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Behavioral disorders are amongst the most aggravating problems to treat in veterinary medicine. effective treatment typically requires not only time, patience and commitment on the part of the veterinarian and the animal guardian, but typically a combination of behavioral modification techniques and in some cases drug therapies. Behavioral problems can be caused by both training factors, as well as medical issues. It is essential not to underplay the role medical issues play in behavioral disorders in dogs.
Amongst the much more common behavioral medical problems include various types of aggression, including dominance aggression, worry aggression, as well as various types of worry disorders, including separation anxiety and other various phobias. Canine hyperactivity is also seen, as well as obsessive/compulsive, ritualistic and neurological issues such as fly biting, tail chasing, etc. As with any potential medical issue, a full medical workup at your local veterinarian is recommended including complete blood CBC/chemistry and thyroid profiles, as well as urine analysis and stool tests for parasites.
This is one growing specialty area of veterinary medicine that a referral to a veterinarian specializing in behavioral problems may be indicated early on, so that the proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be instituted. On the behavioral management component of these problems, there are numerous various techniques and behavior modification exercises that will vary depending upon the diagnosis by the veterinarian.
The same can be said with the medical part of managing animals with these disorders, where the expansion of human drugs into the veterinary field including drugs like the SSRI drugs such as Prozac or Zoloft, as well as tricyclic antidepressants like Amitryptylline or Clomiprimine have been used. I have found that depending upon the condition, training tools such as the gentle Leader easy walk Harness and Leash can help with hyper or aggressive dogs in certain cases. Supplements such as Be Serene, HomeoPet anxiety drops, Composure Liquid, or quiet moments can occasionally help on a case by case basis, and are typically worth trying as an adjunct to therapy, but not as primary modalities of treatment.
Pet Behavior