Client handout: How to handle food guarding

June 5, 2018

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM

Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and participating in triathlons.

Your veterinary client is becoming fearful of her dogs food-based aggression. Heres a handout to explain what food guarding is, how they can make it better and what might make it worse.

Food aggression can take a bite out of pet owner's patience and add strain to the human-animal bond. Whether it's early enough to prevent the bad habit or if food guarding is already ingrained in your veterinary patient's behavior, this handout can help. Click the photo below to download a printable copy.