Cats and Dogs behave the way they do because of a complex interaction between their genetics, learning and experiences, and the environment they live in. The interactions of these factors are different for every animal and can change over the lifetime of each individual.
Any underlying medical issues will also affect how your pet behaves – pain – both acute and chronic, can reduce the threshold for reactive behaviour. Pain may reduce the threshold for reactivity, and ha may snap more easily – both in a mental as well as physical sense.
Veterinary Behavioural Medicine can assist you with determining what problems may be arising for your pets and how to best manage them.
Behaviour problems in dogs
- Separation anxiety
- Barking
- Destructive behaviour
- Inappropriate urination and defaecation
- Aggression
Behaviour problems in cats
- Spraying/ inappropriate urination
- Aggression
- Destructive behaviour
- Fear and anxiety
Behaviour medicine is a growing area of veterinary medicine and we are pleased to be able to offer assistance to our clients experiencing difficult behaviours with their pets.
Problems such as anxieties, urinating and/or defecating in the unwanted places, aggression, fears and phobias, separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders can be experienced. These issues can often be successfully managed and treated. Our vets can assist you and your pets using behaviour modification techniques, environmental changes and sometimes where necessary, medication.
Our Behaviour Appointments are longer than a standard consult, for more information call speak with our friendly team today.
Preventing Dog Fights
As we move on through Summer, we are out and about with more of our doggie pals interacting with each other. During some of these interactions, we are seeing a higher number of dogs requiring veterinary care due to dog fights. It is vitally important to ensure your dog is safe when out and about.
Simple ways to reduce dog fights and dog attacks are;
- Always walk your dog on a lead
- If you have more than one dog – feed them in separate areas and remove food bowls when they have finished eating.
- Don’t take any treats to the dog park
- If your dog is displaying signs of being anxious (especially at the dog park) remove them from the situation. These signs are yawning, excessive eye blinking, excessive ear movements, tail between legs.
- Always supervise interactions (especially when your furry friends are meeting for the first time).
- Learn to understand your own dog’s body language.
- Always ensure you are safe. If your dog does get in a fight with another dog, getting in the middle can potentially result in you being bitten as well.
Dogs fights and altercations happen for many reasons but as owners, we are able to prevent some of these incidents from happening.
De-sexing of both males and female dogs has been proven to reduce aggressive behaviour.
For more information on how to best keep your dog safe when out and about, contact us today.