Dog and Cat Behavior Consultations
Why Behavior Consultations? More than half of all pet owners experience behavior problems with theirs pets. Unfortunately, many times the early signs of a behavior problem may go unrecognized or little is done to try to treat the initial problem until it becomes more serious. Many pet owners simply put up with the problem behavior and suffer the consequences or, ultimately, have to give their pet away. Fortunately, if help is sought early enough and if an appropriate treatment plan is followed, often the behavior problem can be cured. What Is Involved? In order to make it easier and more affordable for our clients to address behavior problems before they get out of hand, Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital staff veterinarian Ilana Strubel, DVM, MA provides in-office behavior consultations. Consultations take approximately one hour and must be scheduled in advance. The presence of all family members over the age of 6 and any pet involved in the problem is requested so that any underlying dynamics contributing to the problem behavior can be identified. A comprehensive medical and behavioral history questionnaire is provided for the client to complete and return in advance of the appointment. In some cases, a videotape of the pet's problem behavior at home may also be requested. This information allows the doctor to become familiar with the presenting behavior problem so that she may best utilize the time spent with the patient and client during the consultation. During the appointment, the doctor will ask further questions pertinent to the history of the problem and form a tentative diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of the main problem is made, Dr. Strubel is able to provide a thorough explanation of the pet's behavior problem and a customized plan for solving it. If appropriate to the problem, the doctor will demonstrate the proper use and fitting of training collars and/or head halter. For all problems, handouts explaining the behavior and outlining steps for correcting it are provided to assist the client with implementing the treatment plan. If drug therapy is advised, it may be necessary to collect a blood sample for baseline values to help ensure the patient's safety and to avoid possible side effects. All animals given prescriptions for behavior medications will need to be closely monitored by the prescribing veterinarian. The cost of any medications or products prescribed during the appointment is not included in the consultation fee. The consultation fee includes two follow-up phone calls during the first few weeks after the consultation to assist with any problems or questions that may arise. It is advised that all behavior modification protocols be implemented slowly and precisely to ensure greater long-term success. Depending on the type of behavior problem it may be necessary to introduce the training program in stages, and a follow up visit in one to two months may be recommended. This can be scheduled with Dr. Strubel as a regular 20-minute office visit or as a full hour, if desired. Dr. Strubel may also consult with Board Certified Veterinary Behavior Specialists regarding more challenging behavior problems and assist in scheduling a referral if indicated. What Are The Behavior Consultant's Qualifications? Ilana Strubel, DVM, MA is a general practitioner with a special interest in behavioral medicine. Dr. Strubel received her Bachelor's degree in ethology (animal behavior), ecology, and evolution from the University of Illinois. She then earned a Master's degree in marine biology with a special focus on marine mammal behavior from Boston University. Dr. Strubel then returned to the University of Illinois where she completed her doctorate in veterinary medicine. Since 1995, Dr. Strubel has practiced small animal medicine and surgery. She has trained with the Behavior Service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis, and is currently a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
