We all recognize that in addition to preventive health care, necessary medical care, great nutrition, and regular exercise and grooming, good behavior is necessary for a happy long-term relationship with your cat or dog.
From the first visits with a new puppy or kitten, through adulthood to older pets, issues relating to behavior frequently occur, and we can help. If you notice any change in your pets’ routine, please give us a call right away.
We offer individualized behavioral counseling for dogs on a variety of issues including:
- puppy housetraining, socialization
- aggressive behavior
- fear (phobia) of thunder/fireworks/noise
- inappropriate elimination (bathroom habits)
- barking
- chewing
- excessive activity at night
- separation anxiety
- compulsive behaviors and many others
We also offer help for behavior problems with cats for problems such as:
- litter problems – going to bathroom outside of litter box
- aggression with people and cats
- destructive behavior, and many others
What about puppies & kittens?
Starting at your first visit with a new puppy or kitten, our veterinarians will discuss any concerns you may have in introducing this new member of the family.
Our puppy information packages contain a “Puppy Manual” which covers everything you will need to know including training tools, socialization, housetraining, how to prevent biting and chewing, and early obedience lessons.
Our kitten information package will help you with many tips on home care and health care for your kitten.
The “Pet Health” section of our web site contains many specific articles regarding pet behavior issues. Many excellent and inexpensive chew toys for dogs, and catnip cat toys for cats are available in our reception area to keep active minds and mouths busy.
What about obedience classes?
In addition to this information, we can provide a list of local basic obedience trainers whose services range from organized classes to private lessons in your home.
Our veterinary technicians also teach dogs to walk easily while on the leash using the Gentle Leader harness. We provide this service during a day in the hospital.
But what if my pet has specific behavioral problems?
There are times that our pets will develop behaviors that cause anxiety, damage to property, or discomfort for our pets or ourselves. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition can be found to explain the cause of these behaviors. However, if the behavior itself is the primary problem, our veterinarians are trained to provide specific counseling.
A behavior consultation includes a detailed discussion with you of what you have noticed regarding your pet’s health and behavior. We can then offer assistence and guidance. Our veterinarians will provide you with a treatment plan, which may include behavioral modification, different training strategies, and sometimes appropriate medications to control the unwanted behavior. In many cases, if medication is required, it only lasts for a few weeks and once the behavior has been changed, the relationship between you and your pet will be much stronger.
If you are concerned about an aspect of your pet’s behavior, please contact us and request an appointment for a behavioral consultation. For complicated, particularly frustrating or potentially dangerous behavioral problems, we can refer to you veterinary behavior specialists.
How do I know if it’s really a problem?
For any behavior concern, no question is too “silly” to ask. If it is a concern for you or your family, then please make an appointment and discuss this with us so we can help. Behavior concerns generally worsen with time, unless you take corrective measures. You do not want problems to get out of hand, and more difficult to deal with. Please call us right away.
