Stress and anxiety in cats and dogs
Stress and anxiety are some of the most common behavioral issues faced by pets, but thankfully there are ways to help manage these conditions. Our doctors can help you identify the triggers that cause your pet anxiety, and work on a treatment plan that may include anti-anxiety medication, calming aids, lifestyle changes and desensitization plans, to help your pet learn to live more calmly and happily.
Separation anxiety in cats and dogs
Separation anxiety is a specific form of anxiety experienced by pets when left alone by their owners. While separation anxiety may seem insurmountable to owners, there are a number of techniques we can teach you to help, including socialization, crate training, establishing positive associations with your absence, providing high-stimulation distractions, increasing exercise, switching up your routine and staying calm during arrivals and departures. Your pet may also benefit from anti-anxiety medication and calming aids during the training process, to help ease them into the transition.
Aggressive and territorial behavior in cats and dogs
Aggressive or territorial behavior often stems from a feeling of being threatened or anxious, and so it’s important to try to determine the root cause of the behavior. There are many steps that can be taken to help aggressive or territorial pets, including some of the treatments mentioned above. Lifestyle changes (to remove any triggers of the behavior) and work with a licensed pet trainer can be of particular use in these cases.
What happens during a behavioral consultation?
During a behavioral consultation, we will discuss your pet’s behavior and history with you, as well as conducting a thorough nose-to-tail examination. Sometimes, pain or another hidden health condition can manifest as signs of aggression or anxiety, so it’s important to rule out any physical causes before beginning treatment for a behavioral condition.
It may be useful for you to capture video of your pet’s behavior in advance, for our doctors to review during the consultation. We’ll then work with you to put together a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, calming aids, specific training exercises and lifestyle changes.