Pet owners are responsible for advocating for their pet’s physical and mental health and well-being. A pet’s behavior provides important clues about overall health and significantly impacts your ability to bond with your furry pal. Problem behaviors can create tension and—in extreme cases—cause pets to lose their homes.

Because medical problems often underlie a new or problematic pet behavior, The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital should be your first stop when you notice an issue. In this guide, we address the importance of discussing your pet’s behavior with your veterinarian and provide insights into successful behavior conversations with the team.

Why pet behavior matters

Pet behavior changes can stem from various underlying issues, including physical health problems, stress, anxiety, changes at home, or any combination of these factors. Physical factors, such as chronic pain, can impact pet behavior more than owners realize and are often the easiest to improve or correct, once identified. Ignoring subtle behavior changes or writing them off as normal could leave your pet vulnerable to a worsening medical condition, but addressing them proactively can help detect disease and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Your pet’s behavior also plays a role in their relationship with you and the rest of the family. If your pet’s behavior is at all objectionable, you’re less likely to bond with and advocate for them. Difficult pet behaviors often feel impossible to overcome, and can sometimes lead to the overwhelmed owner relinquishing their pet to a shelter or rescue organization. Your approach when your pet develops a behavior problem can make or break your future together. Additionally, pets often exhibit problem behaviors because they are experiencing mental distress, which reduces their quality of life.

Discussing behavior changes with the veterinary team

Your pet’s veterinary team is your first line of defense in addressing a behavior change or problem. Our veterinarians can help you determine if your pet’s behavior is normal, the possible cause of that behavior, and the necessary steps to address the behavior. We also know when a problem is out of our wheelhouse and can refer you to another professional for help. We’ll never judge you for bringing a concern to our team and advocating for your pet’s wellness.

When you notice a behavior change or new problem behavior, document the situation and determine the specific circumstances surrounding the occurrence. A video can provide extremely valuable insight for the veterinary team, since your pet is unlikely to duplicate the behavior when they visit the hospital. 

Solutions for problem pet behaviors

The first step in behavior problem treatment is addressing underlying medical issues. Our team will perform a complete physical exam and suggest tests to help determine a cause, such as a blood test to check thyroid hormone levels, an X-ray to look for arthritis, or a urinalysis to check for a urinary tract infection. 

Treating physical health issues often resolves or improves behavior problems, but other strategies may also be required. We’ll tailor a treatment plan to your pet’s needs, to reduce their stress and minimize their behavior’s impact on the household. Strategies may include:

  • Behavior management — Management means putting measures into place that prevent your pet from practicing a problem behavior, such as blocking access to certain rooms because of house soiling or avoiding leash walks for reactive dogs.
  • Behavior medications — Medications can reduce anxiety and stress so your pet can focus on something else and replace the problem behavior with a learned new behavior.
  • Behavior modification — Behavior modification uses specific and detailed training programs aimed at reducing the problem behavior or replacing it with something more acceptable.
  • Behavior referral — For serious concerns, we may refer you and your pet to a veterinary behaviorist who can diagnose and treat your furry pal’s problem.

Observing and addressing behavior is an important aspect of pet ownership. The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital team encourages pet owners to bring up behavior concerns at their pet’s routine wellness visits or anytime they notice a change. Open communication is vital to a successful veterinarian-client-pet relationship, and we want you to feel comfortable speaking with all our team members. Contact us if you have concerns about your pet’s behavior or to schedule a routine preventive care visit.