- Monsieur Burns

Finding an English speaking veterinarian in the Geneva area was of utmost importance to my husband and me.  We went to other English speaking Geneva animal hospitals but were delighted when we met Dr. Omaboe.  We need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with our pet’s veterinarian as he has health issues which require constant monitoring.  We are able to communicate well with Dr. Omaboe and are so pleased to have found the Cabinet Vétérinaire International.
- Madame Johnson

Gradually exposing a dog to the situations which may make him anxious will quiet his fear and demonstrate to him that new stimuli are not necessarily dangerous.  An anxious barking dog will react to new sights, smells, and sounds in a negative way, so it makes sense to make these things commonplace for him.  Proper communication between a dog and its owner is crucial in the understanding of his behavior.  A dog’s perception of the world around him is very different from that of a human’s.

Training your dog to stop barking should begin before the problem seems insurmountable.  Creating distance between the dog and his motivation to bark by using a barrier like a crate or fencing is a good start.  You may also want to distract the dog with another engaging activity.  In the beginning, reward him with food or attention immediately after he stops barking.  You may want to employ a common obedience command such as “stop” in conjunction with the reward.   Then, as he progresses, increase the amount of time between his stopping barking and his reward.  When you’ve noticed significant improvement, or that he’s getting the concept of no bark = reward, gradually move him closer to, and eventually introduce him to, the things that have caused him anxiety.  By using socialization and habituation methods, you will show your dog that the stimuli for which he expressed so much anxiety are really nothing to worry about.

You may also choose to utilize a remote leash with a head halter.  When the dog barks, a tug on the leash will pull the muzzle closed to stop the barking.  The dog can then be rewarded if he remains quiet.

Remember, it may be necessary to consult with a professional obedience trainer or your veterinarian, should your efforts in calming your dog’s barking be unsuccessful.

The myth that debarking surgery is acceptable needs to be debunked.  Your dog’s ability and need to bark are a necessary part of his nature.  To take it away would be cruel and inhumane.

Mies, Switzerland – June 7, 2009 – It was 3:00 a.m. in Florida, USA when Spaz, a Chihuahua mix, woke his hearing impaired owner with an urgent plea for what she thought was an outdoor potty visit.  After the two arrived outside, she realized that her home was on fire.

She would have never heard the smoke alarm.  She wasn’t wearing her hearing aid.

Ms. Miller acted as a keen receptor for her dog’s message – because she had learned his language.  Had she not been sensitive to her dog’s body and verbal language, she may have dismissed his need to go outside as a plea for attention or a testament of hunger.  Thankfully, she was fluent in the language of dog.

A similar situation recently arose in Majorca, Spain.  A Pomeranian named Tschuti discovered his owner’s husband unconscious in the garage, with what doctors would later determine to be a ruptured aorta (a deadly condition).  Tschuti alerted his owner, a nurse, who called an ambulance.  The man was rushed into surgery, and his life was spared.  Had it not been for Tschuti, he would likely not have made it…

And if it hadn’t been for Dr. Nortey Omaboe at Cabinet Vétérinaire International, Tschuti would not have been able to perform his life-saving feat.  Only a few years prior to the incident, Tschuti was tetraplegic.  He couldn’t walk; couldn’t even lift his little head.  After an extensive stay in intensive care, the expert care of Dr. Omaboe, and fluent communication with Tschuti’s owner, the dog recovered, and proved himself man’s best friend.

Dr. Omaboe sites both dog hero stories as prime examples of how the elimination of language barriers can save lives – whether the barrier exists between humans and animals or between two humans speaking different native languages.  When he sees clients in his Geneva veterinary clinic, he’s able to converse fluently in English, German, and French.  He sums up the seriousness of language barriers in animal hospitals when he says, “If I were not able to communicate freely with dogs’ owners, then crucial questions, answers, information, and instructions would be missed, placing dogs’ wellbeing and lives in jeopardy.”

Switzerland is a country without a single national language.  Instead, it has taken on the language of its bordering countries, including English.

