clients. Click the images below to save a PDF to your computer.


Social Media Posts

Articles

Infographics

Feline Toolkit
view toolkit

Fireworks Toolkit

Fireworks Toolkit

We are happy to provide you with the Fireworks Digital Toolkit, a resource that makes it easy to maintain timely, relevant communications with pet parents. The Vetoquinol team is dedicated to helping pets and improving the clinic experience for you and your clients. This digital toolkit is just one of the ways we use our passion for animal health to help you grow your business.

Below, we have provided information you can simply copy and paste into social media posts, on your website, and in emails and letters to your clients. Feel free to use the information as provided or personalize to your taste. The Fireworks Digital Toolkit includes the following:

  • 7 social media posts (including associated images) for use on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • An article written by one of our veterinarians for use on your website, blog or in newsletters
  • “Fireworks Pet Safety Tips” infographic
  • Fireworks poster

We hope you find this toolkit to be a valuable resource for your practice. Please feel free to contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.

Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Poster


Social Media Posts

Copy and paste the desired text to your clinic’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and follow any additional steps as instructed. Right-click the associated image and choose “Save Image As…” to save the image to your computer, then add the image to your post.


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Poster


Article

Use the professionally-written article below on your website, blog, or in your newsletter.

Tips for Helping Your Pet Cope During Fireworks Season

Fireworks can make celebrations exciting for us, but they’re not always fun for our pets. In a recent survey*, 44% of pet owners reported that their pets are scared of fireworks.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help keep them calmer and safer. It’s up to you as their owner to help pets cope and make sure they stay calm when the fireworks go off.  Here are a few tips to consider if your pet experiences anxiety during fireworks season:

    1. Start planning in advance! A few weeks before, talk to your veterinarian or behaviorist about any changes you can make in the short term to help your pet. Additionally, build a “den” for your pet so they have their own safe place with which they have positive associations. This gives them somewhere to hide when they are uneasy or worried. Make sure the den is in a place where they usually like to hide and that they have enough space to stretch out and stand up/turn around.
    2. Consider starting them on a calming supplement in advance to try and help them cope. There are several options available for pets who become especially anxious during fireworks. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options depending on their reactions to the noise.
    3. Update their identification! Some pets try to run away when fireworks go off near them. Ensure that your pet’s ID tag is up to date and, if possible, get them micro-chipped. This will ensure you are reunited with your pet sooner if they do go missing.
    4. Walk your dog when it’s still light outside. Try to ensure your dog does not need to go outside when fireworks are going off. Prep them in advance for an earlier nighttime routine and, when finished, keep them inside with the windows and doors securely closed. This will reduce the change that they will run off. Don’t take a dog to a fireworks display if they experience anxiety from the noise.
    5. Provide distractions. Consider turning on the TV or radio during the fireworks and providing your pet with a new favorite toy. This will help drown out some of the noise and keep your pet distracted when they would otherwise be focused on what’s happening outside. Treat training is also an option and can be practiced in advance of fireworks season. If they are focused enough, you can take them to their “safe” room, with background music, and perform basic commands while rewarding the completion of the task with treats. If they are too concerned with the noises outside to respond to basic commands for treats, you might be able to distract them short term by simply providing small pieces of their most favorite treats in rapid succession to further distract them from the noise.
    6. Watch for subtle signs of noise phobias early in your pet’s life. A behavioral issue such as sensitivity to noise can be easier to control if caught early. If you are able to pick up on signs that your pet may have a problem with fireworks or other loud noises in the first year or two of your pet’s life, then you should consult with your veterinarian and begin taking steps to minimize the progression of the signs over time. For older pets who develop noise sensitivity with age, or an adopted pet, keep an eye out for signs and try to deal with them sooner rather than later by working with your veterinarian.

Taking a few simple steps to make fireworks season easier on your pet can make a world of difference. If you need additional tips on how to help your pet make it through a trying time, reach out to your local veterinarian.

*PDSA, Online Survey 2013


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Poster


Infographic & Poster

Here is a handy infographic and poster. You can print the files for use in your clinic or send electronically to your clients. Click the images below to save a PDF to your computer.


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Poster

Fireworks Toolkit
view toolkit

Thunderstorms Toolkit

Thunderstorms Toolkit

We are happy to provide you with the Thunderstorms Digital Toolkit, a resource that makes it easy to maintain timely, relevant communications with pet parents. The Vetoquinol team is dedicated to helping pets and improving the clinic experience for you and your clients. This digital toolkit is just one of the ways we use our passion for animal health to help you grow your business.

Below, we have provided information you can simply copy and paste into social media posts, on your website, and in emails and letters to your clients. Feel free to use the information as provided or personalize to your taste. The Thunderstorms Digital Toolkit includes the following:

  • 8 social media posts (including associated images) for use on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • An article written by one of our veterinarians for use on your website, blog or in newsletters
  • “Calm House Checklist” infographic
  • 2 posters for use in your clinic

We hope you find this toolkit to be a valuable resource for your practice. Please feel free to contact your Vetoquinol USA Sales Representative with any questions.

Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Posters


Social Media Posts

Copy and paste the desired text to your clinic’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and follow any additional steps as instructed. Right-click the associated image and choose “Save Image As…” to save the image to your computer, then add the image to your post.


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Posters


Article

Use the professionally-written article below on your website, blog, or in your newsletter.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Calm During Thunderstorms

Spring is a season of new life, wildflowers, warmer weather – and thunderstorms! Storms can present a real challenge for our furry friends who are scared of loud noises. If your pet is afraid of storms, check out these simple ways to keep them calm when the thunder rolls.

  • Give them a safe space: Ensure they have a room or kennel inside with their favorite toys to try and distract them during the storm. Ensure the room or kennel contains their favorite blanket, toys or a cozy towel that provides familiar smells and is comfortable. If possible, keep them company during the storm by playing with them, keeping them engaged with their favorite toys or provide comfort (and snuggles!). This can help make the time seem to pass more quickly. If your dog typically stays outside, create a place for them inside that will keep them safe and dry.
  • Provide distractions: Try playing calming music during the storm to help drown out the noise. Some pets also enjoy watching TV – many cable packages now include pet TV channels!
  • Limit visuals: Keep windows and shades closed to help block the noise as much as possible. This can help limit the visualization of the dark sky that looms in the distance or any lightning that may occur with the storm. Decreasing any sensory input (visual, auditory or otherwise) may help lessen the level of your pet’s anxiety in that situation.
  • Keep yourself calm: Your pet has an acute sense for your emotions and knows when you’re nervous or afraid. Try to remain calm and keep your actions as even-keeled as possible.
  • Try a calming supplement: Start your pet on a natural calming supplement in advance of the storm to assist them in better coping with their fear. If you live in an area where storms can be frequent and unpredictable, look for a supplement that is ok for both short-term and long-term use, such as Zylkene. Before starting a new supplement or medication, always ask your veterinarian for advice.

Bonus tip! Many pets go missing during thunderstorms. Ensure your pet’s identification tag is up to date and microchip your pet if possible. Always try to keep your pet inside if you are worried about the weather changing.

Taking a few simple steps to make thunderstorm season easier on your pet can make a world of difference. If you need additional tips on how to help your pet make it through a trying time, reach out to your local veterinarian.


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Posters


Infographic & Posters

Here is a handy infographic with helpful information for pet parents and two posters for use in your clinic. Click the images below to save a PDF to your computer.


Social Media Posts

Article

Infographic & Posters

Thunderstorms Toolkit
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