Behavior

Behavioral signs such as changes in activity levels, altered responses to stimuli, altered social interactions, anxiety, altered sleep-wake cycles, housesoiling, confusion or memory deficits may arise as a result of brain aging (e.g. cognitive dysfunction syndrome).

Monitoring and assessing behavioral signs is a critical component of every veterinary visit.

Effective restraint is one of those aspects of veterinary medicine that we simultaneously take for granted but also wish we could do better.

There are a variety of behavioral services that should be provided by every veterinary clinic, including pre-selection counseling, preventive counseling, castration and spaying, puppy and kitten classes and obedience training, behavior screening, behavior counseling and the sale of behavior products.

In this article, I discuss 10 common myths about animal, particularly canine, behavior--misconceptions that may increase the likelihood that a pet will develop a behavior problem and, thus, can lead to the pet's abandonment or euthanasia.

Davis, Calif. -- Contrary to historical recommendation, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) now is taking the position that puppies should begin socialization before all their vaccinations are complete.

Definite personality changes and behavioral problems can be extremely challenging to the practitioner and extremely frustrating to the client.

Virtually all family veterinarians are commonly asked to recommend a breed of dog that is best for a particular client.

Veterinarians are faced with the short life spans of their patients, providing them a large number of aged patients with chronic conditions and requiring special care.

Drugs are not a new aspect of veterinary behavioral medicine, but coming more into the forefront.

The notion that animals benefit human health and wellbeing has become a widespread belief.

Compared with looking for a new puppy for the family, looking for a new kitten is usually quite a different matter.

The veterinary staff sees families at their moments of greatest worry concerning their companion animals.

As applied to animals, the terms anxieties, fears and phobias refer to a continuum.

Aggression is the most common problem behavior of dogs, comprising about 70% of canine cases presented to behavior clinics.

"A lonely dilemma descends on a people when they are separated from the elemental processes of nature, for we are all integral parts of one interdependent, interrelated, and remarkable community." (Bustad, 1988)

Family veterinarians are expected to be all-around authorities on dogs and cats from the standpoint of physiology, pathophysiology, problem behaviors and even interesting tidbits of canine and feline behavior.

As a veterinarian who serves clients owning a dog, there are two issues to be concerned with that involve dog bite law.

Many people working in the health professions wish to somehow incorporate animal-assisted activities or therapy into their work, either in the workplace or as an occasional activity.

Elderly people and others who are vulnerable due to disabilities potentially can benefit the most from canine companionship.

Wherever a veterinary practice may be established, issues concerning animals arise in the community.

Despite the fact that cats are known for their fastidious eliminative behavior, problem elimination, especially urination, is the most frequent category of behavioral problems in feline practice.

This problem may relate to one of several causes as well as breed dispositions.

Unfortunately, anyone can call himself or herself an animal behaviorist.

Expert discussion on cognitive dysfunction syndrome and therapy options, including S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

Behavior is an important piece of the fabric of veterinary medicine. We need to be knowledgeable about the effects of behavior on a patient's welfare, stress levels, and medical problems and on the human-animal bond.

In this video, Dr. Shull discusses listening to clients' concerns about their overactive pets, plus offers advice for clients whose dogs pull on their leashes.

For the young puppy, the purpose of micturition and defecation is to rid the body of wastes.

Canine and feline behavior problems can be a real challenge to correct, but with a little forethought and the right information, owners can easily prevent most common problems.

Separation anxiety is a distressing behavior problem with serious consequences for the owner as well as the pet.