You probably don’t speak dog or cat. Maybe that’s why your pets are “acting out”. We want to help you and your pets live in harmony.
Inappropriate or unacceptable behavior is the #1 reason pets are surrendered or euthanized. Many pet parents come in describing “problems” at home. Oftentimes, pet training and pet behavior problems are 90% the person and only 10% the pet.
Read on below or schedule an appointment with us if you have concern about your pet’s behavior.
We want to identify behavior concerns as early as possible - before the cute puppy becomes the neighborhood terror. This is a part of almost every veterinary consultation/examination we perform; senior pets, adult pets, and especially at the puppy and kitten visits.
Nipping at fingers, jumping on you when you get home, urinating in the house, tugging on the leash. Maybe it's more severe. Something like storm phobias, anxiety, or biting or aggression. Let’s discuss those as soon as possible and make sure there is not a medical concern causing those problems.
Case Study: Bella’s Story
Perhaps it’s like the case of Bella who recently became much more edgy towards her furry housemate. We diagnosed musculoskeletal pain with Bella and initiated a comprehensive pain management plan. Now Bella feels good, is friendly with her housemate again, and her owner is empowered with the resources to keep Bella comfortable and happy!
Kitten Behavior & Early Development Concerns
Your Cat Urinating Outside the Litter Box?
Litter box issues can be frustrating, but they are often a sign that something else may be going on. Changes in urination habits can be linked to medical conditions, discomfort, stress, or environmental changes in the home.
The first step is a thorough physical examination to rule out underlying health concerns such as ear mites, fleas, dental pain, orthopedic discomfort, or urinary issues. We’ll also discuss your kitten’s home environment, daily routine, and any recent stressors that may be contributing to the behavior.
In some cases, inappropriate urination may be associated with more serious conditions such as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), so early evaluation is important.
Signs Your Pet May Benefit from Behavior Support
Behavior changes are often the first sign that something deeper is going on — sometimes emotional, sometimes medical. Many of the issues pet parents chalk up to "bad behavior" are actually rooted in anxiety, fear, pain, or an underlying health condition that hasn't been diagnosed yet.
Common signs that it's time to talk to your veterinarian about behavior:
- Sudden aggression toward people, other pets, or specific situations
- Destructive behavior when left alone (chewing, scratching, soiling)
- Excessive barking, vocalizing, or pacing
- House-training regressions in a previously trained pet
- Fear or anxiety around thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, or strangers
- Compulsive behaviors like tail chasing, paw licking, or flank sucking
- Withdrawal — hiding more, playing less, sleeping in unusual places
- Aggression around food, toys, or resting spots (resource guarding)
Behavior issues rarely resolve on their own, and they tend to escalate when ignored. The earlier we evaluate, the more options we have. Our team starts every behavior consultation with a comprehensive wellness exam to rule out medical causes — pain, thyroid issues, neurological conditions, and cognitive decline can all show up as behavior change first.
Earlier is always better. Puppies and kittens benefit from socialization and gentle training from 8 weeks on. For adult pets, the best time to start is the moment you notice a problem — behavior issues compound over time.