Pet of the Month We all love our pets, big or small.
Send in their photo to make them known to all. Email your photo and a brief description of your family pet to tami@villagerpublications.com. Below are some handy tips from your local vet. Meet Willy, the July/August Issue Pet of the Month Willy is a two-year-old domestic short-haired cat who lives in the country near St Marys. He had to have his right eye removed, and his left eye repaired as a kitten due to an injury and infection sustained before his rescue by a kind family. He’s a handsome, adventurous soul who loves climbing things, tussling with his brother Lenny, and lounging on the couch! Fur Parents: Kim, Jeff & Family
Anxiety in Pets: Why worry? by Dr. Kim Anderka, BSc, DVM – Ilderton Pet Hospital Anxiety is common in both dogs and cats and can be manifested in many ways. Anxiety is the anticipation of danger, whether it is unknown, imagined or real and can result in changes in the animal’s body and behaviour. Many pets demonstrate anxiety as a response to car rides, loud noises, visitors to their house, interactions with unknown people or pets, being left alone and yes, even visits to the family veterinarian. It is important to realize that although anxiety may often result in unwanted behaviour (urination, defecation, chewing, barking and aggression), the basis of the behaviour is fear, and punishment will result in worsening the outcome and fear of the people trying to correct the behaviour in this way. Anxious behaviour is often shaped by early development; genetics, lack of socialization and lack of exposure to new situations may all play a role in how the pet responds to certain experiences. The great news is that pets are constantly learning and can respond with time and patience to positive training techniques. Avoidance of anxiety triggers is sometimes possible—for example, by minimizing situations like being left alone, Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack! Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca
encounters with other animals, or car rides. However, many triggers, such as thunderstorms or visitors, are often beyond a caregiver’s control. Having a visit with your veterinarian, ideally using a Fear Free approach, to ensure no other causes of anxiety are present (such as pain, neurologic disorders and cognitive change), and to discuss the type of anxiety can guide further treatment. In many cases, prescribed supplements or pharmaceuticals may be helpful in managing some symptoms while behavioural therapy is underway. Positive reward-based training is used to help pets build communication, and confidence, elevate mood and streng- then the bond to their family members and is generally the most successful in affecting behaviour. Developing a relation- ship with a reward-based trainer can be invaluable, especially if they are able to either home-visit or virtually view the behaviours which are occurring. Patient, safe, positive training is a lifelong endeavour, but worth the journey!
IldertonPetHospital.com 125 King Street, Ilderton (519) 666-2288
Drop in for all your dog, cat, and small pets food & supplies; as well as wild bird seed, chicken, and horse feed. We carry the brands you want, from value added to high quality, at competitive prices.
C atty S hack THE London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572
519-857-2385 • 13229 Ilderton Road
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 5
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