Behavior Counseling
Your pet’s behavior is more than training or good manners, it’s part of their overall well-being and quality of life. Unusual or undesirable behavior can also be the first indication of an underlying health problem. Whether your pet’s concerning behavior is new or a long-standing issue, our veterinarians will listen to your concerns, examine your pet, and provide tailored solutions that restore harmony and health.
Common Pet Behavior Problems
Dogs and cats experience a variety of behavior issues that can disrupt daily life, including:
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Destructive chewing or scratching
- House-soiling or accidents
- Fear-based behaviors (e.g., anxiety, phobias)
- Reactivity
- Aggression or resource-guarding
- Attention-seeking behaviors
While some behavior problems can be managed with training, others may be caused by an underlying physical or emotional condition requiring veterinary care.
The Link Between Pet Behavior and Health
Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, but if we know what to look for we can recognize certain behaviors as a cry for help. Things that can change your pet’s behavior include:
Pain
Illness
Age-related changes
Behavior Counseling at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital
During a behavior counseling visit, you can expect:
- Thorough pet history — We’ll gather detailed information about your pet’s physical and emotional health including the behavior, the pet’s environment, and known triggers.
- Comprehensive physical exam — We will perform a full physical exam to help identify any health issues that may contribute to the behavior.
- Multimodal treatment plan: Based on our findings, we’ll create a customized plan that addresses the root cause of your pet’s behavior and supports their overall health. This plan may include:
- Medications or supplements
- Nutritional adjustments
- Training and management strategies
- Behavior modification
- Referral to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (for complex cases)
Behavior Problems? We Understand
Behavior challenges and changes can feel like a complex and frustrating puzzle. Don’t let these issues put a strain on your special bond. With a thorough assessment, appropriate interventions, and a compassionate approach, we’ll help you understand your pet’s behavior, support their needs, and restore your relationship.