Behavioral Counseling

We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling, and aggression. We also carry products that can help your pet with anxiety such as Feliway, Adaptil, and Composure. If needed, we may prescribe medications for more highly stressed patients. This could be for long term use or certain events such as thunder storms, vet visits, fireworks, or long travelling times.

Inappropriate Elimination

Cats tend to be clean pets, but when they don't feel good it can mean a big mess for you. Inappropriate elimination is when your cat doesn't use the litter box like usual. Instead you may find stool or urine throughout your house or in one specific location. Urinating outside of the box is different from spraying to mark their territory. Spraying is usually fixed once you have your cat castrated. Males and females are equally as likely to go outside of the box during inappropriate elimination. There are numerous reasons this can happen and your cat may be telling you there's something wrong, so don't get too upset with them. You must act within 30 seconds to let your pet know they've done something wrong and to associate the act with what they did - if it's been 3 hours since they soiled your carpet they're not going to have a clue what is going on. Please note, sticking their nose in the soiled carpet won't do a thing.

It is possible that the issue is being caused by something medical such as a urinary tract infection or urinary blockage. If your cat is unable to urinate, urinates very small amounts around the house, or has blood in the urine - we should see your pet right away.

This issue can also be due to behavior. For example, if you have a new baby in the house, you move to a new house, or even if you're just plain stressed out - your pet may be able to feel the tension. We carry products to help your cat through the stressful times such as chews/treats or pheromone diffusers. Sometimes your kitty may need some behavioral medication as well, but we like to try non-medicated solutions first.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs are more often than not the culprit here. You may come home to a pacing, howling dog or to an entire couch chewed into bits. Separation anxiety is a reason that we should definitely see your pet. If you've ever had anxiety you know it is not a good feeling. You feel stressed for seemingly no reason and may panic as well - and you can't stop it until something specific happens. Well, with your dog that something is you coming home. Your pet feels relief when you come home, but it is sure to come back when you leave again. Try not to get upset though. They see you coming home as relief only to be yelled at for destructive behavior - and that can make things worse. As with inappropriate elimination, the 30 second rule also applies here.

We are happy to help with this problem. There are some products and medications that can help, but even just changing certain things you do before leaving the house can be beneficial. Veterinary Partner has some starting points to help you with this issue, but if your dog feels bad then we want to make them feel better.

 

Thunderstorms & Fireworks

Loud, random noises like this can scare your pet tremendously. Cats will often just hide, but your canine companion may get very anxious. We may know when it's time for fireworks, but your pet doesn't know this and can't be as prepared as you are. They may or may not have a sixth sense about approaching bad weather, but that doesn't mean they're ready for the bright light followed by a loud crack of thunder.

There are things we can do to help prevent your pet's anxiety in these situations. If your pet goes beyond a mild fear then we should talk to you about your options. Veterinary Partner has information regarding prevention, causes, and what to do for extreme cases regarding thunderstorms and fireworks.

 

Training Dogs & Puppies

Getting a new dog or puppy can be quite the stressful experience for you both as your new friend acclimates to you and its new home. We would love to help you with any of these issues. Veterinary partner is a good place to start reading about common issues such as house (potty) and crate training, jumping on people, destructive chewing, and introducing your dog to other animals. Please call or make an appointment with us if you need further help.