Behavioral and Nutritional Counseling

As in any medical problem, a definitive diagnosis is sought to determine the cause of the problem (in this context, a stressor) and then which body system is primarily involved. This is usually the central nervous system but may involve any of the other body systems. In this way, the cause may be removed, the symptoms alleviated and the nervous system supported to facilitate self-repair.

Whether environmental, genetic, dietary, humoral or allergic in origin, behavioral problems are the most important cause for disposing of pets (either by rehoming or euthanasia) when they are in mid life. Hence behavioural problems are important to recognize and eliminate where possible. Annual health care examinations are a useful time to detect and correct these concerns.

A thorough history, physical examination and probably blood, urine and fecal analysis and x-rays are used to determine everything from pain from dental cavities to metabolic diseases as causes for behavioral problems and to differentiate psychological from pathological causes.

Behavioural Therapies for non pathological diseases include:

Lifestyle Modification	Nutritional-a reasoned approach in deciding what to feed. “So Doctor, what should I feed My Pet” Exercise-link to fitness/weight control program Fitness-exercise program-on leash, off leash, hydrotherapy Obedience training-to trainers Environmental change (indoor)
Psychological therapies	Aversion Counter condition Desensitization Overload Certified animal behaviorists Canadian Institute of Professional Dog Training Tony Parker www.dogtrainingsmartline.com Bark Busters Rob Scheel www.barkbusters.ca Certified Master Dog Trainer Shelley Smith www.dogtrainershelley.ca
Medical	Alternative modalities-Herbal e.g. Rescue Remedy, Oxyfresh Pet Stress Tabs (Valerium, Kava Kava, St John’s Wort, Melatonin), Pet Stress Relief (Liquid(Primorye), Biocalm, etc Homeopathy-Homeopet for anxiety, travel sickness, etc.
Pheromones	DAP(Dog Appeasing Pheromone), Feliway (feline pheromone) These are available as diffusers(inhalant vaporizers), sprays or collars
Pharmaceuticals	Anxiolytics e.g. clomipramine, amitryptilline, fluoxetine , etc. Sedatives Analgesics Hormones
Surgical	Primarily sterilization (desexing), possibly declawing, devocalization where euthanasia is the only alternative
Rehoming/Euthanasia

“Nobody likes a grouch!”