ReportWire

Tag: dog behavior problems

  • 5 Most Misunderstood Behaviors in Dogs | Animal Wellness Magazine

    [ad_1]

    We love our furry friends, but sometimes their actions leave us scratching our heads. Many common canine behaviors are often misunderstood, leading to frustration for both dogs and their families. Understanding what your dog is really trying to tell you can strengthen your bond and help address any issues with compassion.

    1. Excessive Barking Isn’t Just Noise

    When your dog barks constantly, it might seem like they’re being difficult. However, dogs always have a reason for barking. They use their voice to communicate excitement, alert you to strangers, protect their territory, or express fear and anxiety. Some dogs bark when they’re bored, lonely, or seeking attention. Instead of just trying to stop the barking, figure out what’s causing it. Look for patterns in when and where it happens, then address the root cause rather than just the symptom.

    2. Reactivity Doesn’t Mean Aggression

    A reactive dog who lunges, barks, or growls at other dogs or people is often labeled as “mean” or “aggressive.” In reality, reactive dogs are usually fearful dogs who feel overwhelmed by situations that other dogs handle easily. This behavior often comes from lack of socialization, bad past experiences, or genetics. The good news is that with patience and proper training, reactive behavior can be improved through gradual exposure and positive experiences.

    3. Anxiety Shows Up in Many Ways

    Dog anxiety is frequently misunderstood as “bad behavior.” Destructive chewing, house accidents, excessive drooling, or pacing might all be signs of an anxious dog rather than a disobedient one. Separation anxiety, resource guarding, and sound sensitivity are common forms of anxiety that need understanding and management, not punishment.

    4. Senior Changes Aren’t Just “Getting Old”

    When older dogs start having accidents in the house, seem confused, or change their sleep patterns, many owners assume it’s normal aging. However, these could be signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia in humans). Senior dogs showing disorientation, interaction changes, or house-soiling issues may benefit from veterinary care and management strategies.

    5. Repetitive Behaviors Signal Stress

    Dogs who chase their tails constantly, pace repeatedly, or engage in other repetitive actions are often showing signs of stress or compulsive disorders rather than just being “weird.” These behaviors usually need professional attention to identify triggers and develop coping strategies.

    Understanding your dog’s behavior helps create a happier relationship for everyone. If you notice concerning changes in your dog’s behavior, don’t assume they’re being stubborn or difficult. Always consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues and discuss appropriate training approaches. Remember, most behavioral problems have solutions when we take time to understand what our dogs are really trying to tell us.

    [ad_2]

    Animal Wellness

    Source link

  • Veterinary behaviorists – How can they help your dog? | Animal Wellness Magazine

    Veterinary behaviorists – How can they help your dog? | Animal Wellness Magazine

    [ad_1]

    You’ve probably heard about veterinary behaviorists, but may not be sure what they do. Learn more about these professionals and how they can help dogs with behavior problems. 

     

    If your dog is having behavioral problems, your first port of call for answers and assistance might be your veterinarian or a dog trainer. But there’s another category of veterinary professionals who can lend a hand – the veterinary behaviorist. These individuals help you better understand animal behavior, thereby enhancing your ability to communicate with your dog, and strengthening the relationship you share with him. Read on to find out what veterinary behaviorists do and how they can help when your dog is “acting out”. 

     

    What veterinary behaviorists do

    Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians who have graduated from a recognized college of veterinary medicine and completed at least one year of internship or primary care practice. They have also done additional behavior-specific training, and are held accountable to local and state veterinary practice laws.   

    The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the American Veterinary Medical Association-recognized specialist organization for veterinary behaviorist certification. Training for a vet behavior specialty requires three to five years, and residents must treat hundreds of cases under veterinary supervision before striking out on their own. Accredited board-certified veterinary behaviorists mentor the residents, who must pass a 16-hour exam to achieve certification. All veterinary behaviorists are diplomates and will have the initials “DACVB” in their title (DACVB stands for Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).

