Behavior Consultation

Behavioral concerns may start early in life or develop later when other chronic illnesses affect a pet’s quality of life and ability to adapt to changes inside and outside the home. These concerns can also affect the quality of life of everyone else in the house, as many people find themselves altering their routines or avoiding certain situations out of fear of triggering an unwanted episode in their beloved pet.

Many pets struggle with some anxiety or unwanted behaviors.  These can present themselves in a variety of ways, such as:

In addition, some owners may be worried about possible behavioral changes due to moving or changes in the family dynamic (e.g., combining households or having a baby) and may want to proactively discuss ways to help prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for behavioral issues or magical medication that will fix every problem.  Therefore, behavior evaluations can help owners better communicate and find a path forward to improve the quality of life for everyone involved.  Before the initial behavior evaluation, we will need the following:

We will start with an initial one-hour behavior evaluation to review the history with the doctor. This evaluation is crucial as it allows us to understand each pet’s unique situation and tailor a plan that best suits their needs. If the pet allows it, we will also perform a complete physical exam to determine if any underlying medical issues, such as pain or systemic illnesses, could contribute to the pet’s behavior.

During this time, the doctor may recommend diagnostics, such as laboratory work or radiographs, to help rule out medical issues.  The goal will be to create a manageable path forward that may include:

Recommendations for further resources such as qualified trainers and board-certified veterinary behaviorists.

Once a plan is developed, progress evaluations will involve additional questionnaires and videos. Depending on the situation, these evaluations may be virtual or without the pet present.  Our goal is to help improve communication between the owner and pet, leading to a better quality of life for all involved.

If your pet could benefit from a behavior consultation, please call us today!