Pet Behaviour
Just like us, our four-legged friends can feel stress, anxiety, and even go through tough times. But don’t worry – that’s where we come in! Here at BVC, we strive to make your pet’s behaviour and household as happy and stress-free as possible.
We’re here to provide excellent veterinary services and the necessary support you need to help your pets overcome these difficulties.
We help you speak your pet’s language
When a pet behaviour problem is identified, the first step is to ascertain whether it is a training issue or a true behavioural problem. If it’s a training problem, this can usually be addressed using effective training techniques, which we can share during a consultation with one of our trained nurses.
On the other hand, true behavioural problems require a different approach. Managing a pet’s mental state and implementing behaviour modification techniques—and in some cases, even medication—may be necessary. In these instances, a consultation with one of our veterinarians is typically required. For certain cases, such as severe aggression, we will refer you directly to one of our vets for specialized care.
Just as with other veterinary issues, determining the correct diagnosis and creating an effective treatment plan often requires further investigation. To address behavioural concerns accurately, we start by ruling out potential medical conditions. In most cases, our veterinarians will recommend blood tests and urine analysis and will conduct a full physical examination.
How we can help
Initial veterinary consultations are scheduled for up to 60 minutes, depending on the needs of your pet.
Treatment of most behaviour cases will involve implementing behaviour modification techniques – this will be your job. The treatment consultation will discuss the treatment recommendations and explain to you how to carry them out.
The treatment plan will involve commitment from you and your family to work consistently with your pet towards changing behaviour. All our techniques are based on the latest scientific knowledge and learning theory. The techniques are ethical and aim to minimise the risk of harm or injury to you, your dog or cat and others.
Behavioural consultations help modify problems such as:
- Unnecessary barking
- Aggressive behaviour between household pets, cats, neighbourhood dogs or people
- Separation anxiety
- Nervousness
- Jumping up and uncontrolled behaviour
- Pulling on the lead
- Not coming when called
- Feeding manners between dogs and cats, towards humans
- Eating unusual substances (Pica and Coprophagia – eating of faeces)
- Fears and phobias such as desensitisation towards loud noises (i.e. vacuum cleaners, traffic, broom, postman, fireworks, thunderstorms)
- Destructive behaviour such as chewing, clawing and digging
- Inappropriate soiling, urination or defecation
- Introduction of a new pet to existing pets
Concerns about behaviour are important and we take them seriously. That way you and your pet will be happy together for a very long time.
The next step is to compile a full behavioural history. Our veterinarians will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire – this will take you about an hour to complete and you should return it to the clinic 24 hours before your next appointment – the Behaviour Assessment appointment. It is important to give the Vet time to read the questionnaire and start to formulate a plan of approach for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet.
If you are thinking of starting a family, please talk to us about it at your next appointment and we can discuss with you the management of your fur babies and skin babies. This is a great and rewarding time and all children deserve a life filled with the love of animals.
If walking your dog is such a chore because your dog does nothing but pull the entire time, we recommend you talk to one of our nurses about trying the Gentle Leader.
The Gentle Leader is a facial harness designed to deter your dog from wanting to pull and in turn walk by your side and making walking more enjoyable for both of you.
When you purchase a Gentle Leader here at the clinic, we do not let you go home without seeing one of the nurses and starting an introduction program. This makes sure that the gentle leader is as effective as possible and it slowly gets you and your dog used to how the gentle leader works and how to use it effectively.
As it is such a new sensation for your dog having something on his/her face, we recommended coming to see us a couple of times before you get out walking. These visits entail lots of treats and praise while your dog tries on the gentle leader and gets used to the pressure placed on their face.
Once the gentle leader is correctly fitted – remember “if it feels too tight, then it’s just right,” and your dog feels comfortable with it on for extended periods. That’s when we get you out walking.
If successful you will not believe the difference and wonder where the gentle leader has been all your life.
Concerned about your pet's behaviour?
To book an appointment or if you have any questions – please do not hesitate to contact us.
