Veterinary behaviorists – How can they help your dog?

You’ve probably heard about veterinary behaviorists, but may not be sure what they do. Learn more about these professionals and how they can help dogs with behavior problems. 

If your dog is having behavioral problems, your first port of call for answers and assistance might be your veterinarian or a dog trainer. But there’s another category of veterinary professionals who can lend a hand – the veterinary behaviorist. These individuals help you better understand animal behavior, thereby enhancing your ability to communicate with your dog, and strengthening the relationship you share with him. Read on to find out what veterinary behaviorists do and how they can help when your dog is “acting out”. 

What veterinary behaviorists do

Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians who have graduated from a recognized college of veterinary medicine and completed at least one year of internship or primary care practice. They have also done additional behavior-specific training, and are held accountable to local and state veterinary practice laws.   

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the American Veterinary Medical Association-recognized specialist organization for veterinary behaviorist certification. Training for a vet behavior specialty requires three to five years, and residents must treat hundreds of cases under veterinary supervision before striking out on their own. Accredited board-certified veterinary behaviorists mentor the residents, who must pass a 16-hour exam to achieve certification. All veterinary behaviorists are diplomates and will have the initials “DACVB” in their title (DACVB stands for Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).

“People bring their pets to me when they have serious behavior problems such as aggression, separation-related disorders, noise and storm phobia, debilitating fears, and compulsive behaviors,” says Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB. “I understand that going to a veterinary behaviorist may seem weird to some. Many people don’t even know that veterinarians like me exist!”

Pointer: A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is basically a veterinary psychologist. 

How a veterinary behaviorist works with you and your dog 

A veterinary behaviorist can help if your dog is exhibiting behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety, cognitive decline, destruction, house soiling, or other issues. They will evaluate your dog, diagnose the underlying cause (which can sometimes be a physical health problem), and recommend treatment. 

Pointer: The veterinary behaviorist will also help you learn how to speak “dog”. When you better understand your dog, you can prevent problems and more easily follow management techniques for specific behavioral issues. 

Following are some ways a veterinary behaviorist can help you and your dog:

• Provide positive training solutions: They will help identify the cause of your dog’s problem behavior, create a customized plan using positive training methods, and teach you how to carry it out successfully.
• Diagnose medical and environmental causes: Veterinary behaviorists work to uncover any medical issues, or stressors in the environment, that could be contributing to behavioral problems.
• Prescribe treatment plans: For a dog struggling with anxiety, fear, or aggression, a veterinary behaviorist may recommend medication and/or holistic calming remedies, structured desensitization, or other clinical interventions. Treatment plans can address issues such as: 

1. 1. Separation anxiety
   2. Destructive chewing
   3. Lunging at other dogs on the leash
   4. Destructive digging 
   5. Fears and phobias – e.g. fears of storms and loud noises, or of strangers or people in general. 

• Educating you for the long run: An essential part of any behavioral treatment plan is to give you guidance for building on your training progress and maintaining a healthy bond with your dog.

• Collaborate with other veterinary experts: By collaborating with veterinarians, trainers, and animal shelter staff, veterinary behaviorists work to resolve canine behavior issues through a multidisciplinary approach. 

When to know if your dog might benefit from a consult

A fearful dog may become aggressive, anxious, or withdrawn, so recognizing fear in your dog is the first step. Any dog that displays behaviors such as the aforesaid fear and anxiety, as well as aggression towards people, separation anxiety, noise and thunderstorm phobias, and a fear of anything new or strange, may benefit from an initial consultation.

Pointer: A board-certified individual is the best choice for addressing your dog’s behavioral issues. 

“Unfortunately and sadly, we are often the last resort for many pets,” says Dr. Radosta. “I saw two animals this week alone where the clients reported they had considered euthanasia. This isn’t uncommon at all. I want people to know that this type of care is available and that we can help. There is almost always something we can do to help our patients.”

As dog parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure the well-being and happiness of our canine companions. Behavior problems mean something’s wrong, whatever their cause, and seeking help from a veterinarian behaviorist is one of the best ways to address them. 

Remember – behavioral issues can be caused by health problems

Behavioral problems in dogs, such as growling or snapping, can often be caused by pain or discomfort arising from a physical health issue. An older dog in particular may “act out” because he has an undetected illness or injury. Both your regular veterinarian and a veterinary behaviorist can help you determine if your dog has an underlying medical issue. 

“In about 50% of my patients, I find health problems that are likely contributory factors, such as orthopedic deficits, metabolic disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and intestinal parasites,” says Dr. Radosta.  

How to find a veterinary behaviorist

To find a veterinary behaviorist, visit American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and search for one in your area. If you’re not able to book an immediate appointment, or the behaviorists aren’t located in your area, ask if they offer video or telephone appointments.

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