We know you love your pet. But when they are struggling with behavior that is fearful, aggressive, or just plain confusing, it can be incredibly stressful for the whole family. It can leave you feeling worried, frustrated, and isolated. Please know, you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Our Pet Behavioral Medicine team is here to help you understand the “why” behind your pet’s actions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for both you and your pet through a scientific and, above all, compassionate approach to animal behavior. Our goal is to find solutions that bring peace back to your home.
What is a Veterinary Behaviorist?
A Veterinary Behaviorist is a licensed veterinarian who has also completed years of specialized, post-doctoral training in a competitive residency. They are true specialists who have passed a rigorous board-certification exam to earn the title of Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB). It means you have a partner in your pet’s care who is a true Veterinary Behavioral Medicine Specialist. They are uniquely qualified to see the entire picture.
A Veterinary Behaviorist understands the complex link between your pet’s physical health, brain function, environment, and their behavior. They can diagnose a problem from both a medical and a behavioral perspective. This is what sets them apart: they can determine if a hidden medical issue (like chronic pain, a thyroid imbalance, or a neurological problem) is the root cause of the behavior, and they are the only specialists who can prescribe medication if it’s needed to help your pet feel calm enough to learn.
When Should Your Dog or Cat See a Veterinary Behaviorist?
It’s common to try classes or work with a trainer, and these are wonderful resources for general manners! But if you’re dealing with a problem that feels overwhelming, isn’t getting better, or is putting your pet or your family at risk, it’s time to see a specialist. We help pets with behaviors that come from deep-seated, involuntary emotions like anxiety and fear, as well as those that have become frustrating, learned habits. We recommend a consultation if you are experiencing:
Common Signs in Dogs
- Aggression toward people (family, visitors, or strangers on walks)
- Aggression toward other dogs (in your home or in public)
- Severe separation anxiety (panic, destruction, howling, or house soiling when you leave)
- Intense fear of noises (thunderstorms, fireworks) or new situations
- Generalized anxiety (seems to “worry” all the time)
- Compulsive behaviors (tail chasing, light chasing, spinning, flank sucking)
- Guarding food, toys, or people (resource guarding)
- House soiling (especially if medical causes have been ruled out)
Common Signs in Cats
- Urinating or defecating outside the litter box (inappropriate elimination)
- Urine marking or spraying
- Aggression toward people or other cats in your home
- Constant fear, anxiety, or hiding
- Compulsive behaviors (over-grooming, pacing, chewing on non-food items)
- Destructive scratching
- Sudden behavior changes related to aging (confusion, new anxieties)
Our Diagnostic Approach: Finding Answers Together
Our primary goal is to help you and your pet lead a safer, happier, and less stressful life together. To do that, we must first figure out why the behavior is happening. Our approach is thorough, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
First and foremost, your pet can't tell us when they're in pain or don't feel well. Many behavior problems are symptoms of an underlying medical issue. Arthritis, dental disease, a skin condition, or an internal issue can all cause a pet to become irritable, anxious, or aggressive. As veterinarians, our first step is always to ensure your pet is not suffering from a physical ailment that is contributing to their behavior.
We will ask you to complete a very detailed questionnaire. This isn't just paperwork; it's our most important tool for understanding your pet's world. We want to know about their history, daily routine, environment, and the specific challenges you're facing. This helps us see the complete puzzle of your pet's life.
Based on all this information, our specialist will provide a diagnosis and create a customized, multi-part treatment plan. We know that for a plan to work, it has to be realistic for your family. This plan may include behavior modification, environmental management, or medication (if needed).
What to Expect from the Plan
Behavior Modification: Humane, science-backed techniques to gently change your pet’s emotional response and learned habits.
Environmental Management: Simple, practical changes to your home and routine to reduce stress and set your pet up for success.
Medication (if needed): Sometimes, anxiety or fear is so overwhelming that a pet’s brain simply can’t learn. In these cases, medication can be a life-changing tool. It is never a “quick fix” but rather a way to provide relief and help your pet be calm enough to learn new, healthier ways of coping.
Meet Our Behavioral Medicine Specialists
Our dedicated Pet Behavioral Medicine team is led by board-certified specialists who are truly passionate about restoring harmony to your home. They combine expert medical knowledge with a compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental approach to help you and your pet move forward.
If you are concerned about your pet’s behavioral health, please talk to your primary veterinarian about a referral to one of our specialty behavior departments at either Metropolitan Veterinary Associates or Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital.