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Animal Anxiety By Dr. Matt Encinosa, DVM

Anxiety is a common complaint amongst pet owners. The most common forms include separation anxiety, firework or thunderstorm anxiety, and travel related anxiety. Owners tend to notice their pet has separation anxiety when they see signs in their house such as damage to furnishings or the interior of the house, accidents, or get noise complaints from neighbors. Firework and thunderstorm anxiety is very common as well. These are usually very seasonal anxieties around rainy seasons and times of celebration. Typically, owners will notice damage to their household after being away, or visibly see their pet shaking, reacting to the loud noises, or trying to hide. If you have brought your pet on vacation, odds are you have experienced travel anxiety. Many will show signs of nausea (vomiting or drooling), have diarrhea, or shake and pant. There are a few ways to approach these issues with your pets such as those listed below. • Conditioning – Sometimes, exposing your pet to similar scenarios can be helpful to allow them to become more familiar with that experience. This is most true with travel. Dogs that go on more frequent car trips tend to do better with travel. • Avoidance – We all would love for our pets to go with us everywhere, but its not always the best choice for their well-being. If you are going to an event where there are loud noises and you have this problem, it may be best to leave them behind. If you live in an area where fireworks are common, you may consider letting your pet stay somewhere they are not. Some pets were not meant to travel. Assess the risks and benefits of bringing your friend along. Is it worth it? • Medications – There are medications that can help with all these circumstances, but each pet should be assessed specifically. There are sedatives that can be given to help alleviate your pets stress and anti-nausea medications that can make them feel more comfortable along the way. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you are experiencing any of these issues. Dr. Matt Encinosa – DVM – Boyette Animal Hospital

Boyette Animal Hospital is proud to provide your pets with the highest quality of treatment and care from twelve veterinarians and a devoted staff. To make an appointment, please call (813) 671-3400.

Dear Ms. Price, I am getting married this June. My fiancé, “George,” and I waited out the pandemic because we wanted to have our friends, family and those dearest to us share our special day. We’re having a beachside dinner party a few days before the wedding, given in our honor by George’s brothers and their families. They plan to serve alcohol. My family is extremely religious and is opposed to serving alcohol. Should I ask George’s family to respect their wishes and not serve cocktails? -Teetotalers Trouble Dear “Teetotalers,” I feel your pain, Teetotaler, but it would not be polite or appropriate to ask George’s family to modify an entire event because two people don’t approve. If they disapproved of dancing, would you ask to eliminate that? This party is a gift, and we do not dictate the terms of a gift unless asked by the gift giver. You can make it as alcohol-free as you wish when you host your events. Congratulations to you both. -Ms. Price Dear Ms. Price, I plan to marry the love of my life this year. Her name is “Samantha,” and she’s perfect for me. But I wouldn’t be writing to you if there wasn’t a problem.

A Slice of Advicewith Ms. Price

To submit your questions, email advicemsprice@gmail.com.

I have full custody of my nine-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. Let’s call her “Tabitha.” She’s kind, talented and has attention deficit disorder. Samantha tries hard to connect with Tabitha but doesn’t understand the challenges of the disorder. She has told me that she feels Tabitha is being manipulative and acts out on purpose. I feel that Samantha is too hard on my daughter. I love her with all my heart, but I’m having second thoughts. -Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Dear “Bewitched,” My heart goes out to people who remarry and have children from a previous marriage. It’s not all “Brady Bunch” and roses. Our children do come first, but the day will come when Tabitha is out in the world. You need a life partner, and you do have a love for Samantha. I would schedule a session ASAP with a specialist in ADD and get the three of you in for family counseling. When Samantha hears all of the facts you already know about ADD from a professional and the three of you engage in counseling, I feel things will improve.