Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB, MBA

07/03/2025

🎆🐾 Fireworks & Keeping Pets Comfortable and Safe on July 4th:

As we gear up for another Independence Day, here’s a timely throwback to my 2023 interview on LAist 89.3FM’s AirTalk with Larry Mantle.

We covered how to help your pets stay safe, calm, and secure while fireworks light up the sky. We explored:

🔸 The stress fireworks can cause our pets
🔸 Why shelters become overwhelmed this time of year
🔸 Practical ways to create a “safe haven” at home

💡 Key takeaways include:
✔️ Prepping your pet ahead of time
✔️ Sound desensitization tips
✔️ Using white noise or noise-canceling headphones
✔️ Creating comfort zones with toys and treats
✔️ Discussing anti-anxiety medications with your veterinarian

🎧 Listen to the radio interview + read the article here:

https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-activities/la-fireworks-rules-regulations-and-pet-safety-this-july-fourth-what-to-know

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Know the rules, and how to keep your nervous fur babies safe and secure.

03/31/2025

7 Common Mistakes that Humans Make when Greeting Dogs.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Dlqcz62KwaQ?si=CD_xeUVNuoXsIu7z

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Are you unknowingly making one of the 7 mistakes people make when greeting a dog? 😬Hi, I'm Dr. Rachel Malamed, a veterinary psychiatrist based in Los Angele...

03/17/2025

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03/13/2025

Cooperative care tip - administering medication to a cat.

Dont trick and instead build trust! Skip putting the meds in their meals which can cause a food aversion and can often not work after a few attempts and instead do the 1-2-3 medication technique ⁣ Found 2-3 treats your pet loves and start the process: 1. Approach and offer a treat. 2. Offer a seco...

03/11/2025

New Podcast Episode! 🚨

Ever wondered what your pet really needs to thrive? 🐶🐱
I sat down with Amy Castro to talk about how we can better understand our pets' needs and build stronger, healthier relationships with them.

In her latest podcast episode, we dive into:

🔹 Ways we misinterpret body language.
🔹 How to honor your pet’s uniqueness instead of trying to fit them into a mold.
🔹 Why forcing pets out of their comfort zone can backfire.
🔹 The connection between emotional and physical well-being.
🎧 Listen now and pass it along: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../loving.../id1668397502...
👇 Follow me for more pet behavior insights:

🐾 Instagram: [https://lnkd.in/gStPaUHC]
🐾 YouTube: [https://lnkd.in/gRX48CFg]
🐾 Facebook Group: Dr. Malamed’s Veterinary Psychiatry & Behavior Support for Pet Parents [https://lnkd.in/g5GFrNmG]
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01/18/2025

This illustration (created by Valerie Fletcher) reminds me why I love what I do. It also highlights some of the challenges and truths about addressing behavior problems in pets:

1️⃣ The Human-Animal Bond and Dynamic Matters.
Behavioral issues don’t exist in isolation from the humans involved. As veterinarians, we’re not just treating the animal—we’re navigating the human-animal bond. Pet parents bring emotions like guilt, frustration, and even a sense of defeat to these consultations. Their circumstances, perceptions, goals, and barriers are critical to implementing effective treatments. Honestly, there are moments I wish a social worker or a human psychiatrist could be sitting right next to me.

2️⃣ It’s Not Just About Dogs and Cats:
While most behavior discussions focus on dogs and cats, there are so many other species with behavioral challenges—birds, pocket pets, even equine companions. Let’s make sure these animals are part of the conversation too.

3️⃣ Behavior and Medicine Are Inseparable:
Medical issues often contribute to behavioral problems. Physical and emotional health are deeply interconnected, and it’s our responsibility as veterinarians to address both. We’re not just behaviorists—we’re veterinarians caring for the whole animal.

Every case is unique, involving a complex interplay of human and animal factors. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact for both pets and their people.

What are your thoughts on these dynamics in veterinary behavior? Are there species or aspects of the field you feel deserve more attention?

Let’s keep the conversation going!

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01/05/2025

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12/19/2024

Tips to help reduce your pet's stress due to fireworks!

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11/14/2024

Did you know that pain can be a hidden reason behind a pet’s aggressive behavior? In this video, we’ll take a closer look at how discomfort might be affecting your furry friend’s actions. Sometimes, what seems like bad behavior is actually their way of telling you something’s wrong.

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Dr. Rachel Malamed

Did you know that pain can be a hidden reason behind a pet’s aggressive behavior? In this short, we’ll take a closer look at how discomfort might be affectin...