Question 1

Why are Veterinary Behavior services needed?

Accepted Answer

A large number of pets currently  suffer from a variety of emotional and mental health issues such as compulsive disorders, fear aggression, and separation anxiety to name a few. The ability to accurately diagnose and create adequate treatment plans for our pets is severely lacking and many pets continue to suffer either undiagnosed or inadequately treated. When we work together to formulate a unique and specific plan for your pet and your life, your entire family's both four legged and two legged life improves.

Question 2

What should your expectations be?

Accepted Answer

The goal is that we improve your pet's life so they are performing unwanted or concerning  behaviors less and improve your life through a better understanding of why your pet might be performing behaviors and the treatments that are needed to improve overall behavioral health. A pet's progress depends on many factors such as their genetics, length of time behaviors have been performed, your willingness to implement and continue the treatment plan , management of underlying medical disorders, and your pet's response to  treatment. While we typically do see progress with the vast majority of cases, we cannot guarantee that your pet's behavior will be cured . Progress takes time which can be as short as a couple of months or longer and can be further discussed in the consultation based on your unique pet.

Question 3

Should I hire a trainer?

Accepted Answer

Creating a behavior modification treatment plan for your pet is always a team approach. This often includes a trainer. However, do not hire a trainer to help you unless we have discussed the specific trainer together as a team. We want to ensure your investment in a trainer is with someone who understands and can help with behavior modification. The experience in years or with antiquated techniques does not translate to someone who can help you and your pet succeed and in many scenarios can make the situation much worse. We can help you find the right trainer that meets your pet’s needs.

Question 4

Will we work with your trainer?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If they are humane and ethical in their approach to behavior change keeping both your goals and the pets welfare in mind with creating training plans then we are more than happy to work as a team.

Question 5

Are progress assessments necessary after the initial behavior consultation?

Accepted Answer

Progress visit(s) are scheduled between 6 weeks and 3 months depending on the diagnosis and plan. 
Progress visit(s) are an additional cost and are typically 30-minute appointments.
The more check in’s or rechecks you have with the professionals you are working with, the greater the progress with your pet. Changing behavior takes a collaborative, patient, and dedicated approach. The initial behavioral assessment is just that, the initial assessment and start of a plan for your pet and yourself. We are unable to give you everything your pet may need for their mental health for the rest of their life in this initial assessment, so it is important to continue your rechecks for your pet’s health. 
If your pet was placed on medication, a recheck of lab work after the initial baseline lab work will be indicated within a time window indicated to be performed at your RDVM  to ensure your pet's tolerance.

Question 6

What is the difference between a veterinarian specializing in behavior and a trainer?

Accepted Answer

While I have worked with some phenomenal trainers in my time in the veterinary behavior world, it is an understatement to say they are not all created equal. While frequently I partner with trainers who refer to me to help with the medical pieces of the behavior puzzle or I refer to them to help follow through with behavior modification work, there are only a select few that are truly capable of doing this while not concurrently diminishing welfare in your pet or causing a new unwanted and at times more serious behavior concern in the future.

The difference between a great behavior modification trainer and a veterinarian specializing in behavior is the veterinarian will have advanced medical training which allows for diagnosis of underlying medical disorders that may be contributing to the behavior, direction with which diagnostics may be appropriate, and help navigating or dictating the treatment plan for the medical disorder. Currently 90 percent of my caseload has a concurrent medical disorder that needs to be navigated with their presenting behaviors and directly affects their behaviors and behavioral responses. The veterinarian will also have the ability to prescribe medication for behaviors when appropriate. While the behavior veterinarian, primary veterinarian, and trainer can all work together as a team providing different expertise and support to have the best outcome for the family.

Question 7

What do I bring to the initial behavior consult?

Accepted Answer

Consults are typically 1 hr and 20 min in length. This may seem like a long time, but this is usually the start of addressing your pet’s needs. Please use this consultation to ask pertinent questions concerning your pet’s mental and physical health as well as any clarifying questions you need to be addressed. 
Please bring any training equipment that you use with your pet on a regular basis and discuss any equipment that is not currently in your possession that has been used in the past. 
If your pet is on a particular nutrition plan or has special nutritional needs, please bring treats/food that your pet can eat during the appointment. 
In order to give your pet the attention it deserves, an appointment is scheduled for one pet at a time, so please do not bring other pets. Separate consultations should be scheduled if you have other pets in need. The appointment lengths do not allow for a thorough assessment of multiple pets.

Question 8

What will we do during initial and subsequent behavior consultations? ​

Accepted Answer

An extensive review of the questionnaire.
We will discuss any diagnostics that may be necessary to rule in or out concurrent illnesses or underlying causes for behavioral issues. 
Review of diet and nutritional needs. 
Body condition scoring, assessment of exercise. 
Safety recommendations for the public and at home if indicated. 
Training discussion, recommendation of basic exercises. 
Changes needed in the home environment. 
Behavior modification plan.
Pharmacologic needs assessment, alternative pharmacologic or additive support.

Question 9

Why do you require a reservation fee at the time of scheduling?

Accepted Answer

We strive to provide a comprehensive and efficient assessment of all patients that we see. This means that we will spend hour(s) reading through the provided medical and behavioral history of your pet so we can spend the majority of the appointment on specific details to provide treatment options.

We are also committed to helping as many clients and pets as we can, and in the timeliest manner possible, which we are better able to do by collecting a non-refundable fee to secure your appointment reservation at the time of scheduling. Additionally, paying in advance helps to prevent delays at the end of the appointment, minimizing stress for you and your pet. We understand that paying a reservation fee represents a significant commitment on your part, and we appreciate the trust that you place in our services by doing so in advance of your pet’s appointment.

Question 10

Additional Pertinent Policies and Information

Accepted Answer

If you would like your medical records sent to outside parties who do not have a current VCPR or are not listed as the owner on the patient record, then we ask you to forward your records to those people. 
We cannot give estimates per month or year of medications that are not directly distributed from our hospital as the prices of medications constantly change at outside human and veterinary pharmacies. 
Controlled prescriptions cannot be mailed or called into pharmacies in the state of Texas as they require a hand written prescription from the prescribing DVM. 
DVM's do not have electronic medical records or electronic scripting ability. If you pharmacist makes this recommendation, it is not applicable to DVMs.

Question 11

Public Health Safety

Accepted Answer

There is a separate entrance for behavior patients through the glass door adjacent to the garage of the veterinary hospital. Please use this entrance only for the safety of other pets and people who may be in the lobby of the main hospital entrance.

Dogs that have bitten people or other animals should wear a muzzle until the clinician gives the OK. All animals regardless of bite history should be leashed with a non-retractable, standard 6 ft or less, leash that is attached to the pet and in control at all times by the owner. All pets will be tethered in the examination room to the wall beside the owner, and the owner will continue to maintain control of the leash at all times for the safety of all staff.

If you have safety concerns for the general public or the DVM in regards to bringing your pet to an in person consultation then please reach out at least one week prior to your scheduled consultation for assistance on best management and safety plan for entering the building.

Frequently Asked Questions