Help for Pet Behaviour Concerns
Addressing Behavioural Challenges in Dogs & Cats
At Barrhaven Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to offer behaviour consultations for dogs and cats. We approach challenging pet behaviors with the following principals.
We Choose an Empathy First Approach
Behavioral issues can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. Sometimes, adjusting how you interact with your pet can help, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether through our hospital or a referral to a trusted veterinary behavior specialist or certified professional dog trainers (CPDTs), support is available. Our goal is to provide you with advice that can prevent the issue from getting worse.
Safety Comes First with Fearful, Anxious and Aggressive Behaviour
If your pet is showing signs of aggression, keeping everyone safe is our top priority. We recommend keeping your pet out of situations that might trigger aggressive reactions, like separating them from visitors or using barriers to keep them apart from children or other pets. If certain actions make your pet aggressive, try to avoid those until you can get professional help.
Referring to a Veterinary Behaviour Specialist
For more complex behaviour problems, we may refer your pet to a board-certified veterinary behaviourist. Just like you would see an orthopedic surgeon for a broken leg, a veterinary behaviour specialist is trained to handle serious behavioural concerns. These specialists are certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists (ACVB) and hold the title DACVB (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists), meaning they’ve completed advanced training and have a unique combination of education, clinical expertise, and medical knowledge to diagnose and design a treatment plan for your pet. Referring your pet to a behaviour specialist is an important step toward finding the right solution.
No Punishment, Just Patience
Studies show that punishing your pet can actually increase fearful, anxious and aggressive behaviour. Instead, we focus on keeping them calm and out of trouble while you wait for professional advice on a long-term plan.
Behavioural modification techniques are the primary treatment, but in some cases, medications can also be recommended to aid in the management of the problem. We offer individualized dog and cat behavioural counselling.
What to Expect During a Behaviour Consultation with our Veterinarian
If you're concerned about your pet’s behaviour, a consultation with our veterinarian can help you take the first steps toward understanding and addressing the issue.
- Initial Discussion and Getting to Know the Problem:
The consultation will start with a conversation about your pet's behaviour, including when the issue started, specific triggers, and how the behaviour affects your daily life. Our veterinarian will ask about your pet’s history, including any medical conditions, previous injuries, or recent changes in your home environment..
- Medical Assessment:
Our veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to rule out underlying health issues that could be contributing to the behaviour, such as pain, hormonal imbalances, or neurological conditions. Bloodwork or other diagnostic tests might be recommended to ensure the behaviour isn't linked to a medical problem.
- Behavioural Evaluation:
Based on the information gathered, our veterinarian will evaluate the potential causes of the behaviour. We will offer insight into whether the issue is related to fear, anxiety, aggression, or another emotional response.
- Basic Treatment Recommendations:
Our veterinarian will provide general guidance and strategies for managing the behaviour. This could include suggestions for environmental modifications, changes in routine, or basic behaviour modification techniques. We will offer advice on using positive reinforcement and avoiding punishment-based methods for long-term success.
- Medication:
If the behaviour is related to anxiety or another emotional condition, we might prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms while we work together on a behaviour plan.
- Referral to a Specialist:
If the behaviour problem is more complex or doesn’t respond to basic interventions, our veterinarian will recommend a referral to a board-certified veterinary behaviourist or a reward-based trainer for more specialized care.
- Follow-up Care:
To ensure progress, we will recommend follow-up visits to evaluate how things are going and adjust the plan if needed.
We can offer valuable guidance and help you take important steps toward improving your pet’s behavior and overall well-being. Throughout the consultation, pet parents can expect a judgment-free, supportive environment where the well-being of both the pet and the family is the top priority.
The Benefits of a Behaviour Consultation
Addressing behaviour concerns through a veterinary behaviour consultation can significantly strengthen the bond between you and your pet, fostering a more harmonious home environment.
Here are some key benefits of such a consultation and the positive impact they can have on your pet's well-being:
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Better Coping Mechanisms
A veterinary behaviour consultation equips pets with healthier ways to cope with stressors, leading to more adaptive behaviours in challenging situations.
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Enhanced Emotional Stability
A better understanding of behaviour triggers helps pets feel more secure, leading to greater emotional balance and resilience.
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Enhanced Quality of Life
Pets that receive appropriate behaviour support often experience a higher quality of life, with an improved ability to engage in normal activities, such as play and exploration.
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Healthier Social Interactions
Behavioural modifications can help pets interact more positively with other animals and people, promoting healthier socialization.
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Improved Mental Health
Addressing behaviour issues can reduce anxiety and stress in pets, leading to a calmer, more relaxed state of mind.
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Increased Safety
By resolving aggressive or fearful behaviors, pets are less likely to harm themselves or others, creating a safer environment for everyone.
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Long-Term Well-Being
Addressing behaviour issues early on can prevent the development of more serious problems, contributing to your pet's long-term emotional and physical health.
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Reduction in Problematic Behaviors
Identifying and addressing specific behavior concerns can lead to a decrease in unwanted behaviors, making daily life more enjoyable for both the pet and their family.
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Strengthened Trust and Security
As behaviour issues are managed, pets often feel more secure in their environment and develop a stronger trust in their owners.
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Tailored Enrichment
Behaviour consultations often include recommendations for mental and physical enrichment tailored to your pet’s needs, contributing to overall well-being
New Patients Welcome
Our veterinary team would love to get to know your dog or cat and provide them with high-quality veterinary care. Contact us today to book an appointment for your companion.