Canine and Feline Clinical Management PDF

VTHT 2201 Canine and Feline Clinical Management Pet Behavior Behavioral Wellness Program Behavior problems are often the reason that pets are taken to shelter Much easier to prevent than to deal with problem behavior Veterinary team should be proactive...

VTHT 2201 Canine and Feline Clinical Management Pet Behavior Behavioral Wellness Program Behavior problems are often the reason that pets are taken to shelter Much easier to prevent than to deal with problem behavior Veterinary team should be proactive ask client about pet behavior provide info about normal behavior/training educate clients to recognize and promptly deal with problem behavior Common Canine Behavior Problems Housebreaking Chewing Barking Digging Aggression toward people Aggression toward other pets Separation Anxiety Always rule out medical issues first Fantasy vs. Reality Set realistic goals developmentally appropriate for puppy training should focus on owner's actual needs manageable training schedule for owner Many people start out right, but have problems because they expect too much too soon - consider pup’s age Behavior counseling can help clients identify their particular needs and resources  Starting Off Right Crate Training helps with housebreaking helps prevent destructive chewing provides a safe “doggy den” Improper use can create problems separation anxiety, barking house soiling Picking the right puppy and starting off right  Crate Training Crate should be in a quiet, but not isolated spot May have more than one crate Use ONLY for short term confinement at first pup needs to become accustomed to crate young pups can't go long periods without elimination “Go to your crate” & lure into crate with treat Put hollow dog toys stuffed with treats in crate Use whenever you are at home - rest in crate, go potty, play - repeat every hour  Potty Training Natural instinct is to avoid soiling den A 2000 sq. ft. den with wall to wall carpet??? When you are at home, take pup out of crate every hour and take to elimination area- move fast! Choose a phrase: “Go potty” or “Do your business” - Reward for elimination in right spot, then go for walk or go in and play, and back in crate When not at home, confine puppy in crate or an area with hard surface floor with papers, bedding, water, and toys. Potty Training Takes Time How long can a pup wait to urinate? 75 minutes at 8 weeks 90 minutes at 12 weeks 2 hours at 18 weeks Don't confine in crate longer than he can wait! Don't give puppy free run of house! puppy playroom up to 5-6 months, then gradually provide access to additional rooms, 1 a month Chewing Things is Normal! Chew toys provide acceptable outlet for normal behavior Puppy learns to occupy time by chewing - not barking, not digging Dog occupied with chew toy less likely to have separation anxiety  Chew Toy Training Provide chew toys in doggy den and puppy playroom Stuffed chew toys entertain for hours Kong or CET chews stuff with kibble from daily ration Pup should ALWAYS have access to chew toys and NOTHING else that he can chew on no shoes, socks, etc.  Socialization with People Starts with breeder shy, fearful pups have usually been ignored, not abused 3-12 weeks is crucial time for socialization with people Provide positive experiences with LOTS of different people - kids, neighbors, delivery drivers Kibble is a positive experience  Socialization with Dogs Starts in litter with other pups Interrupted when go to new home and start vaccinations Start again at 12 weeks puppy classes dog park – once fully vaccinated Bite Inhibition Normal for puppies to bite and mouth each other (and people) Learning bite inhibition as a pup decreases risk of causing injury with bite as an adult 1- No hurting 2- No pressure 3- Let go 4- Wait until asked Training for bite inhibition  Obedience Training Basic obedience makes life easier walk on leash; sit; stay Begin with young pups Immediate reward good for learning commands Intermittent reward better for consistent response Advanced training great for active dogs; also builds confidence Busy schedules make formal training difficult for many owners  Separation Anxiety Any dog can suffer from this condition May result in destructive behavior or injury to the pet Usually within the first 30 minutes of owner leaving Signs of separation anxiety Barking/howling Urination/defecation Chewing/digging/destruction Escaping Pacing Seek consultation with a veterinary behaviorist Desensitization/Counterconditioning Medication may be required Vigorous exercise can help with mood-changing hormones Separation Anxiety - ASPCA  Socialization should start at a young age to help minimize aggression toward animals or people If behavior changes with age or pet is adopted in adult years, seek guidance from a veterinary behaviorist Dominance is not the issue Patient stress is common in the veterinary hospital Dogs display body language that indicates stress and the potential for aggression The veterinary team should be able to recognize these indicators Look at what the entire body is saying! Canine A dog can be obedient and still be stressed Examples of stress signals Body Ears back Dilated pupils Language Whale eye Lip licking Head down or turned away Yawning Panting Wagging tail (may be erect or tucked) Vocalization Common Feline Behavior Problems Litter box training/Inappropriate eliminations Scratching furniture Socialization people other cats dogs other pets Always rule out medical issues first  Socialization Kittens – from 3-7 weeks of age is a crucial socialization period Should be exposed to typical household activities Introduce new kitten to one room – may use large crate for bed, like with puppy Play with them in their room regularly; offer food treats; use baby gate for door when possible After 1 week, introduce other pets After 2 weeks, let kitten into other rooms; raise baby gate so kitten can get back into “safe” room Cats can be trained! Cat Friendly Litter Boxes Are Essential 1 per cat plus one different locations Bigger usually better Covered vs. Uncovered Easily accessible, but somewhat secluded Litter Choice clumping, gravel, paper scented, unscented thick or thin layer CLEAN!!!  Litter Box Training Similar to puppy playpen Confine kitten in small room with hard surface floor, litter box at one end, food and water at other. May offer treats when see kitten use litter box After several weeks, gradually allow kitten access to additional rooms In large house may need 2 litter boxes Avoid punishment - confusing and stressful to cat  Scratching Posts Must be more appealing than furniture Must be different from furniture Sturdy Rugged texture rope corrugated cardboard Catnip will attract cat to scratcher Accessible - may need more than 1  Alternatives to Scratching Posts Cosmic Cat Scratcher Sticky Paws When scratching, cats mark their territory by leaving visual and chemical messages from their paws. FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY TM* is a copy of this scent. When applied on the desired scratching surface, like a scratching post, it mimics your cat’s messages, encouraging him to scratch there again. It’s clinically proven More than 90% of cats never started destructive scratching when adopted into a new home using this product 8 out of 10 cats started using their scratching post within the first seven days It’s drug free It’s a healthy alternative to declawing For most cats, one package does the trick  Declawing Onychectomy Remove claw and distal phalanx of toe Indoor cats only; Front paws only Bandage should be quite snug to prevent hemorrhage Remove bandages after 24 hrs. Painful procedure - need pain meds post-op Use paper in litter pan for two weeks after surgery  Effects of Declawing Declawing harder on adult cats Declawing may increase behavior problems avoid litterbox increased aggression Alternatives trimming nails scratching post Soft Paws nail covers  Feline Body Language Guide to Cat Body Language Patient stress is common in the veterinary hospital Cats display body language that indicates stress and the potential for aggression The veterinary team should be able to recognize these indicators Look at what the entire body is saying! Examples of stress signals Dilated pupils Ears back/pinned Vocalization (including purring) Hiding Raised fur Arched back Tail swatting