Warning: reset() [function.reset]: Passed variable is not an array or object in /home/catsuppl/public_html/script/articleheader.php on line 48

Dog and Cat Behavior Consultations

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital

Why Behavior Consultations?

More than half of all pet owners experience behavior problems with theirs pets. Unfortunately, many times the early signs of a behavior problem may go unrecognized or little is done to try to treat the initial problem until it becomes more serious. Many pet owners simply put up with the problem behavior and suffer the consequences or, ultimately, have to give their pet away. Fortunately, if help is sought early enough and if an appropriate treatment plan is followed, often the behavior problem can be cured.

What Is Involved?

In order to make it easier and more affordable for our clients to address behavior problems before they get out of hand, Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital staff veterinarian Ilana Strubel, DVM, MA provides in-office behavior consultations.

Consultations take approximately one hour and must be scheduled in advance. The presence of all family members over the age of 6 and any pet involved in the problem is requested so that any underlying dynamics contributing to the problem behavior can be identified.

A comprehensive medical and behavioral history questionnaire is provided for the client to complete and return in advance of the appointment. In some cases, a videotape of the pet's problem behavior at home may also be requested. This information allows the doctor to become familiar with the presenting behavior problem so that she may best utilize the time spent with the patient and client during the consultation.

During the appointment, the doctor will ask further questions pertinent to the history of the problem and form a tentative diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of the main problem is made, Dr. Strubel is able to provide a thorough explanation of the pet's behavior problem and a customized plan for solving it.

If appropriate to the problem, the doctor will demonstrate the proper use and fitting of training collars and/or head halter. For all problems, handouts explaining the behavior and outlining steps for correcting it are provided to assist the client with implementing the treatment plan.

If drug therapy is advised, it may be necessary to collect a blood sample for baseline values to help ensure the patient's safety and to avoid possible side effects. All animals given prescriptions for behavior medications will need to be closely monitored by the prescribing veterinarian. The cost of any medications or products prescribed during the appointment is not included in the consultation fee.

The consultation fee includes two follow-up phone calls during the first few weeks after the consultation to assist with any problems or questions that may arise. It is advised that all behavior modification protocols be implemented slowly and precisely to ensure greater long-term success.

Depending on the type of behavior problem it may be necessary to introduce the training program in stages, and a follow up visit in one to two months may be recommended. This can be scheduled with Dr. Strubel as a regular 20-minute office visit or as a full hour, if desired. Dr. Strubel may also consult with Board Certified Veterinary Behavior Specialists regarding more challenging behavior problems and assist in scheduling a referral if indicated.

What Are The Behavior Consultant's Qualifications?

Ilana Strubel, DVM, MA is a general practitioner with a special interest in behavioral medicine. Dr. Strubel received her Bachelor's degree in ethology (animal behavior), ecology, and evolution from the University of Illinois. She then earned a Master's degree in marine biology with a special focus on marine mammal behavior from Boston University. Dr. Strubel then returned to the University of Illinois where she completed her doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Since 1995, Dr. Strubel has practiced small animal medicine and surgery. She has trained with the Behavior Service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis, and is currently a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

About the author:

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]

Cats News


Yahoo! News Search Results for cats Woman who kept cats locked in filth sentenced (KATU Portland) Judith Lawson was arrested in June after animal control officers found 22 purebred Persian cats in a sealed garage, locked in filthy wire cages. Officials called it one of the worst cases of animal ab... Cats fire Schoneck (Prince George Citizen Online) As first reported on princegeorgecitizen.com on Monday, the Prince George Cougars have fired head coach Drew Schoneck.The 35-year-old native of Abbey, Sask., was in his third season on the bench for t... 50 cats euthanized at county shelter to halt virus (The Sacramento Bee) Sacramento officials confirmed Sunday afternoon that city animal shelter workers euthanized 50 cats out of 117 housed at the shelter after the felines started exhibiting symptoms of a deadly virus. ... Fundraiser goes to dogs and cats (The Sarasota Herald-Tribune) Change the name and the look of the Humane Society's biggest fundraiser, "Hot Dogs and Cool Cats," to "Paws on the Catwalk after Dark," and you've got an old friend with a great makeover, according to... Cats extend winning streak to five (Vermont Cynic) University of Vermont men's hockey coach Kevin Sneddon and the rest of the Catamount faithful had a lot to be thankful for over the holiday break. Not only did the Cats sweep a grueling set of fou... Local foster homes needed for cats, kittens (Independent Press) AREA -- Volunteers from Summit Animal Rescue, Inc., are urgently looking for foster homes for cats and kittens that have been left in their care. "Sadly," SARA volunteers said, "due to economic times,... Effort begun to ease the plight of stray cats in East Toledo (The Toledo Blade) When Starr Lucius moved into her home in East Toledo last year, she inherited an unusual responsibility from the previous residents: looking after six stray cats that turned up on her doorstep every m... Lady Cats suffer first home loss (The Paris News) The Paris Lady Cats trailed by only five points at halftime, but they lost their shooting touch in the second half and ended up falling to the Idabel Lady Warriors, 52-34, Tuesday night in Paris? home... Lady Cats fall to Tatum (The Paris News) The Paris Lady Cats turned it up a notch in the fourth quarter, but a third-quarter lapse by Paris left visiting Tatum on the winning end of a 58-47 score Friday night in Wildcat Gym. Lady Cats fall; Clarksville tops Cooper (The Paris News) KELLER ? The Paris High Lady Cats led 21-20 at halftime, but were outscored 27-12 in the second half and suffered a 47-33 loss to Keller Monday night.