BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING

You might be surprised to know the number one cause of animals being euthanized in the United States every year is not cancer, heart disease or “old age”. In fact the number one cause is often related to behavioral problems.

Behavior problems can take many forms, from mild problems such as jumping up on strangers to more serious conditions such as self-mutilation and separation anxiety.

Diagnosing and treating behavior problems can be frustrating for pet owners and challenging for the veterinarian. But meeting the challenge and helping the pet live a happier, healthier life is very rewarding. Diagnosing a behavior problem first means conducting a thorough physical examination to make sure the problem isn't related to some type of physical abnormality or medical condition. The second step often involves a thorough history and sometimes a home visit to evaluate the pet's home environment.

The veterinarians at Cherrydale have many years of interacting with animals and learning what is "normal" and what behaviors can be best treated using which of the various methods we have available. In addition to giving advice on standard behavior modification techniques, we can also offer referrals to behavior specialists as well as advice regarding the use of natural herbal remedies.

If you have any questions about the behavior of your pet, please feel free to please feel free to contact us anytime.

The following brochures are available at Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic: