Surgery | Dermatology | Cardiology | Internal Med.
Oncology | Neurology | Behavior
Critical Care/Trauma/Intensive Care | Radiology /Ultrasound / MRI
Veterinarian Infomation:
Behavior
What is a Board certified veterinary behaviorist?
A board certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB – Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists) is a veterinarian who has completed an approved residency program (2-5 years) in veterinary behavioral medicine and has passed a national board examination in veterinary behavior. They are well versed in all aspects of animal behavior (ecology and sociology) and also the physiologic, neurologic and endocrinologic aspects of the behavior of domestic animals from rats to cows. A board certified Veterinary Behaviorist specializes in clinical animal behavior and is able to diagnose and treat medical and behavioral problems as well as prescribe medications to treat those problems. Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are the only behavior professionals whose have to meet federal and state educational and licensing requirements.
What is a certified applied animal behaviorist?
A certified applied animal behaviorist has an upper level degree such as a Masters degree or a PhD in an animal behavior related field such as psychology, biology, animal behavior and behavioral ecology and has passed the certification program for the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). Certified applied animal behaviorist means that the person has met the educational, experiential and ethical standards of the ABS. You can find out more about the Animal Behavior Society at www.animalbehavior.org.
What is a veterinarian whose practice is limited to behavior?
A veterinarian whose practice is limited to behavior is a veterinarian who only sees behavior cases. They may have completed a residency program or they may have taken additional continuing education courses to increase their knowledge of the subject. Only veterinarians can legally diagnose and treat medical and behavioral problems in animals, including prescribing medications to treat those problems..
What is an animal behaviorist?
The term animal behaviorist is not attached to any specific qualification or level of schooling unless preceded by “veterinary” or “certified applied animal.” It can be used by anyone, including someone with no formal education or experience in companion animal behavior. There are no state or federal licensing requirements or standards for evaluation of animal behaviorists.
Who can call themselves a dog trainer?
There is no training or experience level necessary for someone to use the terms “dog trainer” or “pet behavior consultant. Similarly to an animal behaviorist, there are no state or federal licensing requirements or standards for evaluation of animal behaviorists. There is a voluntary certification program for dog trainers through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. You can find out more about this program at http://www.ccpdt.org.
When should I see a veterinary behaviorist as opposed to another behavior professional?
If your pet has a general training issue (e.g., pulling on the leash, jumping up) or if you are interested in preventing behavior problems, see a positive-reinforcement dog trainer. If your pet has a serious behavior problem, especially aggression (lunging, growling, snapping or biting) or has a concurrent medical disease, your pet should see a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Veterinary behavior consultations are available for dogs, cats, small mammals and birds with behavior problems.
What to expect at a veterinary behavior appointment
Ideally, all family members or persons who regularly interact with the pet should attend the appointment. During your pet’s appointment, Dr. Radosta will review your pet’s behavioral history and medical record, assess his or her behavior, and perform a physical examination (when warranted). In addition, laboratory tests may be recommended. The history and cause of your pet’s problem will be discussed with you in detail. Your pet’s diagnoses, treatment plan and prognosis will be explained to you and you will receive written instructions on treatment implementation. In addition, you will be able to practice the prescribed behavior modification techniques. Medication may be prescribed for your pet as an adjunct to treatment.
Commonly seen behavior problems include:
- Aggression
- Separation anxiety
- Fears/phobias
- Storm phobia
- Unruly behaviors
- House soiling (including urination outside of the litterbox)
- New baby preparation
- Puppy/kitten evaluation
- Compulsive behaviors
Preparing your pet for Baby - Length - 1 1/2 hours
This appointment is for non-aggressive pets. These are pets who have not growled, lunged or bitten someone. If your pet is aggressive, please schedule a pet behavior problem appointment (see below). This appointment includes an evaluation of your pet and instructions on how to prepare your pet for the addition of a baby to your household. Each appointment includes 2 months of phone and/or email follow-up.
Pre-adoption Counseling - Length - 1 1/2 hours
A pre-adoption counseling appointment includes preparation of current pets for the addition of a new pet to the household and instructions on proper species/breed selection for your family. Each appointment includes 2 months of phone and/or email follow-up.
Pet Behavior Problems - Length - 2 1/2 hours
A pet behavior appointment includes a medical and behavioral evaluation of your pet, explanation of your pet’s problem, diagnoses, prognosis and a written treatment plan. In addition, you will receive a demonstration of applicable behavior modification techniques with your pet. If medications are indicated as part of your pet’s treatment, that will be discussed as well and if needed, prescribed for your pet. Each appointment includes 3 months of phone and/or email follow-up.
Specialty College:
