Meeting the Behavioral Needs of Cats and Dogs

As the number of households owning pets in the United States increases each year, so does the number of cats and dogs abandoned or relinquished to our over-populated shelters. Behavior is continuously one of the top reasons cited for surrendering pets. Specifically, some of the problems reported include digging, pulling on lead, and high energy for dogs, and scratching, soiling, and high energy level for cats – all normal cat and dog behaviors. As the veterinary clinic is one of first stops for owners upon welcoming pets into their households, veterinary professionals can take this opportunity to educate owners not just about physical wellness for their new family members but also about behavioral wellness, in an effort to comprehensively address a pet’s mental state. This lecture will start out by summarizing current research on the benefits of pre-adoption counseling and behavioral counseling at the first veterinary appointment. We will delve into setting appropriate pet-parent expectations by discussing normal cat and dog behavior, including neurodevelopment throughout different stages of puppy- and kitten- hood, body language education, and breed-specific environmental enrichment. Appropriate training methodologies will also be addressed. Ensuring that our furry family members’ needs are met is crucial both in providing them a good quality-of-life and in preventing failed adoptions.

• 1. What are some of the top cited behavioral reasons for relinquishment of cats and dogs to shelters?
• 2. What are the normal species- and breed- specific canine behaviors we discussed today that some owners may find problematic, and what are appropriate outlets for such behaviors?
• 3. What are the normal species-specific feline behaviors we discussed today that some owners may find problematic, and what are appropriate outlets for such behaviors?
• 4. How should veterinary staff counsel pet owners on potty training for dogs or litter box hygiene for cats?
• 5. What are some body language signs of fear, anxiety, and distress, that could escalate into aggression, for both cats and dogs?
• 6. How should veterinary staff counsel pet owners on choosing the right trainers for their pets?