Using a Veterinary Behaviorist

Last week we did a post over at Scratchings and Sniffings on house soiling in cats. This is one of the most aggravating issues, and most common issues, cat owners face. I get more questions on this topic from cat owners than almost any other. If you have this problem check out that post for more information. I also wrote a post on a related topic; urine marking in cats that should be up this week.

Both of these issues deal with cat behavior. In the case of marking it's normal cat behavior gone bad because we want our cats to live with us. In many cases, both of these problems can be traced to social conflicts between cats in the household. These problems are multi faceted and require a comprehensive approach. Often,the best resolution will require the assistance of a trained veterinary behaviorist.

 

In fact there are a lot of behavior problems that are difficult for people to deal with. Aggression or aggressive behavior in dogs and cats comes to mind. Separation anxiety in both dogs and cats is another one. These problems can be very complex and they are often the reason many pets end up being taken to shelters.

 

Not only are the problems complex, but the management or behavior modification techniques used to control this behavior are very subtle and need to be done correctly. That's where the trained behaviorist comes in handy. These veterinarians are specialists in behavior and how to modify behavior that has turned bad.

 

There are "trainers" out there that will tell you they can help you, and in some cases they might be helpful. But, if you want the latest, research proven help you can find, a behaviorist is the best bet.

Ask your own veterinarian to recommend one or go to this web site to help you find a trained behaviorist.

 

When you meet with a behaviorist they will ask you a series of very detailed questions about your particular problem. These questions will be aimed at identifying the root cause of your problem. There will be questions about the home environment in addition to the actual behavior involved. A complete physical exam is part of the initial work up, too. In some cases there is an underlying disease process that is to blame for the behavior being displayed.

 

After this initial data is gathered a treatment plan is devised. The behaviorist may want to visit you in the home to observe the dog or cat in his own environment. The behaviorist will teach you certain behavior modification techniques to use at home with your pet. They may recommend certain drugs to help control the problem, too.

 

These professionals will work with you to attempt to change the objectionable behavior. This includes monitoring progress via frequent communication during the process. They will also give you a realistic appraisal of your chances for success. Not all bad behavior can be managed successfully. In some cases improvement may be enough to make things acceptable but there will always be some traces of the problem.

 

In other cases, things don't improve enough. If you have used a veterinary behavior specialist you will have the peace of mind to know that you have done everything possible to deal with the issue.

 

Behavior problems can be tough and pet lovers can get very frustrated trying to deal with them alone. If you are dealing with one of these issues remember that there are specialist out there that can help you.