Specialized Care and Treatment for Cat & Dogs in Germantown, MD
Having a cat or dog with behavior problems—including anxiety, separation anxiety, and more—can be difficult. The good news is you don’t have to work through it alone. Our experienced staff at Germantown Vet has experience diagnosing and treating cats and dogs with behavior problems to help them lead happier lives.
If your cat or dog has behavior problems, call Germantown Vet today at 240-252-7467 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
What Your Pet’s Behavior Indicates
The first step in treating anything is a proper diagnosis—and the same goes for your cat’s or dog’s behavior problems. But how do you know when it’s a behavior problem (such as anxiety) or simply your pet’s personality?
Here are some general warning signs that your pet may have a behavioral problem:
- Change in behavior – If your pet’s behavior changes drastically around other people, around other animals, when you leave the house, etc., this could be a sign of a behavioral problem.
- Excessive fear – If your pet seems to have an excessive fear of particular situations or things, especially if this fear has developed suddenly, you should discuss this with your veterinarian.
- Hair loss – Hair loss in dogs can be a very common sign of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, nervous pets will scratch or chew on their fur until it falls out.
- Loss of appetite – Anytime your pet has a change in appetite, it should be a cause for concern. Discuss any changes with one of our experienced veterinarians to figure out what’s going on.
- Age – If your pet is older and suddenly exhibiting behavior problems, they could need senior pet care.
Once you bring your cat or dog in for a behavioral assessment, we can help determine the cause of your pet’s issue and figure out an appropriate treatment plan.
If your pet is acting out or experiencing anxiety, contact the pet behavior specialists at Germantown Vet today.
Common Cat Behavior Problems
Cats can exhibit behavior problems for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common cat behavior problems we see at Germantown Vet are:
- Aggression
- Destructive scratching
- Litter box problems
- Urine marking
- Meowing
- And more
At Germantown Vet, we consider the history, behavior, breed, and personality of your cat when determining the root of the problem and the best course of treatment for behavioral issues.
Does your cat have a behavior problem that you can’t solve? Take the first step by scheduling an appointment with Germantown Vet.
Common Dog Behavior Problems
Sometimes dogs exhibit bad behaviors suddenly, which can be confusing and alarming. The specialists at Germantown Vet have experience treating behavioral problems in dogs, including:
- Aggression
- Excessive barking
- Chewing
- Separation anxiety
- And more
Dealing with dog behavioral problems can feel overwhelming, but our staff will help you navigate how to address and correct the unwanted behaviors.
Is your dog exhibiting behavioral problems? Call the pet behavior specialists at Germantown Vet at 240-252-7467 to set up an appointment today.
Training, Treating, & Molding Cat and Dog Behaviors
If the problem your pet is having is severe, there are two main options when it comes to treatment:
- Training and therapy– Our staff can help work with your dog if they are experiencing anxiety or other behavioral problems. We can often help alleviate your cat or dog’s fears through training and therapy.
- Medication– Another common way to deal with cat and dog behavior problems is to prescribe medication. These medications can help improve the quality of your pet’s life greatly.
One of our vets can explain each option to you and the advantages of each so that you can make an informed decision about your pet’s health. We’ll also give you specific actions to try at home to help train your pet and reduce behavioral problems.
Changing Pets and Changing Lives at Germantown Vet
If your pet seems to be experiencing stress or anxiety, call Germantown Vet today. We can help you improve your pet’s quality of life by identifying the cause and creating a treatment plan that is right for you.
Cat and dog behavior problems can be incredibly distressing, but with the help of your friends at Germantown Vet, they can be manageable.
Contact us online or give us a call at 240-252-7467 to schedule your appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Behaviors
Does my dog need obedience training?
Obedience training can be very effective at helping to smooth out rough behaviors. Basic obedience training using positive reinforcement to mold the animal’s behavior over time. It is highly effective at curbing aggression, barking, chewing, marking, and other attention-seeking behaviors.
Will my pet’s behavior continue to change?
Like people, each pet will evolve and change over time. Behavior modification can help change it for the better, but there are no guarantees that it won’t change again in the future.
How can I get my dog to stop tearing up the landscaping?
Spring and summer are perfect seasons to spend time outside. However, while you’re busy making the yard look beautiful, your dog may decide to “help.” Dogs enjoy digging, whether it’s under the fence, in the flower bed, or just because. Behavior modification can help change this behavior. However, it’s usually best to install physical barriers that can deny the animal access to their favorite place to dig.
Can pets develop phobias?
Absolutely. Some dogs are terrified of airplane noises, while others hide from a ringing telephone. Phobias and anxiety disorders are not uncommon with pets, and it’s important to determine whether there is a physical, emotional, or pharmacological reason that particular stimuli generate the animal’s response.
Why is my pet suddenly aggressive?
Dogs, cats, and other animals can develop aggressive behaviors over time. Sometimes it’s because they are guarding their territory or protecting their “pack.” Overstimulation can also cause aggressive behaviors. Sometimes it’s because of physical pain. Other times it may be because of a change in brain chemistry or other health condition that affects brain function.
Do you have more questions about your pet’s behaviors? Contact our team at Germantown Vet by calling 240-252-7467. It is our pleasure to give you the answers you need to help your beloved pets.
