Page 6 - Stuart Exposure - August '20

LocaL Happenings
Page 6, Stuart Exposure

Dating from page 5

Revolutionary Images tip of tHe taiL

to Inspire You! effect. If you haven’t resumed your normal school or

In honor of our theme for the month we have selected Separation Anxiety work schedule yet this is the perfect time to start to
some images in hopes to motivate you to the next level! transition your pet into a new routine. If you have the
One big lesson to learn in recent times is: the calendar benefit of time, taking small, baby steps can be more
won’t stop or wait for you. So get ahead of the calendar. rewarding.
Create the life you desire by making bold moves. Your Begin by making an effort to associate some
future self will thank you! Think to yourself: How positives with you leaving. For example, a peanut
would you like the last quarter of 2020 to look this year? butter stuffed Kong toy or treat puzzle that your pet
Whatever you answer is live by it and remind yourself only gets when you’re leaving can be helpful. If your
daily of your intention. Know that YOU got this especially pet’s anxiety is more than mild, you’ll likely need
since you joined us today! to invest time into multiple shorter instances of you
leaving the house; each one involving a positive
association. Remember to be patient as your pet learns
the new routine.
For more involved or severe separation anxiety, it
In recent months, humans are not the only ones is helpful to reach out to a professional, either in the
affected by stay at home orders. As many people form of a reputable trainer or your veterinarian. Ask
have been working from home to slow the spread of for references specific to fear or anxiety and ensure
COVID-19, our pets are becoming accustomed to the that any program is focused on positive reinforcement.
new routine as well. Additionally, many individuals Even by using prescribed medication by your
have taken this opportunity of extra time at home veterinarian for the anxiety, positive reinforcement is
to adopt a new four legged family member. Now, essential.
and in the coming months, as counties are adjusting Some behaviors that are medical in origin can
their restrictions, many pets will begin to have their mimic separation anxiety, so if you’re worried that
schedules uprooted. For a lot of pets, this can instigate it might be confused with a medical problem, your
Seniors can have fun too... separation anxiety. We have already seen an increase in veterinarian can help determine what is happening.
Take control of your life once even while social distancing. their anxiety because the pets have become accustomed Established in 1981, Palm City Animal
and for all! #HaveAPlan #ChallengeYourself to their owners being at home much more than normal. Medical Center is dedicated to providing the
What is separation anxiety? It can manifest best possible care for your pets. With focuses on
in a variety of ways depending on the pet, but is compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy
typically distress as a result of your pet being fearful and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive
or stressed by your absence. Additionally, it can vary diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
in intensity. Some signs of separation anxiety include Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
barking or meowing excessively, pacing, inappropriate medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
eliminations in the house, panting, destructive chewing their owners. For more information, call (772)
or even trying to escape the home. 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.
How to help curb or prevent the symptoms: com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
First recognize that it is based in fear and anxiety and PalmCityAnimalClinic.
punishing the behavior can actually have the opposite

Must love dogs and must wear a mask! #RestartSmart

Aligned
with

Home • Auto • Boat • RV • Life
Flood • Business • Commercial

Mary-Beth Zipsir
Agent in Charge
O: (772) 233-4444
www.smartchoicepartnersfl.com

It's our policy that you know yours

Love Therapy almost always equals Life Therapy. #Hope