HAS YOUR PET’S BEHAVIOR SUDDENLY CHANGED??

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Seldom does a behaviorist get calls when a behavior problem first surfaces. Life would be so much easier if that were the case! Most behavior problems have escalated to the point where the owner is at their wits end before they are motivated enough to get help. Sometimes, there is a sudden change in behavior that prompts the call, more often than not the animal will need to see another animal professional before they see a behaviorist.

One of the first questions asked by a behaviorist during the initial phone conversation with a potential client is, "When was the last visit to the veterinarian?" Before booking an appointment for a behavioral consultation many consultants will often request that the animal be medically examined first. It may be confusing to many pet owners, but veterinary concerns are a very important point to rule out right away.

This type of recommendation causes some confusion, but many times a change in behavioral patterns is the first sign of something physically wrong. If there is an underlying health problem or complication due to medication, it is important to have that assessed before proceeding into a behavioral modification program.

Aggression and housesoiling are two of the most common alerts to an underlying situation that could be health related. There are many reasons why an animal’s behavior may change, but this medical or pain related topic is an area that is often overlooked.

Pain induced aggression is usually a sudden occurrence. It is different from other types of aggression since it is triggered by physical pain, or the animal is suddenly giving warnings that will prevent physical pain. It has nothing to do with new animals being introduced to the household or other such events.

Growling, biting or scratching (cats) from an animal who is normally tolerant or cooperative would be a good clue. The change is usually sudden and without much warning. Talking to a behavior consultant will help you to narrow down the causes, and a good one will probably send you to a veterinarian first.

In many situations, upon examination, there have been unseen wounds or burrs, bad infections, or even cancerous conditions. An animal that has taken a fall, been in a fight, or injured by a car or other object may react with aggression. An animal who is on medication could also show such symptoms.

Housesoiling problems are another area of concern to many owners. This problem can also be triggered by health related challenges such as illness, new medication or discontinuation of medication, sudden diet changes, or by old age.

Paying attention to your animal and the signals they give to you is significant. Assessing your animal on a daily basis is a substantial part of being a pet caretaker. Handling and touching your pet is meaningful and a daily necessity for detecting burrs, injuries, or external parasites. Many times you may feel a small bump, which could be nothing or which could be a tumor just starting to form.

Frequent or daily assessment is something everyone should get in the practice of doing. The most enjoyable way to do this is through contact and grooming habits. Many owners will brush and comb their animals on a daily basis. This is great! Even if you only do this a couple of times a week, it creates a stronger bond with your pet and helps keep them in good condition.

As you brush or comb your pet, you should actually rub the animal with your hands. Feeling for bumps, burrs, or other irregularities is done best with your hands. Checking the animal all over is also important. Many animals would love a nice belly rub or massage! These types of efforts pay off with better tolerance toward the groomer or veterinarian too.

Clear eyes, clean ears, and clean nostrils are normal and should be checked on a daily or weekly basis. Check for cracked pads, dry patches, or broken claws or nails. Also, be sure to monitor both urination and fecal material. Knowing what is normal will help you to spot trouble right away.

Here are a few things you can do to assist you in detecting something that might be abnormal or potentially wrong with your precious pet. Don’t panic if there is a minor change, just pay attention. If the change continues or is drastic then you may need to take some further action. In most cases, if there is something wrong there will be several changes that you will see if you are already paying attention:

1. When your animal has been out and about be sure to check them when you arrive back home or when they come in. This helps to avoid complications from a hidden injury or burr.

2. Notice if your pet’s eating and drinking patterns are normal. This should be done on a daily basis. (This is also why I suggest all animals in a household have their own feeding station or bowls.)

3. Check for normal urination and fecal matter. (Keeping toileting areas clean and having individual litterboxes for each animal is important to do so you can do this effectively.)

4. Note any changes in normal patterns of behavior. For example, Is your pet suddenly sullen when it is usually playful? Have sleeping patterns changed drastically? Is your pet cranky instead of tolerant?

5. Conduct at least a weekly, if not daily, hands-on examination through massage or brushing to check your pet. Feel for bumps, cuts, or other such things.

6. Do a visual scan of your animal everyday. Are the eyes clean, bright, and wide open? Are the ears clean and erect? Is the fur clean and shiny? Is the mouth a normal color? Is your pet moving normally?

If you take the time to note these few things you may be able to detect trouble before it starts. Remember, anytime you see drastic changes in your pet’s behavior you should be alert to the possibility of other complications. This is especially true if nothing else has changed in your home environment. Be sure to contact your veterinarian and an animal behavior specialist for assessment if you see such drastic changes.