Rather than limit himself to ministering to only a small portion of the Swiss population’s dogs, Dr. Omaboe has chosen to expand his practice, and his ability to heal, by tripling his language capacity.  Not only does he speak the language of dogs, reading their subtleties for valuable diagnosis information, but he can give and receive valuable information from their owners…the ones with the keys to the preservation of their best friends.

“Kudos to Spaz and Tschuti,” says Dr. Omaboe, with a sprinkling of pride and a flood of understanding.  “Dogs and owners have demonstrated gives-and-takes that not all relationships can accomplish.”

But, Dr. Nortey is working on changing that.

To see the original version of this press release click here.

Dogs’ Allergy Symptoms are Troublesome in Any Language

Whether you find yourself in the midst of a bleak Winter, or beneath the oppressive heat of a Summer sun, you will eventually, and inevitably, find yourself immersed in yet another Spring. Spring is welcomed by many, but if you or your dog suffer from allergy symptoms, it can be more like a time to hole up inside. Humans and dogs can share many of the same allergy symptoms – itching, watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, fatigue – and the resulting sickness can make Spring a doggone drag. Itchy skin can cause excessive licking, biting, and scratching, resulting in painful hotspots, which can become infected.

Antihistamines for your dog are often helpful for allergy symptoms that are strictly seasonal (lasting for only a few months of the year). Dogs that suffer from allergic reactions year-round are best treated with alternate methods, after being diagnosed using holistic, blood, or skin testing. Some may require regular injections, immunotherapy, bioresonance treatment, or homeopathic means.

Dr. Omaboe can outline procedures and treatments, in English, that can bring your dog relief from his or her reactions to any number of irritants. Relief for some year-round sufferers might come in the form of a medicated shampoo or a diet change. If more complex remedies are required, Dr. Omaboe will comprehensively detail all of the treatments to you so that you can make informed and sensible decisions.

Flowers Aren’t the Only Things Coming to Life in the Springtime

As the weather warms, everything seems to be hatching, being born, coming alive. Including all of the creepy crawlies that hold the potential to plague your dog’s health. Heartworm (in dogs imported into Switzerland), fleas, and ticks all carry pathogens, and can easily be transmitted to humans. Ideally, preventatives for these three scoundrels should be given year-round. If you have discontinued use, the vet’s advice is to “Resume treatment as soon as possible.”

Spaying and Neutering Eliminates Springtime Heartbreak

Because many pet owners don’t take the time to have their dogs spayed or neutered, many unwanted puppies are born during the Spring, and end up in shelters, or worse. Be a hero. Spay or neuter your dog when he or she turns six months of age. When households and shelters aren’t overrun with animals, they can better care for, and adopt out, the ones they have. Spaying and neutering also cuts the risk of certain dog illnesses, including cancer.

Ask a Vet: Namely, Dr. Omaboe, your English Speaking Animal Doctor for any Season

No matter if you have questions regarding your dog’s general health, or your dog’s allergy symptoms, or you want to explore other avenues of therapy, or you need to start your dog on parasite preventative treatment, or you want to schedule the spaying or neutering of your dog, Dr. Omaboe is prepared to converse with you about what is in your dog’s best interest…in a language that is your own.

Yes, Dr. Omaboe speaks English fluently.

If my dog is kept after surgery, may I visit?

We do permit visiting, provided that your dog is being kept for an extended period of time following veterinary surgery. If your dog’s procedure is an outpatient one, we ask that you refrain from arriving early for pick-up, so that we may be permitted to monitor your dog and ensure that he or she is ready to go home.

Why is my dog vomiting?

When a dog vomits, it’s not considered to be an illness in and of itself. Instead, it is most always a symptom of other dog health problem(s). If your dog’s vomiting follows, or is accompanied by, any of the following, call Cabinet Veterinaire International as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. *

• Consumption of a toxic substance (chemical, plant, chocolate, medication)

• Persistent vomiting for more than 2 days

• Lethargy

• Decreased appetite

• Refusal to drink

• Dehydration (dry mouth)

• External sensitivity of the abdominal area

• Diarrhea

• Fever

Why does my dog have diarrhea?

