Veterinary behaviour services

Our specialists have been trained to diagnose and manage the complex behavioural issues that many pets face. Veterinary behaviour specialists undertake advanced training in animal behaviour, which gives them the knowledge and first hand experience to identify the underlying causes of problematic behaviours and develop the most effective treatments. AREN’s veterinary behavioural specialists use evidence-based methods to help pets overcome their behavioural issues and improve their overall well-being.

Your pet might need to see a pet behaviour expert for various reasons. Common signs that indicate the need for professional help include excessive barking, aggression, destructive behaviour, soiling indoors, and extreme fear or anxiety. These pet behaviours can be distressing for both the pet and the owner and require immediate attention.

The reality is that behavioural issues in dogs, cats and other pets are diverse and can greatly impact their (and their owners) quality of life. Here are some of the most common problems that might mean you need to visit a veterinary behaviour specialist:

• Anxiety in pets: Such as separation anxiety, noise phobias and general anxiety. Your pet may display destructive behaviour, be excessively vocal (i.e. constant barking) or injure themselves.
• Aggression: Aggressive behaviour towards other animals or humans is a very serious issue. For the safety of your pet and those around them, you’ll want to understand the root cause of the aggression and how to manage it.
• House soiling: Inappropriate elimination can be a frustrating problem for pet owners. This can have several causes including medical issues or anxiety.
• Obsessive behaviours: Pets can develop repetitive behaviours like constant licking, chasing their tail, or pacing, which can indicate an underlying psychological issue.
• Fear and phobias: Your pet might start to have intense fears of certain stimuli – loud noises, strangers, specific environments – which can cause them significant stress and anxiety.

The AREN Network provides behavioural services at two of our clinics., where Our veterinary behavioural specialists offer comprehensive care for pets with behavioural issues. Our approach is holistic, considering the pet’s medical history, environment, and behaviour to develop a personalised animal behaviour treatment plan.

• MVSC (Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre): The behavioural medicine team at MVSC haves the tools and knowledge to handle a range of behavioural problems. They use a combination of behavioural modification techniques, environmental management and, if necessary, medication to manage the issues.

When you bring your pet to one of our veterinary behavioural specialists, you can expect a compassionate and thorough approach. Here’s what typically happens during an appointment with us:

• Your pet behaviour specialist will conduct an in-depth assessment of your pet’s behaviours, medical history and home environment. This will likely involve a physical examination and discussions about your pet’s daily routines, as well as any specific incidents that have happened in the past.
• Based on this assessment, your specialist will diagnose the behavioural issue and write a tailored treatment plan. This will include key strategies to help modify your pet’s behaviour and tips on how to manage their environment. If necessary, medication may also be involved in this plan. 
• Treatment plans for behavioural issues in cats, dogs and other pets can include everything from behaviour modification training to environmental changes and, in some cases, medication to help manage your pet’s symptoms. The overall goal is to improve your pet’s behaviour and quality of life.
• Behavioural issues can take time to resolve, so having ongoing support from a specialist is paramount. Your specialist will guide you on implementing the treatment plan and can book follow-up consultations to monitor your pet’s progress and make any necessary adjustments.
• If your pet’s behavioural issues are linked to underlying medical conditions, your behavioural specialist will work alongside your regular vet to ensure a holistic approach to your pet’s health and well-being.

Getting expert support from the AREN Network’s veterinary behaviour specialists means you are taking an important step to improve your pet’s behaviour and boost their quality of life. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.