Does My Pet Have Behavior Issues?
If your answer is yes, then you have joined the 90% of pet parents who are seeking advice and ways to solve their pet’s behavior issues. The most important first step is to have one of our veterinarians perform an exam on your pet to rule out that the behavior is not caused by a medical issue. Medical issues like kidney infections, body pain, and pain around the mouth can cause your pet to behave abnormally.
Most pets’ fear, stress, and anxiety come from two life events. One is changes in their environment, like a new family member, a new home, a new pet to the family, or even being home alone. The second event would be when they are placed in unusual situations like fireworks or other loud noises, family celebrations, traveling, or even a visit to their petratrician, which can cause fear, anxiety, and stress. Of course, as pet parents, you want to be proactive with your pet’s known stressors. But, just like you, having to wear a mask daily, our pets also have to adjust and learn how to react to someone wearing a mask.
Common Signs of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress:
- Aggressive or Destructive Behavior
- Inappropriate Elimination
- Hiding or Isolation
- Digestive Upset
- Reduced Appetite
- Excessive Pacing or Panting
- Nervousness or Agitation
Our team of veterinarians and staff are Fear-Free certified, so we have the tools and training. To give you, as a pet parent, the power to help your pets cope with environmental changes and any unusual situations they may be faced with. Always remember hat your stress is their stress, and their happiness is your happiness; fear, stress, and anxiety always travel down the leash or across the room to your pet.
