The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) is hosting its first Online Veterinary Conference on Sunday 26 September titled “Growing Pains: Addressing adolescence in companion animals,” set to be a fascinating day of talks and Q and A opportunities with each speaker, without the hassle and expenses of travel and accommodation. The conference will be recorded so anyone unable to attend live will have access to the presentations and Q and As for 30 days afterwards. Speakers include:
- Veterinary Behaviourist Amber Batson – Amber works both in clinical practice and provides behaviour and welfare education internationally. Amber’s sessions will be looking at changes to the brain during adolescence, the effects of stress during adolescence, puberty, the effects of neutering on behaviour and health, recovery from neutering including managing the adolescent on confined rest, and health issues that may rear their heads in this time.
- Gwen Covey-Crump, Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia – Gwen runs a multi-disciplinary chronic pain referral service, working alongside a team of physiotherapists and collaborating with specialist colleagues in surgery, neurology, oncology, medicine and behaviour. Gwen will be discussing identification of pain in younger pets and possible causes, exploring myths, misconceptions and practical treatment options, as well as how to prevent chronic pain developing in the first place.
- RVN and Clinical Animal Behaviourist Caroline Clark – as well as working directly with owners to help them with their pet’s health and behaviour, Caroline also helps veterinary practices become more behaviourally aware and provides in-person and online CPD courses and webinars. Caroline will be providing advice on how to mitigate patient stress in the veterinary environment including helping adolescent pets affected by the COVID pandemic who may have developed negative associations with the practice.
APBC Chair Dr Anne McBride says: “As vets are warned that the rise in behavioural problems among so-called ‘pandemic puppies‘ is only likely to get worse as lockdown restrictions are lifted and as they reach adolescence, it is a good time for the veterinary team to refresh knowledge to help provide advice to owners. Adolescence is a notorious time of behavioural change and challenges and when owners typically seek support, particularly those who may never have owned a certain species before. Veterinary staff are well-placed to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on pets, and to ensure that advice regarding neutering, exercise and behaviour is appropriate and that handling and examination is conducted in a manner to reduce stress for all involved.”
Early Bird Ticket prices are on sale until the end of July and can be purchased from the website.
