In my last blog post Dog Trainer vs Behaviourist? Making the Right Choice for Your Dog, I explained when you might need a Behaviourist rather than a Trainer. If you’ve found your way to my Behavioural Consultations page, you’ll notice that Step 1 is to seek a veterinary referral. So why do you need to take that extra step? Now, I know this might seem like an extra step that costs both time and money, and all you want to do is start helping your dog. However, let me explain why this step is so crucial.
The main reason is that your dog’s behaviour could be linked to a medical issue. Pain isn’t always easy to identify, and you might not be aware of any health problems your dog has. However, there’s often a significant relationship between pain and behaviour. A 2020 research paper (Pain and Problem Behaviour in Cats and Dogs, Daniel S. Mills, et al, doi:10.3390/ani10020318) found that around one-third of referred canine cases involved some form of pain condition. Common sources of pain included hip, stifle/knees/elbows, skin issues, and stomach problems. Indicators of pain can be subtle, such as reluctance to engage in activities they once enjoyed or a decrease in their success at these activities.
For example, an agility dog might start losing focus or breaking their start-line wait to sniff around. A dog with a solid sit/stay might become fidgety. If pain is a factor, addressing it first is essential. For instance, we wouldn’t want to repeatedly lure a dog with hip dysplasia into a ‘Down’ position, as it would associate the mat with pain.
Sometimes, undesired behaviours can be entirely explained by a medical problem. Take my dog, Mabel, for example. Over the past few months, she became increasingly clingy and showed attention-seeking behaviours. She also got distressed when left alone. My first step was to visit the vet, where I listed all the changes in her behaviour and emailed them in advance. Unfortunately, Mabel (aged 12) was diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, cataracts, and arthritis. Although heartbreaking, the vet provided a clear medical explanation for her behaviour. Mabel’s treatment plan includes pain relief for arthritis, nutraceuticals for brain function, and managing her environment to keep things familiar. In her case, a behaviour modification plan wouldn’t be beneficial, and the vet can provide most of the support and advice needed.
Some pets benefit from medication in conjunction with a behavioural modification programme. Anti-anxiety medications, whether used short-term or long-term, can help pets with phobias and other conditions. In the UK, a non-veterinary behaviourist cannot legally recommend medications, but they can suggest that your pet may benefit from medication and be involved in conversations with your vet. Therefore, keeping your vet informed from the outset makes sense.
Consulting your vet also helps them support your pet’s needs when being treated for other conditions. For example, a dog with Separation Related Problems may struggle if crated at the surgery. Changing the timing of their appointment so they don’t have to wait alone can significantly improve their experience at the surgery.
In summary, a veterinary referral can lead to a quicker, more appropriate resolution of your dog’s behaviour problem. Your dog will benefit from the support of a multi-disciplinary team, all with the same goal: to improve your dog’s welfare and quality of life, as well as yours.