T or F: Communication and Veterinary Professional Support Services Flashcards
T or F: Compulsive behaviours in pets include actions performed repetitively and out of context
True
They are often due to stress, anxiety, or underlying behavioural issues. Ex. are excessive grooming, tail chasing, paw licking, etc
T or F: Adolescent testing in animals refers to the phase when young animals test boundaries, often seen as rebellious behaviour.
True
Young animals often test boundaries during adolescence, manifesting as challenging or rebellious behaviour. Educating clients to know the age at which their pet is in adolescence is vital for training, as it is important to understand these boundaries are being tested and to not punish these actions negatively. Positive reinforcement, patience, and training are recommended during this phase.
T or F: Physical development in animals includes stages such as the neonatal period, transition period, and socialization period
False
These are stages of behavioural development, not physical development. Behavioural development includes the neonatal period (first few days of life), the transition period (when animals start to gain some independence), and the socialization period (when animals are most receptive to learning about their environment). Physical development would include growth, dentition, reproductive development, etc
T or F: Territorial aggression in dogs is triggered when they perceive an intruder in their territory, such as their home or their yard
True
Territorial aggression can manifest when a dog perceives someone or something as an intruder in its territory, leading to behaviours like growling, barking, or even biting. It’s important for owners to understand the signs of territorial aggression and to take steps to prevent their animals from being territorial.
T or F: Fear-induced aggression in dogs occurs when they feel trapped or threatened.
True
Fear-induced aggression can manifest when a dog feels cornered or threatened, leading to snarling, snapping, or biting behaviours. Educating owners on positive training and desensitization is important to prevent fear aggression in their pets. If aggression occurs, especially in young dogs, it’s vital to get proper training to prevent the aggression from progressing, and even medications may be required to prevent fear and anxiety.
T or F: Negative reinforcement involves introducing an unpleasant stimulus to reduce a undesired behaviour
False
Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus when the desired behaviour is performed. The “negative” in the phrase doesn’t refer to punishment but to the removal of a stimulus as opposed to the addition of one. The technique described in the question is positive punishment as a stimulus is added. In negative punishment, a positive stimulus is removed in response to an undesired behaviour.
T or F: The socialization period in puppies typically occurs between 3-14 weeks of age.
True
The socialization period is a critical time when puppies are most receptive to learning about their environment, other species, and their own species. This period is generally between 3-12 weeks, but some breeds can stay in this period until 14 weeks. It’s important to educate owners on the importance of this socialization period, as it is vital to an animal’s development. However, puppies should be properly vaccinated and treated with parasite prevention before socializing with any new animal to prevent disease.
T or F: Separation anxiety in pets is characterized by behaviours such as excessive barking, destruction, and inappropriate elimination when left alone.
True
When left alone pets with separation anxiety may exhibit signs like whining, baring, or howling. They may also engage in destructive behaviours or urinate or defecate indoors. Separation anxiety can sometimes be treated with desensitization and training but sometimes may require medication.
T or F: Human foods are typically safe for pets and can be promoted as a useful reinforcement tool during training
False
Certain human foods are toxic to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are some examples of foods that can be harmful to dogs and cats. Avoiding human food is the best way to avoid toxins for animals.
T or F: Hydration isn’t as crucial for cats since they don’t drink as much water as dogs.
False
Hydration is vital for all pets. While cats don’t drink as much water as dogs, they still need adequate hydration. Wet cat food can help provide additional moisture in their diet.
T or F: All life stages of pets, from puppies and kittens to senior animals, have the same nutritional requirements
False
Different life stages of pets have varying nutritional needs. For instance, puppies and kittens require more protein and certain nutrients for growth, while senior animals might have different caloric and nutritional needs based on their activity level and health status. It is important to communicate these needs to clients as their pet develops to meet their changing needs
T or F: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, may be treated with prescription diets.
True
Prescription diets are specially designed to manage or treat specific medical conditions such as kidney disease, urinary issues, or obesity. Examples of veterinary prescription diets include Hill’s and Royal Canin
T or F: Supplements should only be given to pets if prescribed or recommended by a veterinarian.
True
While some supplements can benefit pets, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure they’re safe and the appropriate dose for the individual animal.
T or F: Pets with specific medical conditions, like kidney disease, might benefit from a specialized diet
True
Certain medical conditions can be managed or improved with specialized diets. For instance, pets with kidney disease might benefit from a diet lower in protein and phosphorus.
T or F: All commercial pet foods meet the basic nutritional requirements of pets
False
While many commercial pet foods are formulated to meet general nutritional standards, the quality and nutritional value can vary. It’s essential to choose high-quality pet foods and consult with a veterinarian about the best options for individual pets.
T or F: It’s always safe to give pets a raw food diet as long as it’s from a trusted source.
False
Raw food diets can pose risks such as bacterial contamination. It’s essential to consult with. veterinarian before making significant changes to a pet’s diet.
T or F: Overweight pets are at a risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
True
Obesity in pets can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems like arthritis. It’s vital for owners to understand the decrease in quality of life when an animal is obese, and the lifelong risks associated with weight. Encouraging animals to be active and to eat only their required daily calories is essential for a long and healthy life.
T or F: It’s safe to feed cats a vegetarian or vegan diet as longas they get the right supplements.
False
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require certain nutrients found primarily in animal-based sources. A vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to deficiencies unless very carefully managed, and it’s generally not recommended without veterinary guidance.
T or F: It’s essential to educate clients about the risks and side effects of procedures to promote the health of the animals and ensure the safety of the client.
True
Educating clients about potential risks and side effects is crucial for informed decision-making and ensuring the animal’s well-being and the client’s safety.
T or F: A pre-anesthetic assessment is only necessary for certain patients undergoing anesthesia
False
Pre-anesthetic assessment is vital to determine the animal’s health status and any potential risks before undergoing anesthesia. This must be performed for all patients undergoing anesthesia
T or F: Anesthetic maintenance does not require monitoring
False
Continuous monitoring during anesthetic maintenance is crucial to ensure the animal’s safety and make necessary adjustments
T or F: If administered properly, al anesthetic medications are free from side effects and interactions
False
Like all medications, anesthetic drugs can have side effects and potential interaction with other medications. These risks are present even when drugs are administered properly.
T or F: pain assessment port surgery is NOT optional and ALWAYS necessary
True
Pain assessment post-surgery is essential to ensure the animal’s comfort and well-being
T or F: Dental health is part of client education
True
Dental procedures, including cleaning and preventative measures, are essential components of procedural education
T or F: Diagnostic imaging procedures only include radiography
False
Diagnostic imaging encompasses various techniques, including radiography, ultrasonography, and contrast studies
T or F: Professional ethics in veterinary medicine are subjective and vary widely
False
There are established professional ethics, such as the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, that provide guidelines for conduct in the profession
T or F: Communicating with the client should be prioritized over communicating with the veterinary medical team
False
Effective communication with both the veterinary medical team and the client is crucial for optimal patient care and smooth operations
