Debbie Martin has been a full-time registered or licensed veterinary technician since 1996. She is the animal behavior technician for Veterinary Behavior Consultations and co-owner of TEAM Education in Animal Behavior. Ms. Martin is a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in behavior, a certified animal trainer, as well as a published author.
| 1:10 PM-2:00 PM |
Basic Behavior PharmacologyThis session explores the various classes of commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications. As a veterinary technician, it is important to recognize potential side effects and contra-indications of behavioral medications that patients in your care may be taking. |
| 2:10 PM-3:00 PM |
Prevention is Easier Than Treatment! The Importance of Preventive Behavioral ServicesAs they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This certainly is true with canine and feline behavioral concerns related to fear, anxiety, and stress. With behavior issues being the number one reason for pet relinquishment, it is imperative that veterinary hospitals provide preventive behavioral services for their clients/patients. An overview of several preventive services that can be offered within the hospital will be explored. |
| 3:10 PM-4:00 PM |
Fear Free®: Learning to Listen to Our PatientsHow do cats and dogs perceive the veterinary hospital? What are they learning during their experiences there? If your patient could talk, what would he/she be saying right now? This presentation will help to answer these questions. Identifying how cats’ and dogs’ sensory perceptions vary from our own and how pleasant and unpleasant associations can be made, allows us to infer what it may be like to walk in their paws. |
| 4:10 PM-5:00 PM |
The Fear Free® Veterinary Experience: From Home to Hospital and Home AgainThe veterinary visit begins at home. Decreasing fear and stress associated with a veterinary visit requires a team approach. This session will explore tips for at-home preparation by the pet owner, as well as cost-effective strategies veterinary hospitals can implement to cultivate a relaxing and inviting environment from the front door to the back door. |
