Comprehensive Veterinary Behavior Services
Behavior issues in dogs and cats can be stressful and scary for owners, and can affect the bond they have with their pets. Behavior problems can affect both the quality of life of companion animals, and that of their owners. If you are having trouble with your pet’s behavior, we are here to help guide and support you with treatment and management strategies.
Behavior problems stem from a variety of issues which sometimes include physical medical problems. We offer comprehensive behavioral appointments to evaluate your pet’s physical and behavioral health. In addition to your pet being physically examined during your Initial Behavior Consultation, your pet’s diagnoses and a thorough treatment protocol, which addresses your pet’s behavioral concerns, will be reviewed.
Behavior problems stem from a variety of issues which sometimes include physical medical problems. We offer comprehensive behavioral appointments to evaluate your pet’s physical and behavioral health. In addition to your pet being physically examined during your Initial Behavior Consultation, your pet’s diagnoses and a thorough treatment protocol, which addresses your pet’s behavioral concerns, will be reviewed.
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Dr. Karen Becker, VMD is passionate about promoting behavioral wellness in companion animals and is committed to protecting the human animal bond.
To schedule an in-person Initial Behavior Consultation with Dr. Becker, please call our office or email us at Behavior@ValleyVetPA.com and we will provide you with the paperwork and information necessary to move forward with the Initial Behavior Consultation. These initial appointments last approximately 1.5 hours and payment will be required prior to scheduling. |
Behavior Consultations are recommended for the following issues:
- Aggression towards humans/ housemates/wildlife (inside or outside- while walking on or off leash, or during play)
- Attention seeking behaviors: excessive barking, stealing items, excessive pawing at people
- Separation anxiety: pet is vocal, eliminates, becomes destructive or shows signs of distress when left alone
- Guarding resources such as food/water bowls, treats, toys, or other perceived, high value items
- Cognitive decline (typically senior dogs 7 years and older; cats 10 years and older): changes in wake- sleep cycle, unlearning previously learned behaviors (such as house training), becoming stuck under furniture, decrease in social interactions, increased anxiety, pacing
- Confinement anxiety (crate anxiety or anxiety when contained): vocalizes, barks, pants, dilated pupils, attempts escape, eliminates, destructive or shows other signs of distress when confined
- Noise fear/phobia: hides, trembles, pants, vocalizes, attempts escape with loud noises
- Thunderstorm sensitivity/fear/phobia
- Generalized anxiety: signs of fear in most daily situations for a period>2 weeks
- Hyper-attachment to owner