Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 - (Page 672)

E UTHANASIA O Behavior BEHAVIOR RESOURCES 6 to 8 months old,” Dr. Ciribassi says. “For the most part, the open window of socialization is over at 14 weeks. Formal training can occur later, but puppy classes are meant for those young puppies.” “The important thing is to recognize behavior problems early and get the owner some help before he or she gives up,” Dr. Hunthausen says. “A lot of owners don’t know there are people who can help aggressive pets.” on making the most impact on relinquishment to shelters, I’m discussing the litter box with cat ownMany Web sites offer easily ers. Cats like you to keep it clean. accessible advice: You have to scoop every day. It • www.dacvb.org seems simple, but it is critical.” • www.avsabonline.org Dr. Neilson thinks just impress• www.aspca.org/behavior ing this single point on cat owners • www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com could save many cats from relin• www.animalbehavior.org quishment. She also says to tell /ABSAppliedBehavior/resources owners not to be deluded by the ad-and-articles vertising on litter products. “Noth• www.svbt.org ing really does the job like getting waste out of there,” Dr. Neilson Inappropriate elimination: says. “Product developments may help control odor, but Also a deadly sin nothing replaces the simple act of scooping out the waste.” The primary reason for relinquishment in dogs and cats is Beyond cleanliness, veterinarians should discuss the varelimination. In a report in 2002, Dr. Scarlett and others ious types of litter with owners. Most cats, Dr. Neilson says, stated that “dogs and cats urinating at least weekly in the prefer clumping litter. The average time clumping litter home were approximately two to four times and two to six should stay in the box is one month, with constant topping times, respectively, more likely to be relinquished to a shel- off. No one knows the perfect depth, she says, but cats preter, compared with animals occasionally or never displaying fer 1 cm to 3 cm. Scent is important, but most scents have these behaviors.”2 been developed with human considerations, not feline. Jacqueline Neilson, DVM, DACVB, who owns her own Density is important. Cats like to scratch. behavior practice in Portland, Ore., says, “If I’m focusing In fact, Dr. Neilson says that if cats don’t dig enough in the litter, it is a warning signal. Normally, they like to predig in the litter, and if they do this in an abbreviated manner, the litter may not be to their liking, and elimination problems may follow. CONCLUSION Behavior problems are an important cause of pet relinquishment. Through basic behavior counseling, practitioners can help make sure a lifelong bond is formed and prevent relinquishment. O REFERENCES 1. Salman MD, Hutchinson J, Ruch-Gallie R, et al. Behavioral reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters. J Appl Anim Welfare Sci 2000;3:93-106. 2. Scarlett JM, Salman MD, New JG, et al. The role of veterinary practitioners in reducing dog and cat relinquishments and euthanasias. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;220:306-311. 3. Patronek GJ, Dodman NH. Attitudes, procedures, and delivery of behavior services by veterinarians in small animal practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;215:1606-1611. EXTRAS See for more on puppy socialization and indoor marking in cats. And go to vetmedpub.com to watch Dr. Hunthausen’s demonstration on how to teach a puppy to sit and come on command. 672 October 2007 VETERINARY MEDICINE http://www.dacvb.org http://www.avsabonline.org http://www.aspca.org/behavior http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/resources-and-articles http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/resources-and-articles http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/resources-and-articles http://www.svbt.org http://www.vetstreamcanis.com/ACI/October/VMD2/fre00799.asp http://www.vetstreamfelis.com/ACI/October/VMD1/dis60051.asp http://www.vetmedpub.com:80/vetmed/%3Ci%3EVeterinary+Medicine%3C%2Fi%3E+Digital+Extras/Wayne-L-Hunthausen-DVM/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/418896?contextCategoryId=39608 http://healthcare.goarmy.com/hct/46 http://healthcare.goarmy.com/hct/46

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

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.