The impact of COVID on the mental wellbeing of pets with Dr Kersti Seksel

Dr Kersti Seksel is a boarded veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and works at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service in Sydney, Australia. She was inspired to learn more about behaviour after being saddened by the high rates of euthanasia due to behavioural reasons seen whilst practicing in the UK. Kersti and I discuss her love of neuropsychology, her passion for helping people understand their animals better and the reasons she likes to keep her practice small and intimate.   Topics discussed include: Changes in human-animal interactions due to COVID restrictions How a change in routine can impact the mental wellbeing of dogs and cats Why underlying mental ill health is making it harder for pets to be resilient to these changes  The reasons for an increase in diagnosed mental illnesses during COVID How increased awareness of mental health in people is benefiting the mental wellbeing of pets Kersti's approach to managing feline behavioural cases and the importance of meeting their environmental needs Kersti's thoughts on alternative therapies and how she incorporates them into treatment plans Top tips on supporting the mental health of pets during the pandemic    You can find Dr Kersti Seksel at http://www.sabs.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.