Dr. Natalie Marks on WGN: Fear Free Makes a Difference for Pets

Fear Free is more than a new buzz word in the veterinary medicine, it is a new way to practice medicine – not only for individual veterinarians and veterinary nurses (technicians), but for entire veterinary practice. On Steve Dale’s Pet World, on WGN Radio, I talk HERE with Dr. Natalie Marks about what this Fear Free thing is all about.

There are over 20,000 Fear Free certifications world-wide, Marks says. And dog trainers and groomers and other professionals are certified too.

At Bum Animal Hospital, there’s even a Fear Free certified menu

We talk about how no matter what veterinarians and veterinary practices, like Blum Animal Hospital, do to lower fear, anxiety and stress – Fear Free begins in homes. For example, how to use pheromones like Adaptil (for dogs)and Feliway (for cats), and how they naturally help animals feel more comfortable in their own environments.  We offer examples of how practices are Fear Free, like Blum, and what that means for your pet.

We under-estimate how much body language tells us about our pets’ emotions  – even at home – you can read more in the book “From Fearful to Fear Free,” by Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary behaviorists Dr. Lisa Radosta and Dr. Wailiani Sung and dog trainer Mikkel Becker.

Many of our pets experience fear FAR too often. Sometimes we totally get when that happens (going to the veterinarian or groomer, for example) and sometimes we don’t know it’s even occurring (like a dog just sitting and yawning who may me stressed out and not tired).

For example, you walk into the entrance at Blum, and on one side there’s a dog entrance, and then a separate entrance for cats and why.

There’s calming music playing too – and Dr.Marks notes how classical music and even reggae music matter, and why.

Learn more about Fear Free, or Fear Free Happy Homes.

Here’s me and Dr. Marks on HouseSmarts TV, talking about Fear Free.

Dr. Marty Becker created Fear Free, and all are smiling