VetPet Academy

About VetPet Academy

Posts by :

How Therapeutic Massage Helps Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Discover the benefits of canine massage therapy for reducing separation anxiety and improving your dog’s emotional well-being

If you’ve ever come home to find chewed furniture, scratched doors, or excessive barking complaints from neighbours, your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety.

This common behavioural issue in dogs occurs when they experience extreme stress and discomfort being left alone.

According to research, dogs who develop separation-related behaviour problems tend to be male, sourced as a stray or from rescue shelters or are separated from their litter before 8 weeks of age.

Other factors causing separation anxiety may occur due to a lack of routine and training, excessive attachment, a lack of early socialisation with other people or dogs, living in an unstable household or being left alone for long periods of time.

While there are many techniques to help soothe an anxious pup, one increasingly popular and effective method is therapeutic massage. Therapeutic massage for dogs isn’t just a pampering luxury—it’s a targeted approach to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall emotional well-being.

Much like in humans, massage therapy in dogs can lower cortisol levels (the hormone linked to stress), slow heart rate, and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. These physiological changes help create a calmer mental state, which is particularly beneficial for dogs who struggle when their humans leave.

Massage can also establish a sense of safety and routine. When practiced regularly, even for just 10–15 minutes a day, it reinforces a calming experience that your dog can associate with security and affection. Over time, this can help shift your dog’s mental focus away from the stress of your absence and toward the comfort of self-soothing.

For best results, massage should be paired with a calming environment—soft music, aromatherapy (like lavender), and a quiet space.

Specific techniques like long, slow strokes along the spine, circular motions on the chest, and gentle ear rubs can be particularly helpful. These areas are rich in nerve endings and can trigger a parasympathetic response—essentially telling the body it’s time to relax.

Working with a certified canine massage therapist can provide tailored support, especially for dogs with more severe anxiety. However, learning a few basic techniques yourself can deepen the bond between you and your dog while helping them feel more secure.

Therapeutic massage is not a magic cure, but it can be a powerful part of a holistic approach to reducing separation anxiety in dogs. When combined with behavioural training, enrichment toys, and consistent routines, massage therapy offers a nurturing and non-invasive way to ease your dog’s mind—and give you peace of mind too.

Learn how to massage correctly by doing VetPet Academy’s Introduction to Canine Massage Course.

#VetPetAcademy #DogMassage #SeparationAnxietyInDogs #CalmDogHappyHome #CanineWellness #NaturalDogCare #TherapeuticTouch #DogAnxietyHelp #PetWellness

Clipping Cat Nails

Learn Safe and Stress-Free Techniques for Clipping Your Cat’s Nails at Home to Promote Health and Prevent Scratches.

It’s not necessary to trim your cat’s claws – it depends on your pet’s lifestyle. Indoor cats are usually the ones who need their claws cutting, especially those who sharpens their claws on your furniture!

Most cats do not like having their nails trimmed – so start trimming your kitten’s nails early. This gets them use to having their paws touched and your job of nail clipping much easier.

Some cats will happily sit in your lap while you trim their claws, some may need two people – one to hold the cat and one to do the trimming!

If your cat is difficult when having their nails clipped wrap them in a towel or ask your vet to do it for you, or speak to your vet about a sedative that you can give your cat before nail clipping begins.

CLIPPERS

There are several types of nail clippers, including a guillotine type, a plier type and a scissors type. Some people find the guillotine type easiest to use in cats.

There is also a ‘grinding’ tool now on the market which is easy to use – but it is very simple to over grind so caution should be used with grinders (or any nail clippers!!!).

I find the plier type with a safety guard the best – not only does it give you peace of mind due to the safety guard, but it allows you to view more accurately what you are doing.

A COUPLE OF THINGS TO REMEMBER…

Cats have retractable claws (dogs don’t).
Black nails are hard to clip as you cannot see the quick. Clip black nails slowly and little by little.
Take it slow, if your cat only lets you trim one paw at a time – just wait and do another paw when your cat settles down.
Cats that go outside or have a cat scratcher inside to maintain their nails may not need their claws trimmed.

