Behavioral issues in pets can be very concerning, especially if they seemingly come out of nowhere. But what are the warning signs of behavior issues? Here, our vets in Williamsburg share the signs of behavior problems in cats and dogs and why it is important to address them quickly.
Warning Signs of Behavior Problems in Dogs & Cats
Behavior issues in dogs and cats can take many forms. If your pet's behavior leaves you feeling baffled, concerned or even scared, it's time to head to your vet for professional guidance.
Common behavior problems in dogs and cats include:
- Aggression: Aggression must be dealt with swiftly, whether it's towards people or other animals. Snapping, growling, scratching and biting are sometimes related to frustration or territoriality, while other times, they can indicate socialization issues or fear.
- Anxiety: Destructive behavior, relentless barking or meowing, inappropriate urination/defecation, trembling, hiding and tail chasing can all be signs of anxiety in pets.
- Destructive Behavior: Chewing on shoes, furniture or other inappropriate items should be corrected as quickly as possible. Excessive digging is another common destructive behavior. These behaviors, most commonly seen in dogs, can indicate boredom or anxiety.
- Inappropriate Elimination: Cats and dogs may urinate or defecate in inappropriate places indoors. If your pet is house-trained but then begins soiling the house, it could be a sign of a medical issue, stress or anxiety.
- Excessive Barking or Meowing: This behavior can be a real headache for pet parents and neighbors. Repeated barking or meowing may indicate that your cat or dog is asking for more attention, is in pain or is feeling anxious.
- Compulsive Behaviors: Tail chasing and overgrooming to the point of bald patches or hot spots are common compulsive behaviors in pets. Overgrooming, in particular, needs to be dealt with right away to avoid escalating skin issues and infections.
Why Early Intervention for Cat & Dogs Behavior Problems is Important
Seeking professional help and promptly addressing cat or dog behavior problems can help prevent these issues from becoming ingrained habits that are very hard to break. Your veterinarian can provide guidance and offer valuable advice as you work to end the above behaviors and instill more positive behaviors in their place.
Many of these things can be corrected by pet parents simply with the help of their veterinarian. However, a professional pet behaviorist or trainer may need to be called in to help in more extreme cases. Getting professional assistance promptly offers many benefits to both pets and their loving owners, such as:
- Prevents Escalation: Many of the problematic behaviors listed above can become more extreme over time. Correcting these issues right away can help ensure that things don't get out of hand.
- Reduces Stress: Repeated bad behavior from pets can be very stressful for family members. If you have ever felt anxious, you likely have some idea of how your pet is feeling, and it's not very nice. Correcting these behaviors can help to relieve stress for the pet and their loving owners.
- Enhances the Human & Animal Bond: Chances are good that if your dog or cat is continually annoying or badly behaved, you are unlikely to want to spend more time with them. Improving your pet's behavior and instilling good habits is bound to improve your relationship and help love flourish.
- Establishes a Roadmap for Good Training Outcomes: By learning how to correct problematic behaviors and taking the necessary steps, you set you and your pet on the path to great training outcomes in the future. You will begin to recognize how rewarding it is to achieve training successes, and your pet will have fun spending time with you and learning.
The Importance of Seeing Your Veterinarian When Cat & Dog Behavior Problems Arise
Consulting with your veterinarian at the first sign of pet behavior issues could save you from hassle and headaches. Book a wellness exam for your pet and give your veterinarian a detailed description of the problematic behavior. Once your vet has listened to your concerns, they will thoroughly examine your pet to check for any underlying medical issues. Sometimes, diagnosing and treating an underlying health problem (such as a bladder infection or joint pain) can instantly resolve the behavior.
If your dog or cat is in good health, your vet can evaluate your pet's behavior and determine the best course of action to correct the problem. They will explain various training techniques and environmental changes that could be used to rectify behavioral issues. If appropriate, they may even prescribe anti-anxiety medication for your pet.
Taking Action Against Behavior Problems in Dogs & Cats
Some inappropriate behaviors won't correct themselves overnight. Getting your desired results will take persistence, commitment, and love. Your vet is behind you all the way! They can provide you with support and guidance each step of the way, help you implement strategies, and keep your pet's progress on track.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.