One of our AMC doctors, Dr. Stephen Long has a special interest in helping clients solve behavior problems in their pets. Note: he can’t help you with human teenagers! But many common problems, such as thunder phobia and other noise phobia can be helped.
Behavior consultations involve a detailed behavioral history, behavior profile with temperament evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. A treatment plan is provided that includes behavioral and environmental modification and training recommendations. Anxiety-relieving medications may be prescribed/recommended pending your pet’s condition. There is no magic pill that will fix behavior problems by itself but when behavior is abnormal, medications can sometimes help them get back to normal. Sometimes it only requires short-term medications.
Some of the common types of behavior disorders we treat are:
- Anxiety – separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, specific fears
- Inappropriate elimination – house soiling, marking, litterbox training, submissive/excitement urination
- Intra house aggression
- Shyness
- Barking
- Digging and escaping
- Begging
- Jumping on people
- Chewing
It is important to intervene early with behavioral issues, before the behavior becomes a learned habit. Sometimes a trainer is helpful, but some problems require a veterinary behaviorist. It is also important to realize that there are no magic pills that will change your pet’s behavior, and change will not happen overnight. Many behavior problems require a multi-modal solution involving medication as well as behavior modification techniques, and must be individualized to each animal.
Behavioral consultation appointments are usually about an hour long. We recommend that you bring in a stool or urine sample if your behavior consultation is regarding inappropriate elimination. Please bring your pet with you as well. If you and your pet suffer from one of these issues, contact us today!