A CATS NAIL

A cats claw is similar to ours. As with humans the pink part of the claw that can be seen is known as the ‘quick’. The quick is made up of nerves and blood vessels and is highly sensitive. With white clawed cats the quick is easily seen.

Be aware that the quick grows with the claw.

A cats claw is finer and thinner than a dogs claw so easier to cut.

HOW TO CLIP

When looking at your cats paw, a claw can be considered long when it curves downwards and a lot of white nail is seen.

To trim a claw cut the nail cross-wise about 2mm below the quick (see diagram).

If you have a cat with very long claws start trimming off very small amounts to begin with. This allows the quick to recede back over time.

The Pet Business Advantage

The importance of pet first aid certification for dog and cat business owners and staff

Running a cat or dog business—whether it’s grooming, pet sitting, boarding, or training—means you’re responsible for the safety and well-being of animals in your care.

One of the most important steps you can take to build trust and professionalism is earning a Pet First Aid Certificate—and encouraging all your staff to do the same.

Accidents can happen at any time. A dog might cut a paw during a walk, or a cat could choke on a toy. With proper pet first aid training, you and your team will know how to respond quickly and correctly in emergencies. This not only protects the animals but also shows clients that their pets are in capable, knowledgeable hands.

Pet first aid certification covers essentials like CPR, wound care, heatstroke, poisoning, and seizure response. These skills can make a critical difference before veterinary care is available. Clients feel more secure knowing their pet care provider is trained for emergencies—not just routine care.

Having certified staff can also set your business apart from competitors. It shows a higher standard of professionalism and care, which can lead to stronger customer loyalty, more referrals, and better online reviews. It’s also a confidence booster for your team, giving them the tools to handle high-pressure situations calmly and effectively.

In some cases, insurance providers may even offer lower premiums or additional coverage to businesses with trained staff.

In short, pet first aid certification isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a valuable asset to your business. It protects the animals, strengthens your brand, and empowers your staff. Investing in this training is a smart move that demonstrates true commitment to animal welfare and professional excellence.

furkids-first-aid-puppy-vet-clinic-markus-winkler

Is It Worth Doing a Pet First Aid Course?

Discover why training is essential for both pet owners and professionals in keeping animals safe during emergencies.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth doing a pet first aid course?” — the short answer is yes. Whether you’re a pet owner or work professionally with animals, having pet first aid knowledge can make a life-saving difference.

Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime — a dog could choke on a ball, a cat might injure its paw, or your pet could ingest something toxic. In these moments, knowing what to do before you get to the vet is critical. A pet first aid course with accompanying books and guidance equips you with the skills to stay calm and take action when every second counts.

For pet owners, the benefit is peace of mind. You’ll learn how to handle common emergencies, spot signs of illness early, and provide immediate care when needed. It’s empowering and can reduce the panic that often comes with pet health scares.

For pet professionals—like groomers, walkers, trainers, or pet sitters—pet first aid training is more than just helpful. It’s a professional asset. It shows clients that you’re serious about animal welfare and safety, making your services more trustworthy and competitive. Some insurance providers even recommend or require first aid certification for coverage.

Courses typically cover topics like CPR, wound management, choking, poisoning, burns, seizures, and heatstroke. They’re usually affordable, easy to access online or in-person, and can often be completed in just a few hours.

In a world where pets are considered family, being prepared isn’t optional—it’s responsible. A pet first aid course gives you the tools to prevent small issues from becoming serious and, in some cases, to save a life.

So yes—investing in a pet first aid course is absolutely worth it. It’s a small commitment with big benefits for anyone who loves or works with animals. For more information take a look at VetPet Academy’s Dog and Cat First Aid Courses.

furkids-first-aid-happy-pet-owner-artem-beliaikin

The Healing Power of Animal Massage for You and Your Pet

How pet massage benefits both pets and their owners by reducing stress, strengthening bonds, and promoting emotional well-being.

Pet massage isn’t just a treat for your furry friend—it’s a powerful form of therapy for both animals and humans. Whether you’re a pet owner looking to improve your dog or cat’s well-being, or a professional in the pet care industry, massage can offer significant emotional and physical benefits for both sides of the leash.

