When one considers that pets will eat not only their own excrement but also just about anyone else’s, it becomes readily apparent that taste aversion is a challenging problem. Animal behaviorists call this “taste aversion training.” An important point to remember is that undesirable licking is usually a behavioral, not medical, predicament. Accordingly, Yuk-2e is most effective when used in conjunction with simple behavioral therapy. On the other hand self-mutilation is a more complicated psychological and sometimes medical issue. No anti-lick product will have a 100% success rate against self-mutilation. Very aggressive Yuk-2e treatment may help some of these patients. Also keep in mind that if the patient is in sufficient discomfort or pain no aversive therapy will stop them. Obviously these patients will need therapy appropriate for their disorder. The first secret of success with Yuk-2e is to make the pet’s first experience as unpleasant as humanely possible. The most common reason for lack of success is the user’s reluctance to give an adequate first dose. The second secret for success is using copious quantities of Yuk-2e. We had one report of a wildly energetic monosynaptic retriever cross-breed that was thoroughly dedicated to removing a foot bandage. It took three tubes of Yuk-2e to turn him off. Though admittedly an expensive deterrence, the owners were very happy that he did not tear apart a $300 surgery. Moreover, they did not have to wrestle with an Elizabethan collar. Therefore it is imperative that before applying Yuk-2e to the target area that the following instructions are followed:
Apply one to two healthy 1 inch dabs of Yuk-2e directly to the pet’s hard palate before applying it to the target area.
Apply a copious quantity (at least 1 tbs) of Yuk-2e to the deterrent area. If the pet is still intent on licking then reapply Yuk-2e to the deterrent area every 5 to 10 minutes.
If the pet still tries to lick give 2 to 3 more 1 inch doses directly on the hard palate. Perseverance is the key.
If you are dispensing Yuk-2e to a client it is often helpful for a technician to give the first dose while the pet is still in the hospital. This will increase the likelihood of the pet’s first encounter with Yuk-2e being an unpleasant one. It is still recommended that the owner also give the oral application at home as well.
