Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - August '20

Page 4, Hobe Sound

tiP Of thE tail

Separation Anxiety lot of pets, this can instigate separation anxiety. We have one involving a positive association. Remember to be

already seen an increase in their anxiety because the pets patient as your pet learns the new routine.
have become accustomed to their owners being at home For more involved or severe separation anxiety, it
much more than normal. is helpful to reach out to a professional, either in the
What is separation anxiety? It can manifest in a form of a reputable trainer or your veterinarian. Ask for
variety of ways depending on the pet, but is typically references specific to fear or anxiety and ensure that any
distress as a result of your pet being fearful or stressed program is focused on positive reinforcement. Even by
by your absence. Additionally, it can vary in intensity. using prescribed medication by your veterinarian for the
Some signs of separation anxiety include barking or anxiety, positive reinforcement is essential.
meowing excessively, pacing, inappropriate eliminations Some behaviors that are medical in origin can mimic
in the house, panting, destructive chewing or even trying separation anxiety, so if you’re worried that it might be
to escape the home. confused with a medical problem, your veterinarian can
How to help curb or prevent the symptoms: First help determine what is happening.
recognize that it is based in fear and anxiety and punishing Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
the behavior can actually have the opposite effect. If you Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
haven’t resumed your normal school or work schedule for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
In recent months, humans are not the only ones yet this is the perfect time to start to transition your pet surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
affected by stay at home orders. As many people into a new routine. If you have the benefit of time, taking medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
have been working from home to slow the spread of small, baby steps can be more rewarding. Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
COVID-19, our pets are becoming accustomed to the Begin by making an effort to associate some positives medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
new routine as well. Additionally, many individuals have with you leaving. For example, a peanut butter stuffed owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
taken this opportunity of extra time at home to adopt a Kong toy or treat puzzle that your pet only gets when www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
new four legged family member. Now, and in the coming you’re leaving can be helpful. If your pet’s anxiety is Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
months, as counties are adjusting their restrictions, many more than mild, you’ll likely need to invest time into
pets will begin to have their schedules uprooted. For a multiple shorter instances of you leaving the house; each

EstatE Planning

Protecting Your Young Adult and law enforcement are allowed to contact parents in toinformfamiliesfirst.org for more information and to
Child case of an emergency. register.

First, register emergency contact information online

Second, once your child turns 18, medical professionals
with the Florida Department of Highway Safety. This are not legally permitted to speak to the parents, without the
By Carrie Lavargna program was started in 2005 by a woman from Manatee young adult’s consent. This becomes a tremendous problem
I wrote about this two County in Florida after her 22-year-old daughter was when your child has a medical emergency. Have your child
years ago, but given the killed in a car accident and neither law enforcement nor sign a Health Care Surrogate designation which conforms
medical crisis that is upon the hospital knew how to contact her. Devastated that she with the with health care privacy law allowing you to talk
us I wanted to provide didn’t know that her daughter had died for over six hours, with physicians and to make medical decisions for your child
this important information she worked to create the emergency contact program in if he or she cannot make them. If your child is going away to
again. Florida. Now over 13 million people have registered in college, I strongly recommend you get the health care surrogate
Once a child turns 18 Florida and the program is available in five other states. form signed because universities, and their medical facilities,
years of age, they become When you obtain your driver’s license they ask you can be very strict on privacy compliance. I’ve heard several
an adult legally. There are for emergency contact information and most people give times of parents racing to an out of town hospital only to have
two steps parents and their them one name and number. But by going online, you can the medical staff refuse to speak to them.
adult children can take so register up to six phone numbers, home, work or cell for These matters may not have been a problem for you in the
that universities, hospitals two different people or families. For my children, I put past, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a problem in the future.
my husband and I together as “person No. 1” with our Stuart is not a small town anymore.
cell phone numbers and my office number. We cancelled This column is an overview of the subject matter and is
our home line years ago, which makes it very important not intended as legal advice. Carrie Lavargna is an attorney
to include the cell phones. For “person No. 2” I added a practicing law in Stuart and is board certified in real estate
good friend who knows our family well since it’s possible law by the Florida bar and is designated an accredited estate
that all of us could be in a common accident. Only law planner (AEP) by the National Association of Estate Planners
enforcement has access to this information. Go to www. and Councils.

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com