Research has proven that on pets, massage helps reduce anxiety, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support joint flexibility—especially beneficial for older animals or those recovering from injury. It also promotes relaxation and better sleep, and can even strengthen the immune system. Many animals respond quickly to the calming effect of gentle, rhythmic touch, which mimics the nurturing sensations they’d receive in the wild or from their mothers.

But the benefits don’t stop with the pet. As the giver of the massage, research on human well-being has increasingly shown that you also experience therapeutic effects. The act of massaging your pet releases oxytocin—often called the “love hormone”—which fosters a deeper emotional connection and promotes feelings of calm and contentment. It can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and ease symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Pet massage sessions also create a quiet, focused moment between you and your animal. This builds trust and strengthens your bond, enhancing your communication and helping you become more attuned to your pet’s needs and emotions. For pet professionals, offering massage can set your services apart while also benefiting your own mental well-being.

Whether done daily or a few times a week, pet massage is a simple, affordable, and holistic way to care for both your animal and yourself. It’s more than pampering—it’s mutual healing. Learn how to massage your dog or become a professional therapist with VetPet Academy.

furkids-first-aid-dog-clippers-safety-guard

Clipping Dog Nails

Clipping dog nails safely: Tips for trimming your dog’s nails at home without stress

Most dogs do not like having their nails trimmed – so start trimming your puppy’s nails early. This gets them use to having their paws touched, and your job of nail clipping much easier.

Some dogs will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their claws. However, you might have a dog that needs two people – one to hold the dog and one to do the trimming! Don’t worry you aren’t alone!

If your dog is difficult or aggressive when having their nails clipped ask your groomer or vet to do it for you. Alternatively speak to your vet about a low-dose sedative that you can give your dog before nail clipping begins.

CLIPPERS

There are several types of nail clippers, including a guillotine type, a plier type, a scissors type and a grinding type.

The scissor and guillotine types don’t come with a safety guard and are more difficult to control, so cutting too far or at the wrong angle is commonly seen with these types of dog nail clippers.

Some people find the newer grinding type easier to use in dogs because you can shorten the nail more easily with less chance of injury. If used incorrectly these can still cause pain. Other downsides are they can overheat, can be noisy and cause vibrations (which some dogs hate) – so care is still needed.

It all depends on the dog and your ability to which nail tool is best. I find the small plier type with a safety guard the best, especially for older or more nervous dogs. This tool gives me peace of mind due to the safety guard that prevents cutting to far down the nail, and it has no noise or vibration like you would get from a grinder tool.

A COUPLE OF THINGS TO REMEMBER…

The claws on the rear paws of a dog are often shorter and may require less trimming than those on the front paws.
Unlike cats, dogs do not have retractable claws.
Also trim the dew claws that are located on the inner surface of the paw (unless they were removed due to health, safety or welfare reasons and not just for fashion or convenience!).
Some breeds of dogs have 2 sets of dew claws on the rear paws e.g. St Bernards.
Black nails are hard to clip as you cannot see the quick. Clip black nails slowly and little by little.
You can assess if a dogs nails are too long if they make a ‘clicking’ sound when walking on a floor.
Walking or exercising your dog on a paved path/road will help keep your dogs nails short!

THE NAIL

A dogs nail is similar to ours. Like humans the pink part of the nail that can be seen is known as the ‘quick’. The quick is made up of nerves and blood vessels and is highly sensitive. With white nailed dogs the quick is easily seen but can be hard to see on black nailed dogs.

The quick will appear like a small pink center of a dog’s nail. The quick is shorter than the nail itself, and is located between the nail bed and the curve of the dog’s nail. This is what bleeds if you cut nails too short.

If you can’t see the quick look at the bottom of your dog’s black nails; there should be a groove on the underside this separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle – cut below the groove.

Be aware that the quick grows with the nail.

HOW TO CLIP

When looking at your dogs nail, a nail can be considered long when a lot of white nail is seen or the nail is curving downwards.

To trim a nail cut the nail cross-wise at a 45 degree angle below the quick (see diagram).

If you have a dog with very long nails start trimming off very small amounts to begin with. This allows the quick to recede back over time as it also grows with the nail.

When starting out or you’re not sure just take a little of the nail off at a time. If your dog isn’t co-operating or if you are nervous, go to your vet or groomer to get your dogs nails done.