Instinctive

We are all born with inherited or instinctive behaviors. Babies are born crying! These behaviors may be natural for animals but undesired by humans. Behavior traits can also be inherited and passed down by genetics.

Learned

Animals do learn from experiences, watching other animals or humans, and interactions just as humans do. This type of behavior can change with time and environment and can be taught.

Illness

Behavior will change with an illness or change in body condition. This behavior is unpredictable and is more reactive based on what the pet is experiencing. We can not forget illnesses may not be obvious but present as a behavioral issue.

Complex

Behavior can be a combination of all 3 mentioned above. This can make behavioral conditions challenging and not straight forward.

Everyone will have a different opinion if the behavior is “good” or “bad”. Some behaviors may be wanted during certain times or situations and not others. For example, you may want your dog to bark as a stranger approaches but not bark at your friend.

In general, these are common unwanted behaviors or behaviors that should cause concern:

-Anxiety

-Excessive Barking

-Aggression

-Destruction

-House Soiling

-Inappropriate Play

Our veterinarian will perform a behavioral consultation and examination. Diagnostics such as blood work and urinalysis may be needed. It is important to make sure the behavior is not resulting from an illness or pain. For example, cats urinating outside the litter box is most likely related to pain and not retaliation. Certain behavior conditions need a true diagnosis by a veterinary professional such as separation anxiety and fear aggression.

Unwanted behaviors are not cured but managed. Multiple approaches through training and environmental changes are the mainstay. Some conditions require medications or referral to a veterinary behavior specialist.

Our Neighborhood Vet team will develop treatment plans and goals to help unwanted behaviors.

As we discussed, behavior is complex. Being aware of behaviors before getting a pet and as pets age is very important in maintaining a healthy bond with animals. Here are some considerations with pet ownership:

-Know your breed: Behavior traits are passed down through genetics. Certain traits have been bred purposely. If you are a couch potato, then an Australian Shepherd may not be the best fit for you. A responsible breeder recognizes undesirable traits such as aggression and will not breed that animal. Always meet your breeder and the parents of the pet.

-Rescues: There are so many loving animals that need a home. These pets may have a history of abuse, neglect, and medical issues. Anxiety in shelter pets is very common. Please plan for rescues to need more care, attention, and medical costs.

-Age: Young animals have to be trained. Training can take lots of energy, time, and patience. A key learning period for puppies and kittens is between 3-16 weeks of age. This is why training and socialization should happen immediately. Older animals lose brain function and have more medical conditions making unwanted behaviors common. Senior pets need extra care, attention, and understanding.

Dog Behavior Issues

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues

Cat Behavior Issues

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues

Choosing a Pet

https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breed-selector

Animal Behavior Network

http://www.animalbehavior.net/