The dvm360® behavior page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on companion animal traits and behavior. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos, and research on the latest discoveries and treatments for behavior, and more.
May 29th 2024
Pheromone diffusers can be a valuable tool for veterinary teams and clients seeking to help relieve their pet’s stress
Truth and consequences in veterinary behavior (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010Perhaps more in behavior than in all other areas of veterinary medicine combined, there is a flurry of incorrect myths that are either at best unhelpful, or at worst harmful, to our patients. It is important that veterinary staff know the scientific background of behavior, and to not resort to the common thought, which is sometimes incorrect.
Behavior enrichment (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010Animals are exposed to stressful situations throughout their entire lives. Not only animals in confinement encounter stress, such as in kennel or shelter situations, but those in households do as well. Behavioral enrichment helps decrease some of the stresses that the animals encounter, as well as playing a direct role in preventing and treating problem behaviors.
Owner-directed dog aggression (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010For many years, we taught clients who live with dogs who bite that the problem is likely 'dominance' – the dog is possessing over space, food or other resources to establish a hierarchical position. While some aggressive reactions may be due to the dog's perceived need to guard a resource, there is no evidence that interactions with humans aim at establishing rank.
Canine fear and anxiety (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010In conversation, the terms 'anxiety,' 'fear,' and 'phobia' are commonly used synonymously. In the context of behavior medicine it is important to be mindful of their respective definition and differences between the conditions since they vary not only in presentation, but also in treatment and prognosis.
The science behind behavior modification (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010Learning theory is not just theory...it is the scientific knowledge developed from the learning principles of habituation, classical conditioning and operant conditioning. This includes systematic desensitization and counter conditioning as well as types of punishment.
Feline urine marking (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010Cats who eliminate outside the litter box pose serious problems for owners that may force the family to place, surrender or euthanize the cat. In many cases, treatment is highly effective with resolution rates between 80-90% if the problem has been properly diagnosed.
Canine and feline urine marking (Proceedings)
April 1st 2010Cats who eliminate outside the litter box pose serious problems for owners that may force the family to place, surrender or euthanize the cat. In many cases, treatment is highly effective with resolution rates between 80-90% if the problem has been properly diagnosed.
Adding supplemental tryptophan to diet can calm pigs
March 19th 2010Washington -- Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered that adding the amino acid tryptophan to the diet of female pigs can decrease their aggression, making them more manageable.