Beckett & Associates Veterinary Services, LLC

04/29/2026

Cone life doesn’t have to be a struggle 🐾💙

Whether your pet just had surgery or is recovering from a skin irritation, an .Elizabethan collars or E-collars (a.k.a. the “cone of shame”) are an important part of healing and keeping them safe. We know it can look a little funny and can seem inconvenient, but it’s one of the best tools to prevent licking, scratching, and setbacks.

Here are some simple tips and tricks to help your pet adjust to cone life and stay comfortable while they heal.

Remember: the cone is temporary, but proper healing is forever! 🐶🐱

If you have questions about your pet’s recovery, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic—we’re here to help every step of the way.

04/25/2026

Happy World Veterinary Day! 🐄🐑🐓

From safeguarding animal well-being to protecting the integrity of our food systems, veterinarians play an essential role in keeping our communities healthy, our farms resilient, and our food supply secure and sustainable.

Join us in saying thank you to the veterinary professionals who make a difference every day.

💚 What’s one way a veterinarian has supported your farm or community?

04/22/2026

The recent warm weather means that those pests are out in full force! External, or ecto-, parasites only affect the outside of the body. An animal with ectoparasites is said to have an infestation. Each type of parasite has their own method of feeding and preferred host, but they all cause pretty nasty side effects. Preventing these pests from reaching your animal is an important part of routine wellness care. Ask your vet or call the office to discuss recommended products to make your season parasite free!

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

Kai was so sweet for her first puppy exam with us! We can't wait to watch her grow!

04/13/2026

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week! 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, with children being the most common victims. See the graphic below for some prevention tips and check out the AVMA’s website dedicated to bite prevention. Also watch their kid-friendly videos about Jimmy the Dog to learn helpful information!



https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention

04/08/2026

🌿 Not all greenery is pet-friendly!

Common outdoor and household plants can be toxic to animals—even in small amounts. Here is a list of some of the toxic plants you should look out for in and around your home. Symptoms may include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, tremors, or worse, so don’t wait!

If you think your pet may have eaten any part of a toxic plant, don’t wait, contact your veterinarian as well as ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661

03/27/2026

New Patient Alert!
We recently had the privilage to meet Abby, just look at those sweet eyes!

03/25/2026

🐴 Ground Manners & Equine Training: More Than Just Good Behavior 🐴
Good ground manners are a vital part of your horse’s overall health, safety, and well-being. From leading calmly to standing quietly for exams, these foundational skills help create safer, less stressful interactions for both horses and handlers.

Key skills every horse should have:
• Leading politely without pulling or crowding
• Respecting personal space
• Standing quietly for grooming and exams
• Allowing handling of legs, ears, and mouth
• Loading and unloading calmly

Tools for training:
• Well-fitting halter (nylon or leather; rope halters can offer clearer signals when used correctly)
• Lead rope (8–12 ft for everyday handling; longer lines for advanced work)
• Gloves for handler safety
• Sturdy footwear (closed-toe boots)
• Dressage whip or training stick (as an extension of the arm—not for punishment)
• Cones or poles for spatial awareness and obstacle exercises
• Treat pouch if using reward-based training
• Long line or lunge line for distance and control exercises

⚠️ Equipment should enhance communication—not replace training or force compliance.
⚠️ Remember: changes in behavior can sometimes be a sign of pain or underlying medical issues. If your horse is suddenly resistant or reactive, a veterinary exam may be needed before addressing training concerns.
⚠️ For young horses, rescue horses, or challenging behaviors, working with a qualified trainer alongside your veterinarian can make all the difference.

03/23/2026

Training your cat? 🐱 Impossible? No. Whether it's teaching them to come when called or mastering the litter box, patience and consistency are key! 🐾 With the right techniques, your feline can be both playful and well-behaved. The key is motivation, patience, and respect for their independence

Core Training Principles
• Positive reinforcement: treats, praise, play.
• Train when your cat is relaxed but alert (before meals works well).
• Short sessions: 3–5 minutes, 1–3 times daily.
• Consistency matters more than intensity.

Litter Box Habits
• Keep boxes clean (scoop daily).
• Place boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas.
• Avoid sudden litter changes
• If problems occur, rule out medical issues first.

Scratching & Furniture Protection
• Offer multiple scratching surfaces (cardboard, carpet, etc)
• Place scratchers where your cat already scratches.
• Reward correct scratching.
• Use double-sided tape or furniture guards temporarily.

Biting, Scratching & Aggression
• Never use hands as toys.
• Stop play immediately if teeth or claws come out.
• Redirect to toys.
• Watch for overstimulation signs: tail lashing, ears back, dilated pupils.
• A blast of compressed air or water can stop aggressive behavior before it escalates.

Behavior & Confidence Training
• Gradually expose your cat to new people, pets, or environments.
• Pair new experiences with treats.
• Don’t force interactions, let your cat approach.

Carrier & Vet Training (Highly Recommended)
• Leave the carrier out year-round. A plastic, or hard-sided carrier is recommended.
• Feed treats or meals inside it.
• Practice short, calm trips.
• This reduces stress during vet visits.

Mental & Physical Enrichment
• Daily interactive play (wand toys, puzzle feeders).
• Rotate toys weekly to keep interest high.
• Window perches and climbing spaces help reduce boredom.

If a behavior suddenly changes, check with your vet, cats often act out when something feels wrong.

03/20/2026

Happy First Day of Spring!

03/18/2026

Do you have a new pup? Do you want to teach your old dog some new tricks? Training can feel overwhelming, but it is very necessary in order to maintain a strong, happy relationship with your pet. Here are the basic steps to start a training routine:

1. Set your goals
•Decide what you want your pet trained for (house manners, socializing, sporting, etc). This will be based off of your life style and breed-specific needs of your pet.

2. Consistency is key
•Training is a life-long process. Start your practice sessions at home then introduce real world scenarios.
•Practice daily, keep sessions short and fun, and always end on a positive note. Try keeping individual sessions focused on one skill at a time to avoid confusion.
•Keep your rules and expectations the same all the time. Frequent changes cause confusion and stress for your pet. Set them up for success! All family members should be on the same page about what is expected of your pet.

3. Reward
•Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or toys. Avoid punishment or fear-based methods, and remember consistency and timing are key.

4. Don’t be afraid to hire a trainer
•Each pet comes with their own personality and quirks. A professional trainer can help navigate these and create the best plan to train pet AND owner. Find a trainer who is experienced in the specific challenges/goals you have with your pet.

Our office is always available to provide guidance and give contact information for local trainers. If you have specific training or behavior concerns, a consult can be schedule to discuss your issues more in depth with a doctor.