Behavioural issues

• Understand commonly encountered emotional states of dogs at the clinic
• Recognise subtle emotional signals related to underlying emotions
• Articulate the benefits of recognition and empathy with patients’ emotional states at the clinic

 Claire Hargrave, an ASAB certificated clinical animal behaviourist and a member of, and honorary secretary to, the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians, explains how puppy and kitten breeders can best prepare their young charges for their new forever homes.

Problem’ behaviour in cats brought to the attention of veterinary surgeons is based on the individual owner’s subjective assessment and perception of what constitutes a problem. Many of the behaviours highlighted by owners will be normal for the species but are misinterpreted by the owner as being ‘bad’. This chapter looks at taking history, house soiling, urine spraying, aggression toward other cats, aggression toward people, anxiety/fear, excessive scratching of furniture, behavioural problems associated with old age, feline facial pheromones, psychotropic medication and when to refer.