Behavioural Counselling

Behavioural issues can be more challenging to treat than physical ailments. Any pet can develop a behavioral problem, but some animals have finely tuned nervous systems and are more susceptible to stress reactions. For example, adopted pets may have gone through traumatic experiences in the past that caused the development of self-protective behaviors. In other cases, a particular animal may naturally have a low threshold for stress and may develop unusual behaviors as a way to deal with their environment. Whatever the original problem, a veterinarian can determine if the behaviour is due to a physical problem or can advise you on the best way to eliminate the unwelcome behavior. Call us at 416-762-5558 for more information.

What types of behaviour problems can dogs develop? How can your team help?

Dogs may develop a number of behavioral problems, such as housebreaking issues, aggression, timidity, nipping, excessive digging, jumping up, or excessive chewing. These habits can be destructive, not to mention cause a variety of problems with family and guests. Our veterinarians can perform tests on your pet’s blood to determine if a nutritional or health problem is affecting their behavior. If the behavioural problem is caused by a physical malady, our doctors can help address the problem directly or refer patients to specialists with expertise on more complex conditions.

What types of behaviour problems can cats develop? How can your team help?

Litterbox problems are one of the most common behavioral issues experienced by feline patients. Owners may also become concerned about excessive scratching, nighttime activity, aggression, timidity or eating problems. Our Toronto veterinarians can provide advice for handling these issues and train your cat to behave in a more acceptable way. In some cases, environmental factors may be contributing to the problem. Furthermore, coaching the owners to respond differently can have a beneficial effect on the behavior of the patient.