Veterinary Behavior Consultations in Monona and Madison
If you have lived with an anxious, aggressive, or behaviorally challenging pet, you know how hard it can be. Maybe you have tried trainers or other resources without seeing real improvement. At Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, Dr. McClanahan offers in-person behavior consultations that look at the whole pet, combining medical insight with practical behavior plans to improve life for pets and their families.
Why Behavior Problems Need Specialized Help
Behavior problems are the leading reason pets are surrendered to animal shelters in the United States. These problems can be complex, with physical, genetic, and environmental causes. Some issues, like jumping or pulling on a leash, can be solved with a trainer. Certified trainers may also work on more advanced cases using strategies such as desensitization and counterconditioning. When those strategies are not enough, veterinary behavior medicine offers a more well-rounded approach.
The Role of Veterinary Behavior Medicine
To become a board-certified specialist in veterinary behavior, a licensed veterinarian must complete a residency of three or more years in behavior-specific training, supervised by a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, followed by a demanding board exam. While general practice veterinarians can diagnose and treat medical issues that affect behavior, behavior-focused veterinary care brings deeper knowledge to purely behavioral conditions. Concerns that can be diagnosed and treated include:
- Aggression toward people or other animals
- Phobias, including noise and storm phobias
- Reactivity on walks or at home
- Generalized and separation anxiety
- Inappropriate urination or marking
- Compulsive behaviors
Learn more about pet anxiety and behavior problems.
Dr. McClanahan’s Team Approach
Dr. McClanahan’s goal is to offer sustainable solutions that improve quality of life for both owners and their pets. She provides a safe place to talk through concerns about your pet’s behavior and works with you to find solutions. She collaborates with pet owners, referring veterinarians, and trainers to give each pet a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Because pain and illness often drive behavior changes, she may recommend a medical exam or laboratory testing to rule out issues such as arthritis, dental pain, or hyperthyroidism.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
An initial behavior consultation with Dr. McClanahan is a 75-minute, in-person visit at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic. She will take a detailed history of your pet’s medical and behavioral health and may perform a physical or visual exam depending on your pet’s comfort level. She will then create a treatment plan, which looks different for every patient and may include medication from our pharmacy, behavior modification, or both. You will also receive resources to help you carry out the plan at home. One to two months later, Dr. McClanahan will schedule a recheck to review progress and answer questions. Behavior rechecks are typically held on Wednesday mornings by Zoom but can be adjusted if needed.
How to Schedule
Call our clinic or send us an email, and our team will add you to the waitlist and note any additional information you feel is important. Someone from our team will reach out with available dates and times. To hold your appointment, we ask for a deposit, which you can pay in person, over the phone, or through a payment link sent by email or text. Before your visit, we will email you a behavior history form to complete. You can also use the form below to get started. For positive reinforcement trainer recommendations, visit our Important Links page, and learn how our Fear Free appointment options help anxious pets.
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Behavior Consultation FAQs
What is a veterinary behavior consultation?
A behavior consultation is an in-depth appointment focused on your pet’s behavior, combining a medical and behavioral history with a personalized treatment plan.
How long is the initial behavior consultation?
The initial consultation with Dr. McClanahan is a 75-minute, in-person visit at our clinic.
What behavior problems can be treated?
Common concerns include aggression, phobias, reactivity, anxiety, inappropriate urination, and compulsive behaviors.
Will my pet need medication?
Not always. Treatment plans may include behavior modification, medication, or both, depending on your pet’s needs.
How are follow-up visits handled?
A recheck is scheduled one to two months after the initial consultation. Rechecks are typically held on Wednesday mornings by Zoom but can be adjusted.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A deposit holds your appointment and can be paid in person, by phone, or through an emailed or texted payment link.
How is a behavior consultation different from working with a trainer?
Trainers teach skills and manners, while veterinary behavior care can diagnose medical and emotional causes of behavior and prescribe medication when needed. The two often work best together.
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer Pet
You do not have to manage your pet’s behavior challenges alone. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 or email staff@fourlakesvet.com to join our behavior consultation waitlist in Monona and Madison.