    “People bring their pets to me when they have serious behavior problems such as aggression, separation-related disorders, noise and storm phobia, debilitating fears, and compulsive behaviors,” says Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB. “I understand that going to a veterinary behaviorist may seem weird to some. Many people don’t even know that veterinarians like me exist!”

    Pointer: A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is basically a veterinary psychologist. 

     

    How a veterinary behaviorist works with you and your dog 

    A veterinary behaviorist can help if your dog is exhibiting behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety, cognitive decline, destruction, house soiling, or other issues. They will evaluate your dog, diagnose the underlying cause (which can sometimes be a physical health problem), and recommend treatment. 

    Pointer: The veterinary behaviorist will also help you learn how to speak “dog”. When you better understand your dog, you can prevent problems and more easily follow management techniques for specific behavioral issues. 

    Following are some ways a veterinary behaviorist can help you and your dog:

    • Provide positive training solutions: They will help identify the cause of your dog’s problem behavior, create a customized plan using positive training methods, and teach you how to carry it out successfully.
    • Diagnose medical and environmental causes: Veterinary behaviorists work to uncover any medical issues, or stressors in the environment, that could be contributing to behavioral problems.
    • Prescribe treatment plans: For a dog struggling with anxiety, fear, or aggression, a veterinary behaviorist may recommend medication and/or holistic calming remedies, structured desensitization, or other clinical interventions. Treatment plans can address issues such as: 
      1. Separation anxiety
      2. Destructive chewing
      3. Lunging at other dogs on the leash
      4. Destructive digging 
      5. Fears and phobias – e.g. fears of storms and loud noises, or of strangers or people in general. 
    • Educating you for the long run: An essential part of any behavioral treatment plan is to give you guidance for building on your training progress and maintaining a healthy bond with your dog.
    • Collaborate with other veterinary experts: By collaborating with veterinarians, trainers, and animal shelter staff, veterinary behaviorists work to resolve canine behavior issues through a multidisciplinary approach. 

     

    When to know if your dog might benefit from a consult

    A fearful dog may become aggressive, anxious, or withdrawn, so recognizing fear in your dog is the first step. Any dog that displays behaviors such as the aforesaid fear and anxiety, as well as aggression towards people, separation anxiety, noise and thunderstorm phobias, and a fear of anything new or strange, may benefit from an initial consultation.

    Pointer: A board-certified individual is the best choice for addressing your dog’s behavioral issues. 

    “Unfortunately and sadly, we are often the last resort for many pets,” says Dr. Radosta. “I saw two animals this week alone where the clients reported they had considered euthanasia. This isn’t uncommon at all. I want people to know that this type of care is available and that we can help. There is almost always something we can do to help our patients.”

    As dog parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure the well-being and happiness of our canine companions. Behavior problems mean something’s wrong, whatever their cause, and seeking help from a veterinarian behaviorist is one of the best ways to address them. 

     

    Remember – behavioral issues can be caused by health problems

    Behavioral problems in dogs, such as growling or snapping, can often be caused by pain or discomfort arising from a physical health issue. An older dog in particular may “act out” because he has an undetected illness or injury. Both your regular veterinarian and a veterinary behaviorist can help you determine if your dog has an underlying medical issue. 

    “In about 50% of my patients, I find health problems that are likely contributory factors, such as orthopedic deficits, metabolic disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and intestinal parasites,” says Dr. Radosta.  

     

    How to find a veterinary behaviorist

    To find a veterinary behaviorist, visit American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and search for one in your area. If you’re not able to book an immediate appointment, or the behaviorists aren’t located in your area, ask if they offer video or telephone appointments.


    Post Views: 73


    Christine Caplan is a Certified Vet Tech, and a long-time PR veteran and content marketing expert who brings her unique understanding of social and digital media to connect dog lovers to brands both on and offline. She lives with three hounds – two “doxies” and a beagle/basset hound mix – who constantly teach her about life and companionship (mylifewithdogspdx.com).

    [ad_2]

    Christine Caplan, CVT

    Source link