Canine separation-related problems: part 3: identifying the emotional component

Hyper-attachment is no longer described in literature about human separation; instead, such literature focuses on different forms of attachment (Ainsworth, 1979), focusing less on specific ‘disorders’...

Separation-related problems part 2: owner absence, learning and pain

Not only can owner behaviour (such as inappropriate introductions to separation or inadequate preparation of dogs to experience a sense of safety whilst alone) predispose dogs towards...

Canine separation–related problem behaviours – part 1: social living and owner absence

Sociality and social connectedness are considered to be adaptive (McMillan, 2016), bringing benefits such as safety, parental care, improved food acquisition and mate procurement. For social species,...

Figure 1. The results of classical conditioning – a frightened Spaniel seeks her ‘safe place’ on seeing a camera, that predicts a ‘flash’ that mimics thunder and that predicts loud thunder or firework type sounds.

Sound sensitivity in dogs: protecting emotional welfare and the human–pet bond

With minor variations for breeds with floppy or folded ears, the basic structure and functioning of the majority of dogs' ears is very similar. Designed to capture and funnel sound down the ear canal,...

Figure 2. Example of a consultation being conducted outside in the owner's car.

Stress-free vet visits: considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

The process starts at reception when the patient is booked in. Information about the animal's previous behavioural history at the practice should be logged, alongside a relevant medical history. The...

Figure 2. Simulation of euthanasia in a consultation room. The heavily sedated dog is cradled by his owner while the veterinary team access the lateral saphenous vein on the hind limb for the injection of pentobarbital. Note the soft blanket for the dog to rest on.

Advocating sedation pre-euthanasia in small animal practice

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) guidelines for euthanasia recommend injection of an overdose of a barbiturate solution, using pre-medicants for frightened or vicious animals...

Figure 2. Unless also exposed to an enriched yet not over-stimulating environment, young animals will not benefit from remaining with their mothers for longer periods than would be normal.

COVID-19: implications of self-isolation and social distancing for the emotional and behavioural health of dogs

However, as infected dogs are unlikely to show signs of illness and until more is known about COVID-19, it should be assumed that COVID-19 may be transferrable via animals because of a degree of risk...

Figure 2. Small prey animals are often, inadvertently, left without a sense of protection from ground level and overhead threats to their safety.

COVID-19: implications of self-isolation and social distancing for the emotional and behavioural health of equines, parrots and small prey pets

The answer to that question lies in whether animals such as equines, parrots and small prey species can act as vectors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (the virus which...

Figure 1. Cardboard boxes provide inexpensive hiding places that can be arranged throughout a home.

COVID-19: implications of self-isolation and social distancing for the emotional and behavioural health of cats

To answer this question, we need to consider whether cats are capable of acting as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 to be passed on to a greater number of humans. In an interview (Weese, 2020), Dr J Scott...