VETERINARIAN SERVICE

Veterinary Behaviorist & Behavior Services

WHY IS BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE IMPORTANT?

Behavioral problems are a leading cause of the relinquishment of dogs and cats to animal shelters in the United States. While animals with behavioral problems often are considered to “misbehave”, they may have a physical cause for the problem, be responding to inconsistent interactions with the people around them, and/or have had a poor upbringing. Behavioral problems are complex and can have many causes, and it takes a concerted effort under the guidance of a trained professional to bring about change. Behavioral medicine requires a broad knowledge of the physical and emotional health of animals, as well as the knowledge of how to help clients implement the prescribed treatment plan.

Reference – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

How Does a Veterinary Behaviorist / Board Certified Animal Behaviorist Differ From A Dog Trainer?

Veterinary Behaviorists are veterinarians who are knowledgeable and who specialize in all aspects of animal behavior. They are required to stay current on the most recent scientific findings through research and attending and presenting at professional continuing education meetings. Good trainers have a working knowledge of behavior, but not at the depth or extent that is expected of a Veterinary Behaviorist. While a trainer may teach a dog or cat to perform certain actions in response to a given command, obedience training does not usually get to the root cause of a behavioral issue or solve the behavioral problem as a Veterinary Behaviorist can. Be aware that some training techniques are considered questionable and inhumane in their approach.

The Most Common Problems Treated by Veterinary Behaviorists / Board Certified Animal Behaviorists:

  • Aggression toward people
  • Aggression toward other animals
  • Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias
  • Urine marking and inappropriate elimination
  • Excessive barking
  • Eating of non-food objects
  • Over-grooming
  • Excessive vocalization (barking)
  • Repetitive behaviors (such as those due to an underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder)
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS

Services Offered

PET BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS WITH A VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST

2 hours

Includes a medical and behavioral evaluation of your pet, explanation of your pet’s problem, diagnoses, prognosis, written treatment plan, and 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 to be prescribed for your pet.

DAY BOARD AND TRAIN

Our own veterinary technician or assistant/dog trainer will work with your pet regularly while your pet stays at one of our hospitals to help implement the behavior modification plan laid out by Dr. Radosta. This service is exclusively available to our patients.

BABY PREPARATION

1 1/2 hours

This appointment is for nonaggressive pets. If your pet is aggressive, please schedule a pet behavior problem appointment (see above). 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.

ONE-ON-ONE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

1 hour

Our own veterinary assistant/certified pet dog trainer will meet with you at the hospital, your home,or another location to help you implement the behavior modification plan laid out by Dr. Radosta. This service is available exclusively to our patients.

LECTURES/WET LABS

Dr. Radosta lectures locally, nationally, and internationally to veterinarians, veterinary staff, dog clubs, and dog owners on veterinary behavior topics.

To inquire about scheduling a lecture, click here.

For additional information visit: www.flvetbehavior.com.

Breeder Information: Click here.

TELEMEDICINE CONSULTS

Florida Veterinary Behavior also offers telemedicine consults through Dog Nerds.

To inquire about telemedicine consults, click here.