Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 - (Page 668)

H OW YO U CA N H E L P [ Offer basic behavior counseling for every pet at every visit By preventing behavior problems or catching them early, practitioners can fortify the human-animal bond. ] M isbehaving is the most dangerous thing a companion animal can do. A study of a dozen shelters nationwide in 2000 found that 40% of dogs and 28% of cats were surrendered because of one or more behavior problems reported by the owners.1 Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, PhD, the director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine program at Cornell University, thinks these findings underestimate how many WHAT WORKS FOR Dr. J.C. Burcham J.C. Burcham, DVM, a practitioner in Olathe, Kan., developed a background and interest in behavioral issues in veterinary school. Talking to clients about behavior is essential, she says, but listening carefully to what clients say during exams is just as important. “I was talking with a client about her cocker spaniel puppy,” she explains. “I suddenly heard these words like a little red flag shooting up: ‘She growls at me when I walk past her crate.’ The owner wasn’t even bringing this up as a problem. Immediately I asked the owner if her dog does that every time or only when she has food. It turned out the dog had crate aggression. It was just a puppy, and the problem would have gotten much worse with age.” Dr. Burcham has listened while owners have described the cute way their bull mastiff puppy growls at their children when they were around its food bowl. She’s heard clients talk about the way their kittens like to play with their fingers. Listening and educating is the first line of defense, she says. “When I think about preventing relinquishment, I really think it starts with educating the client and the client having realistic expectations from the get-go,” she says. To assist her in educating clients, Dr. Burcham has trained a behavior technician to screen phone calls from clients asking about behavior problems. The behavior technician usually sends the client a behavior evaluation form, which the client mails back (download this form at www.vetmedpub.com/BehaviorForm). “Then I can guide my behavior technician to call the client back; give the client some general advice, directed by me, to try at home; and then set up a consultation.” Once she has the client in the office, Dr. Burcham can be sure she has his or her attention. That’s important because the work is usually a long haul once negative behavior is established. “There are no silver bullets,” she says, often cautioning owners to expect at least a year’s work on serious problems. animals are likely surrendered for behavior problems.2 Many owners are reluctant to admit that their pets have behavior problems when they bring their pets to shelters because they believe their pets will be euthanized. “If you look at the dogs who are relinquished to shelters, you find that the single largest group is young adolescents, 6 months to 25 months of age,” Dr. Scarlett says. “Why? They’re unruly. That’s where the veterinarian enters. Between the time a dog finishes its puppy shots and the time it reaches 6 months of age, the bond either never cements, or the bond is formed but the dog’s behaviors are so obnoxious that the owner no longer wants to keep it.” These problems include digging holes in the backyard, chewing up shoes, or pulling too hard against a leash on walks. “The problem with behavior,” Dr. Scarlett suggests, “is that most veterinarians are not well-trained in and have a level of discomfort with behavior issues. Few have a behaviorist on staff.” But veterinarians can learn behavior basics that will help them identify annoyances before serious problems develop and lead to relinquishment. ROUTINE QUESTIONING CAN RAISE RED FLAGS Prevention is always key. Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DACVB, a past AVMA president, says, “Behavior problems are the number one cause of euthanasia for dogs and cats, resulting in a loss of approximately 10% of the total population each year. This is not acceptable for any reason. Prevention is the only 668 October 2007 VETERINARY MEDICINE http://www.vetmedpub.com/BehaviorForm

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 Contents Leading Off The Veterinary Medicine Interview: Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald Toxicology Brief Idea Exchange Animal Sheltering in the United States: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow The Euthanasia Problem Offer Basic Behavior Counseling for Every Pet at Every Visit Promote and Perform Early Spaying and Neutering Assist Owners in Selecting the Best Pets for their Lifestyles Champion Animal Welfare in Your Community CE Form Product Review Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

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