Behavior Archives - Your Vet Wants You to Know

Anxiety and Allergies

Many pet owners may think their pet licks its paws because of anxiety. While anxiety may play a role in how itchy an allergic pet feels, when dogs lick their paws to the point of causing damage to the skin, anxiety it not the only problem. Dr. Lindsey McAuliffe, veterinary dermatologist, set out to study the role of anxiety in dogs with allergies. She found a fascinating change in many behaviors, including aggression, fear, touch sensitivity and trainability. If your allergic dog struggles with behavior problems, this is a fascinating conversation looking at what the research tells us.

Ear Cleaning

Ear cleaning can be incredibly important for dogs with ear infections and allergies. Pet owners may struggle with ear cleaning if the dog is fearful or painful. In this episode, Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behavior specialist, discusses cooperative care techniques for low stress ear cleanings for your dog with ear infections. This episode is a great resource if your dog has ever had an ear infection and you are looking for a method that decreases pain and anxiety for everyone involved.

cat scratching

Are you scratching your head wondering why your cat has destroyed your furniture? Cat scratching is a natural behavior that many pet owners find frustrating. This episode discusses why cats scratch, the evidence and misconceptions about declawing, and ways you can train your cats to scratch where you prefer. Dr. Gwennyth Stair of High Ridge Animal Hospital shares her tricks for using nail caps to protect your sofa and your skin.

Previsit Medications

Scared pets at the vet are displaying perfectly normal fear responses, but it doesn’t have to be like this. Previsit medications can be part of a plan to minimize fear, anxiety and stress when your dog or cat needs veterinary medical care. This episode focuses on how previsit medications, such as pheromones, gabapentin, and trazodone, may help make your trip to the vet as pleasant as it could be.

Decreasing Stress Before Vet Visits

Some pet owners may feel dread when thinking about bringing their pet to the vet. Fear, anxiety, and stress can be major barriers to bringing dogs, and especially cats, in for much needed medical care. Stress can cause major obstacles to providing the highest medical care once the animal is at the vet. A relaxed, happy vet visit starts at home by decreasing anxiety before your pet reaches the vet’s office. Listen to this week’s episode for valuable, actionable tools on decreasing stress before your pet’s trip to see the veterinarian.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and urinary obstructions (UO) are common medical reasons for cats to visit the veterinarian. FLUTD can be chronic and frustrating for cat owners. Urinary obstructions can be life threatening if the obstruction is not removed. Emergency veterinarian, Dr. Christine Klippin talks about what to watch for at home and how your veterinarian can help.

Inappropriate Elimination

Cats who pee outside the litter box are 2-6 times more likely to be relinquished to a shelter. Dr. Lauren Harris talks about inappropriate elimination and the significant damage to the human animal bond in today’s episode. Restoring that bond requires appropriate diagnosis, which is obtained by partnering with the veterinarian to evaluate for underlying medical conditions. If no medical reason can be found, behavioral assessment can help determine a cat’s aversions and preferences to help get them going where they should.

Category: Behavior