Our services
Behaviour
Practical, compassionate support for pets with anxiety, fear, aggression and other behaviour concerns.
Understanding your pet’s behaviour
Our pets communicate with us through their behaviour.
Changes in behaviour can sometimes be part of normal development or a response to changes in your pet’s environment. However, behavioural changes can also be associated with fear, anxiety, stress, pain or an underlying medical problem.
At Narre Warren Vet, we believe behavioural concerns are worth discussing. The earlier a problem is identified, the more easily appropriate support can often be put in place.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Pet’s Behaviour?
Every pet is an individual, and behaviours can vary between animals.
Some behaviours that may warrant further investigation include:
- Increased aggression or irritability
- Growling, snapping or biting
- Fearfulness or anxiety
- Hiding or withdrawing
- Excessive barking or vocalisation
- Destructive behaviour
- Changes in toilet habits
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Excessive licking, chewing or scratching
- Separation-related behaviours
- Changes in interactions with people or other animals
- New or unusual behaviours that are out of character
- Sudden changes in an older pet’s behaviour
A sudden change in behaviour should always be taken seriously, particularly if your pet has previously behaved normally.
Behaviour Can Have a Medical Cause
One of the first things to consider when a pet develops a new behavioural problem is whether there could be an underlying medical cause.
Pain or illness can sometimes cause changes in behaviour.
For example, a normally friendly pet may become withdrawn or irritable when they are uncomfortable. Other medical problems can also affect behaviour.
This is why a veterinary assessment can be an important first step when your pet develops a new or unusual behaviour.
If your pet’s behaviour has changed suddenly, contact us to arrange a veterinary examination.
Puppies & Kittens
Early experiences can have an important influence on how puppies and kittens develop and interact with the world around them.
Young pets benefit from positive experiences and appropriate socialisation.
This can include gradually and positively introducing them to:
- Different people
- Other appropriate animals
- Household sounds
- Different environments
- Handling and grooming
- Veterinary visits
- Car travel
- New experiences
The aim is to help your puppy or kitten develop confidence and learn that new experiences can be safe and positive.
Avoid forcing your pet into situations where they are frightened or overwhelmed. Positive, gradual experiences are generally preferable.
Understanding Fear & Anxiety
Fear is a normal response that helps animals protect themselves from things they perceive as threatening.
However, some pets can become excessively fearful or anxious, and this can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Signs of fear or anxiety can include:
- Hiding
- Trembling
- Panting
- Excessive vocalisation
- Pacing
- Avoidance
- Destructive behaviour
- Changes in toileting
- Becoming unusually clingy
- Aggressive behaviour when frightened
If you are concerned about your pet’s anxiety or fear, speak with our veterinary team.
Aggression
Aggressive behaviour can be frightening and needs to be taken seriously.
Dogs and cats may display aggressive behaviour for a number of different reasons, including fear, stress, pain, resource guarding or interactions with other animals.
It is important not to simply punish aggressive behaviour without understanding why it is occurring.
If your pet is displaying aggression, avoid situations where someone could be injured and seek professional advice.
Our veterinary team can assess your pet and help determine the appropriate next steps.
Toilet & House-Soiling Problems
Changes in toileting can be behavioural, but they can also have a medical cause.
If a previously toilet-trained dog starts urinating in the house, or a cat suddenly stops using their litter tray, a veterinary examination may be appropriate.
Cats in particular can develop urinary problems that may look like a behavioural issue.
Rather than assuming your pet is simply being difficult, have the problem investigated.
Separation-Related Behaviour
Some pets find it difficult when their owners leave them alone.
Signs can include:
- Barking or howling
- Destructive behaviour
- Pacing
- Attempts to escape
- Toileting inside
- Excessive distress when left alone
- Excessive excitement when the owner returns
If your pet struggles when left alone, there are behavioural strategies that may help.
A behaviour professional can assess your individual pet and develop a plan suited to their circumstances.
Don’t Punish Behaviour You Don’t Understand
When a pet displays an unwanted behaviour, it can be tempting to punish them.
However, punishment may not address the reason the behaviour is occurring and can sometimes increase fear or anxiety.
Instead, it is important to understand:
- What is your pet trying to communicate?
- What is happening immediately before the behaviour?
- What happens immediately afterwards?
Keeping a record of when and where the behaviour occurs can be very useful when discussing the problem with your veterinarian or a behaviour professional.
Behaviour Support
Some behavioural problems require more specialised support than can be provided during a routine veterinary consultation.
Depending on your pet’s individual needs, we may recommend working with a qualified behaviour professional.
We maintain a list of behaviour contacts and behaviour professionals that we can provide to our clients upon request.
Please speak with our veterinary team if you would like a copy of our current behaviour referral list.
What to Bring to a Behaviour Consultation
If possible, bring as much information as you can about the behaviour.
It can be helpful to record:
- When the behaviour first started
- How frequently it occurs
- Where it happens
- What happens immediately before the behaviour
- What your pet does
- How you respond
- What happens afterwards
- Whether the behaviour is getting better or worse
- Any recent changes at home
- Changes in your pet’s diet or routine
- Changes involving people or other animals
- Any other changes in your pet’s health
Video recordings can also be very helpful, provided they can be taken safely without putting anyone at risk.
Your Pet’s Behaviour Matters
Behaviour is an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
If something doesn’t seem right, you don’t have to work it out on your own.
Our team can help assess your pet, consider whether there may be an underlying medical issue and, when appropriate, provide information about behaviour professionals who can offer more specialised assistance.
Concerned about your pet’s behaviour?
Talk to the team at Narre Warren Vet.
Ready to book a visit?
Book online in a few clicks or call our friendly team. We look forward to meeting you and your pet.