Education and Counseling

Having happy pets and happy owners throughout Vernon Hills and surrounding communities is something we’re genuinely passionate about. Providing quality medicine is just one part of what we do–most of all, we seek to help families bond more closely with their pets. That is why we offer cat and dog training and counseling in Vernon Hills, IL. Attentive, routine care is essential to growing and preserving those bonds, and we’re here to make sure that happens.

To help you acquire the necessary tools for your pet’s lifelong care, we’ve provided a few resources below. Take a moment to browse our information and download one of our helpful “cheat sheets.”

CARING FOR YOUR PUPPY OR KITTEN

Few things are more exciting than adopting a new puppy or kitten into your family. While you may want to keep them at home to enjoy their company (and cuteness), you need to schedule their first visit with their veterinarian. Puppies and kittens are fragile in the first few months of life and need plenty of preventative care and checkups to make sure they’re on the right track. Our goal is to ease your new pet’s transition into their new life and prepare them for a healthy future.

While every pet has their own unique treatment plan, there are basic requirements we recommend for all of our patients.

PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE KITS

During your pet’s appointment, we’ll provide you with a puppy or kitten kit containing important information about the following topics:

• Wellness care
• Socialization, obedience and housebreaking
• Proper nutrition
• Behavior issues 
• Pet-friendly toys
• Pet insurance
• Local emergency care
• Neutering and elective surgery
• …and more

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SENIOR PET

Keeping your pet happy and healthy throughout their young and adult life should make the transition into their senior years a lot smoother. Due to their shorter lifespan, pets age quickly and need routine checkups to screen for disease. Elderly pets experience many of the same conditions that we do in old age, including arthritis, diabetes, incontinence, congestive heart failure and weight gain. If your pet has a history of health issues or we suspect a problem developing, we may recommend seeing them semiannually for an exam. Routine diagnostics may also be necessary.

Communication is especially important during this time. We care about how your pet is doing and will want to be informed of any changes at home. Like you, we know that your pet deserves the very best care and comfort in their golden years.

CAT AND DOG COUNSELING ON BEHAVIOR

Every pet has a mischievous side, but bad behaviors are not always the product of mischief. Addressing and understanding inappropriate or destructive behavior in pets is the key to managing it and relieving tensions between pets and their owners. Furthermore, you’re not alone–our team is happy to work with you to find a solution and bring harmony back to your household.

Some common problematic pet behaviors include:

• Aggression
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Destructiveness
• Inappropriate urination/defecation
• Urine marking/spraying
• Separation anxiety
• Thunderstorm anxiety
• …and more

Pet Behavior Counseling Near You

The first step in the process is examining your pet to check for signs of injury or illness, which can lead to difficult behaviors. If your pet does not have a medical issue, we may recommend behavior therapy. Reducing unwanted behaviors in pets can take time, but we’re always here to answer your questions and provide guidance when needed. Contact us today.