At Maleny Vets we understand that behaviour issues cause stress to both pets and owners. Our team are eager to assist you with these problems. We know that there are many, many factors that contribute to behaviour. Our behaviour consultations aim to:
- Identify factors contributing to the behaviour.
- Rule out any medical problems.
- Create a treatment plan personalised for your pet training techniques, environmental changes and possible medical treatments.
- Track your pets progress over time.
Please call us on 07 5494 3622 or book online to chat with one of our veterinarians about any concerns you have with your pet’s behaviour.
How can we prevent behavioural issues from occurring?
- Have a chat with our team BEFORE you adopt a new pet, to make sure the pet you choose is right for you
- Early socialisation at puppy preschool and kitten kindy
- Regular training to teach your pet commands and tricks
- Exercise to release built up energy
- Rewarding desired behaviours with treats and pats
- Seeking veterinary advice early when your pet starts behaving abnormally
What are some examples of factors that can cause behavioural issues?
Genetics and breed can predispose your pet to some behaviours. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will have behaviour problems in the future, but it means they can occur more readily. In these cases it is very important that your pet has early socialisation and training to encourage good behaviour from the beginning.
Changes in the environment may contribute to the emergence of behavioural problems. For example, changes in routine, a new member of the household (pet, baby or spouse), moving house, or the loss of a family member or pet can have a dramatic impact on behaviour. Any medical or degenerative changes associated with aging may cause the pet to be even more sensitive to these environmental changes.
Underlying medical problems can also be a factor causing behaviour changes in pets. At Maleny Vets we have in-house blood testing, urinalysis and xray which can help rule out these conditions. Examples of medical causes of behaviour change can include painful conditions (such as arthritis) and hormonal imbalances.
How are behavioural problems treated?
There is rarely a ‘quick fix’ for treating behavioural problems in our pets. Our philosophy when treating these problems is to try to find the cause of the problem, not just treat the symptoms. We work closely with local trainers and behavioural specialists to help our community in training their pets.
Changing problem behaviour requires commitment on behalf of the whole family, as everyone your pet interacts with will be responsible for encouraging desirable behaviour. For some problems such as barking, escaping, aggression, or separation anxiety it is beneficial to see the pet in its natural environment, thus a home visit may be appropriate. Some cases may also require medications alongside the new training techniques to get the best outcome.
We are open seven days a week so if you have any questions, please give us a call on 5494 3622 or book online!