Developing a Plan to Treat Behavior Disorders

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2018 May;48(3):351-365. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.12.004. Epub 2018 Feb 3.

Abstract

When presented with a behavioral complaint, veterinarians must identify all contributing medical or behavioral disorders. Veterinarians can give valuable information regarding management and training tools. Owners should be directed to trainers or staff who are familiar with positive, reward-based training techniques. Psychotropic medication is prescribed to animals with a behavioral disorder (abnormal behavior), showing signs of anxiety and/or increased reactivity. Veterinarians need to collect a thorough behavioral history, understand the rationale behind the use of a drug class, and discuss expectations with pet owners.

Keywords: Behavioral disorders; Management; Psychotropic medication; Training tools.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Animal Diseases / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Mental Disorders / veterinary*
  • Ownership
  • Pets
  • Veterinarians
  • Vocalization, Animal