Behavior Issues
We can assist with many Behavior issues through advice, medications, and/or referrals to behaviorists for advanced cases.
Behavior problems are the NUMBER ONE REASON why pets are given up by their owners. When a pet misbehaves, it weakens the pet-owner bond. These misbehaviors can be anything from aggression to urine spraying.
It might be a medical issue
Many times, behavior problems are actually medical problems. A prime example of this is when cats urinate outside the litter box. Many people assume the cat is angry or plotting revenge, but they may actually have urinary infections, bladder irritation, etc.
Sometimes, aggression is a sign of pain. Carefully assess your pet’s attitude and determine if it could be related to an injury or illness. If your pet will not let you look very closely, please see your veterinarian.
Training and Socialization
Prevent behavior problems with proper socialization! It is imperative that your pet is enrolled in obedience classes, as well as socialization networks, at an early age. It is important to address behavior issues and desensitize your pet to stimuli before it becomes a problem.
Playing with paws, rubbing ears, touching the mouth, and lightly pinching down the back and around the rear are helpful things you can do at home on a daily basis. Doing these things will desensitize your pet in those areas, which is necessary for tooth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and more!
At Hart Road Animal Hospital, we hold a puppy socialization class on Saturdays, from 2 – 3 pm. Puppies between 0 and 6 months of age and welcome, and it is free to existing clients! We hold a kitten socialization class every week as well, but the day and time may vary from week to week. Please contact our office for more information. Our socialization class allows your pet to become accustomed to our clinic. Your puppy or kitten will interact with other puppies and kittens as well as practice restraint, toe nail trims, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, weighing, and more. The whole idea is to get your pet excited about coming to the vet, which will make everyone’s job/life easier for the duration of your pet’s life. This is NOT a substitute for an obedience class.
Many behavior problems can be resolved with proper training and guidance. Contact the Oregon Humane Society Behavior Hotline, or our clinic for advice or referrals to specialists who can help you. There are also many helpful websites that address behavior issues. www.peteducation.com and www.veterinarypartner.com are among these websites.