Veterinary Behavior Consultation: a Comprehensive Evaluation of Both Psychological and Physical Well-Being

Behavioral problems can result from an underlying fear, anxiety, stress, genetic or learned predisposition or even medical conditions. A Veterinary Behaviorist is in a unique position to diagnose both behavioral conditions and medical conditions that can cause or affect a pet's behavior.

The objective of the Behavioral Medicine Service is to provide solutions to your pet's behavior problems while providing high-quality veterinary care, accurate diagnosis, appropriate use of medications and humane behavior modification therapy. Veterinarians approach behavior problems from an ethological, developmental perspective with a focus on understanding your pet’s body language and communication perspective.

The Behavior Department currently has a hybrid schedule of in person and telemedicine. All new consults will be in person and all follow ups / recheck appointments are being seen via telemedicine/Skype. It has been wonderful to see our clients and their pets in relaxed settings at home.

Bad Kitty The department is led by Theresa DePorter, who is a board-certified diplomate in both the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM).

Adrienne E. Pesavento is the Arm & Hammer ACVB Resident in the department. She is a DVM who is currently working toward becoming a boarded behaviorist with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Behavior problems commonly include:

Aggression
Destructive behaviors
Fears, anxieties and phobias
Separation anxiety
Elimination problems
Unruly or uncontrollable behavior
Training difficulties
Cognitive dysfunction
Repetitive or compulsive disorders
Puppy or kitten preventative visits
Pre-selection consultation
Preparing for life events

What treatment methods are utilized?

Scientifically sound techniques include behavior modification, counter-conditioning, desensitization, environmental modification, proper positive reinforcement techniques and owner education. Appropriate medications, pheromones or nutraceuticals may be recommended as adjunctive treatment to the behavior modification program. Your pet will never be subjected to methods that included startling, hurting or shocking your pet. We can alleviate undesirable behaviors in pets while treating animals with kindness, gentleness, respect and admiration.

The Behavioral Medicine Department is available Monday-Saturday. Hours are by appointment only. The Initial Appointments may be up to 2 hours in duration and shorter Follow-up Appointments (50 min) are scheduled every 1 to 3 months as appropriate for your pet. Some pets are seen a few times while others continue long term.