Behavior

The specialty of veterinary behavior is similar to psychiatry in human medicine. As with psychiatry, veterinarians who specialize in behavior acquire additional, intensive training to become specialists. There are but a few dozen veterinary behaviorists in all of North America. Accreditation is granted by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

BrightHeart veterinary behaviorists use behavior modification techniques, lifestyle change, and psychoactive medication as appropriate to each case. Psychoactive medication are sometimes used to complement other treatment recommendations, although these may not be necessary if the pet responds to behavioral and environmental changes. Routine behavior problems can frequently be handled by your general practitioner veterinarian. The conditions listed below, however, frequently require the attention of a specialist.

BrightHeart’s behavioral specialists are available for internal consultation and second opinions either in person or via the network-wide diagnostic platform.

• House soiling or house training problems
• Litter box refusal or rejection
• Destructiveness
• Aggressiveness toward people, including children
• Aggressive conflicts between housemates
• Nipping and unruly puppies or kittens
• Difficulties introducing new pets
• Separation anxiety syndrome
• Fears and phobias
• Compulsive behaviors
• Seizure-related behavior problems
• Geriatric behavior problems in aging cats and dogs