Behavior

Cats live in matrilineal colonies in which there is individual recognition, recognition of colony members vs. non-colony members, dominance hierarchies and extensive co-operative behavior.

What breed a dog is, matters. In recent years, numerous public and private restrictions have been applied to specific breeds of dogs and to dogs believed to be partially those breeds.

Veterinary medicine has made advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities that parallel human medicine. Imaging techniques available to veterinarians include radiography, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Obtain several detailed descriptions of the problem behavior. Often the most recent, most dramatic and first incidents are remembered in greatest detail. Find out what happened just before and just after the event.

Species-typical feline elimination behavior patterns are urination, defecation, and marking.

General principles that apply to the effects of castration and spaying.

Signs of disease and pain are usually behavioral: a new behavior, a change in frequency or intensity of a behavior, a change in pattern

Separation Distress is a common problem for the companion animal dog of today. Dogs, which are very social creatures, are left alone for longer periods than in the past.

Aggression, elimination behaviors, and separation anxiety are the most common problems presented to animal behaviorists.

A behavior wellness exam is an opportunity to check up on a pets behavioral health and answer any related questions a client may have.

A focus on pet behavior in the veterinary clinic is an excellent practice builder.

The entire hospital staff should play a role in the counseling of new puppy owners.

Make sure clients know the ins and outs of correct crate training.

Dr. John Ciribassi explains how understanding body postures in dogs can help avoid escalating aggressive behavior.

Debunk these 10 behavior myths in your practice.

There are many similarities between the specialties of dermatology and behavior including the importance of history in making the diagnosis, extended consultation time, deal often with chronic conditions, often try to manage versus cure the condition and success is often measured in months instead of days.

Elimination disorders in cats.

The use of psychoactive medication can be a critical part of the successful treatment of certain behavior problems afflicting companion animals. However, not all cases require their use and they rarely are the exclusive treatment strategy in managing most behavior issues.

Which individual in a dyad (pair of animals) is considered to be dominant in the relationship?

Aggression is the most common behavior problem presented to veterinary behaviorists followed anxiety related disorders (separation anxiety, phobias). Traditionally, dominance aggression is most often diagnosed, especially when evaluating owner directed aggression. As a result of the label "dominance" being applied in these cases, owners were often directed to establish themselves as higher ranking over the dog through the use of a variety of physical means (punishment, alpha rolls, leash hangs, pinch and shock collars, etc.).

Cats are not asocial animals nor are they small dogs. Cats are social animals and are individuals.

Fractious cats are an inevitable part of small animal practice. A client's decision to return to your hospital for future veterinary services may hinge on how the doctor and staff deal with these patients. In fact, your level of achievement in the "art of practice" is seen vividly in your ability to deal with these difficult patients.

Symptoms of anxiety, distress or panic exhibited when animals are left alone. Separation anxiety can be characterized by pacing, drooling, vocalization, destruction, and elimination which are not related to other behavioral disorders. All or some of these behaviors can be present.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's) block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine from synapse causing higher levels of these neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft and to exert greater effect on the postsynaptic receptors. Clomipramine is the most serotonin specific of the TCA's.

Why is it so critical to understand body postures in dogs? There are several reasons why this is an important topic with any discussion of dog behavior. By understanding how dogs communicate we can diminish the amount of miscommunication that occurs between people and dogs, it can help us better predict future behaviors in the dogs we interact with, understanding how dogs communicate can help reduce the incidence of dog bites, and it can increase the enjoyment people can have in their relationships with their dogs.

Housetraining dogs is really quite simple. The hard part is ensuring clients understand dogs' needs.

Do your clients hold some of these misconceptions when it comes to dog behavior?

In this photo gallery, Dr. Dani McVety of Lutz, Fla. guides a client through the emotional process of euthanasia.

Use these steps to help cat owners resolve this common behavior issue.

For problems with an underlying behavioral cause, try these options.