Veterinary Behavior Consultations and your pet's health care team

The Health Care Team Approach

Behavioral health and physical health are closely integrated. Animals typically do not overtly announce that they are not feeling well. Instead they exhibit subtle behavior changes. That is why all pets benefit from a team approach to health care. 

Communication is key to building a strong health care team. Be sure to share any behavioral concerns with your primary care veterinarian. Your veterinarian might not know you have a concern unless you mention it. You are your pet's Number One team member! 

Who else, besides your primary care veterinarian, should be on your pet's health care team? If you are concerned about an emotional or behavioral change, then ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist. Dr. Lindell is available to work with your veterinarian. All veterinary behaviorists  are trained to recognize physical illnesses that contribute to emotional and behavioral changes. 

Other veterinary specialists might also be called upon depending on the nature of your pet's physical and behavior changes. 

Non-veterinary professionals may also come on board. For example, since, most behavioral treatment plans involve behavior modification, a skilled dog trainer who understands how to use positive reinforcement and humane training methods can make valuable contributions toward a positive outcome.  

Working together, your pet will receive the best possible care.

Changing Behavior: the Behavioral Treatment Plan

A behavioral treatment toolbox typically includes recommendations for environmental and behavioral modification and may include recommendations for medication.

Environmental modification is used to address comfort and safety and might include the implementation of customized enrichment strategies .

Behavioral modification techniques are introduced to teach you and your pet the specific skills needed for success. Examples might include relaxation strategies, focus exercises, and desensitization to reduce your pet’s emotional response to worrisome triggers.

Medication is sometimes recommended as a part of the treatment plan. Psychotropic medications are rarely used as a sole intervention--they are usually used to supplement or enhance the behavior modification program. 

Your veterinary behaviorist will advise you if your pet is a candidate for psychotropic medication and will discuss both risks and benefits with you and your primary care veterinarian. Medication may also be prescribed if your pet is experiencing physical discomfort or if a concurrent physical illness is contributing to behavioral or emotional changes.