The What and why of Behavior Consultations

If you’ve experienced an anxious, aggressive or behaviorally challenging pet before, then you know how difficult it can be. Maybe you’ve tried working with trainers or found other resources, but haven’t found significant improvement. Unfortunately, behavioral problems are the leading cause of owners relinquishing their pets to animal shelters in the United States. These problems can be complex and have physical, genetic, and environmental causes. Some behavioral problems can be solved using a trainer, such as jumping or pulling on a leash. Certified trainers may work on more advanced behavioral cases by using strategies like desensitization and counterconditioning. When these strategies don’t work, a veterinary behaviorist can help by giving a more well-rounded approach to treating the patient.

To become a specialist in veterinary behavior, a licensed veterinarian must complete a 3+ year program (residency) in behavior-specific training, supervised by a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. Following their residency they must pass a strenuous board exam on animal behavior. While general practice veterinarians can diagnose and treat medical issues that may impact a pet’s behavior, a board-certified behaviorist has more knowledge and experience to treat purely behavior-related conditions. Symptoms a Behaviorist can diagnose and treat include aggression, phobias, reactivity, anxiety, inappropriate urination, and more.

Dr. McClanahan’s goal is to offer sustainable solutions to behavior issues that will improve the quality of life for both owners and their pets. She provides a safe place for clients to address concerns about their pet’s behaviors and work together to find solutions. Dr. McClanahan works on a team approach with pet owners, referring veterinarians, and trainers to give each pet a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

An initial behavior consultation with Dr. McClanahan is an in-person visit at Four Lakes Vet Clinic. During this 75-minute appointment, she will take a detailed history of your pet’s medical and behavioral health and may perform a physical or visual exam depending on their comfort level. She will then create a treatment plan for you and your pet. This looks different for every patient but may include medication, behavioral modification, or both. Dr. McClanahan will also provide you with resources to help you carry out a behavioral modification plan. After your consultation, Dr. McClanahan will schedule you for a recheck 1-2 months later to discuss your pet’s ongoing progress and any questions or concerns you may have. Her behavior rechecks are typically done on Wednesday mornings via Zoom but can be modified if needed.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please give our clinic a call or send us an email. Our team will add you to our waitlist and note down any additional information you feel is important. Someone from our team will then reach out with available dates and times. To hold your appointment slot, we do ask that you pay a deposit of $206, which will go toward the cost of the consultation itself, which is $412. This is something that you can pay in person, over the phone, or we can send you a payment link via email or text. Before your appointment, we will email you a behavior history form, that we ask you to fill out before coming in for your visit. 

If you have any questions about behavior consultations please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.