When a dog has diarrhea, it’s not considered to be an illness in and of itself. Instead, it is most always a symptom of other dog health problem(s). Parasites, bacteria, viruses, or a bad diet can all result in canine diarrhea. If your dog’s diarrhea follows, or is accompanied by, any of the following, call Cabinet Veterinaire International as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. *

• Consumption of a toxic substance (chemical, plant, chocolate, medication)

• Refusal of food

• Refusal to drink

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Geriatric age ( over 8 )

• Fever

• Dehydration (dry mouth)

• Abdominal discomfort when palpated

• Persistent diarrhea for more than 2 days

• Previously diagnosed dog health problems

Why do dogs scoot?

Scooting, or a dog’s dragging of his or her rear end on grass or carpet, is symptomatic of any number of problems. A perianal tumor, parasite infestation, diarrhea, or problematic anal glands can be culprits. Most commonly, the anal glands will need to be examined. Some dogs are prone to infection, swelling, or impaction of those glands, all of which cause great discomfort, and require a trip to the veterinary clinic. Avoid further complications by calling Cabinet Veterinaire International so that the cause of the scooting may be established and resolved. *

What are common symptoms of a dog’s allergy problems?

If you’ve ever suffered from an allergic reaction, you will easily be able to recognize your dog’s similar symptoms. Your dog’s itching, sneezing, watery eyes, running nose, and swelling are all indicative of an allergic reaction. Common allergens include dust mites, food, pollen, fleas, etc. You’ll find more information on this website’s Seasonal Concerns page. *

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs?

If your dog is experiencing loss of appetite, fatigue, and joint pain, it may or may not be Lyme Disease, but either way, Cabinet Veterinaire International should be contacted. When winters are moderate, as in Switzerland, ticks often survive the less-than-frigid temperatures, increasing their own population, and the number of Lyme Disease cases. For this reason, it’s important to examine your dog for ticks regularly, and remove and destroy any that you find. Our animal hospital is prepared to offer the Lyme Disease dog vaccine, preventative pet medication to deter ticks, and to test for the bacteria responsible for this debilitating disease. *

Do you offer emergency veterinary services?

Yes, Cabinet Veterinaire International prides itself in our 24/7 emergency response. Our telephone line is equipped to take messages any time of the day or night. Leave a message, and as long as your phone line is not busy or blocked, Dr. Omaboe or one of his staff members will contact you promptly. This service is intended for emergency situations only. Vaccinations, dog spaying and neutering, regular appointment scheduling, appointment rescheduling, concerns about dog grooming, and similar circumstances are not considered emergency situations. Please call during regular business hours to ask your dog health questions or to schedule an appointment for preventative care or non-emergency issues. Remember, by becoming a Cabinet Veterinaire International VIP Member, you’ll be privy to a host of benefits, including online appointment scheduling – it’s just like having your own online vet! *

Do you endorse other pet services companies?

We do not sanction any outside companies for pet services, but do gladly offer links to the following providers for your convenience:

• Pet Photography

• Pet Memorials

• Dog walker

• Pet Relocation

• Pet Loss and Grievance

*This medical information is intended for giving direction in interpreting your dog’s broad symptoms. It is not meant to be used as a substitute for our animal hospital’s diagnoses.

By raising the dog health care bar, we’ve been able to offer the absolute best in medical care, to eliminate pet medication when possible, and to focus on preventative and therapeutic care.

We offer:

• Pediatric Care for Your Puppy

• Gerontology, for Your Older Dog

• Dental Cleaning and Extractions

• Internal Medicine, including Cardiac Care, Veterinary Surgery, and Endoscopy

• 24-hour, 7-day Emergency Veterinary Services

• Preventative Dog Health Care

• Chinese Medicine, including Acupunture

• Alternative Medicine, including Homeopathy and Bioresonance

• Diagnostic Services, including Radiology and Ultrasound, and access to CAT Scan and MRI

• Dog ID Micro-chipping (as per Switzerland’s Regulations)

• Onsite Pharmacy and Diagnostic Laboratory

• Dog Grooming

• Care of Exotic Animals

• Veterinarian that speaks English, French, and German fluently