On behavioral problems in dogs

Author: Dr. Alin Baron – Pet Stuff Veterinary Hospital

When the owner of a dog observes changes in behavior in his dog, it is important for him to face a specialized veterinarian, who can solve many of the problems that the dog presents.

Within a consultation, the vet has the role of finding an optimal solution relating to both the dog and the owner to correct destructive, dangerous or disturbing behavior.

At the same time, the vet will lead you to the knowledge of the needs of the dog and how you can meet these needs in order to reach a high level of well -being for both the dog and the owner.

It is very important to note that some behavioral problems can be dangerous both for the animal (the wooden or textile red) and for the owners and their narrow (aggression).

What is a behavioral problem?

«The term behavioral problem refers to any model (repetition) of the behavior of a pet that can cause injuries to the respective person or others, or that proves to be dangerous or disturbing for the owner. Some may be normal actions manifested by a specific or grateful species, others may be abnormal behaviors and in some cases they can be abnormal behavior»
Rosana álvarez bueno- low stress management in the veterinary clinic

What are the most common behavioral problems in dogs?

aggression – represents a dangerous behavior that can lead to the injury of the dog, owner or people and animals around.

Some common examples may be:

1. Aggression against the owner or other family members;
2. Towards other dogs;
3. Possessive aggression (security guard, toys, food, etc.);
4. Territorial aggression;
5. Aggression induced by pain;

Separation anxiety – This behavior occurs when the dog cannot calm down and find a state of comfort when the owners are not present around him. Compliant Basava manual of behavioral medicine canine and feline 20-40% of cases of behavioral problems that enter the attention of veterinarians are diagnosed with separation anxiety. Most of the time the problem can be of primary origin, hyper – -attack or dysfunctional connection.

Separation anxiety raises problems due to the fact that it involves disturbing behaviors, such as red furniture, obsessive barking, urination and failure at home.

It should be noted that this behavioral disorder can be avoided if it intervenes in the first months of life. With the help of the veterinarian specialized in behavior and a canine instructor, the dog can learn to spend a relaxed time, avoiding the complications of this condition.

Usually the prevention procedure consists in creating a place where the dog feels safe and ease in order to functionally eliminate stress alone.

Abnormal repetitive behaviors – It can be described as repetitive actions in which we can suspect that the animal has no control over the beginning and/or the conclusion of the action.

In the case of this behavior it is necessary to keep in mind that there may be several causal factors other than those relating to behavioral (for example neuropathies), thus strengthening the need to evaluate the dog by a veterinarian to find and treat the problem.

In these conditions we can identify problems such as:

1. Obsessive barking;
2. The spin around the tail;
3. Excessive grooming (which can lead to dermatitis);

Summarize the above information we ask the following question.

When is it necessary to go to the veterinarian specialized in behavior?

1. When we observe unjustified behavioral changes;
2. If there is difficult to ignore the behavior that affects the daily well of the dog or the owner;
3. When the owner-dog report is tested by various daily factors;
4. If you have a dog for a few months, because your vet can help you and guide you in time, so that many unwanted behaviors (separation syndrome, urination at home, etc.) and you can also be guided to a suitable canine instructor;
5. When we want to bring home a new animal, because the veterinarian can inform you the information and procedures necessary for their socialization;
6. When we notice signs of stress in this case, the vet can help you identify and remove the stress factor or get used to the dog to the point where it does not disturb it;
7. When we want to get used to the dog with the veterinary clinic or hospital.

Bibliographic sources

• Basava manual of behavioral medicine canine and feline
• Low stress management in the veterinary clinic, Rosana Alvarez Bueno, Ten’s German Quintana
• Msdvetmanual com problems