The most common reason for placing an animal in a new home or surrendering it to a rescue association, is unacceptable behaviour.

Common problems such as barking, destructive behaviour, and house soiling often occur secondarily to anxiety disorders. Mild anxiety may be improved by simple changes to the routine or the household and can also be helped by behaviour supplements.

Some examples are:

  • Zylkene tablet – based on milk proteins which are a natural source of anti-anxiety compounds
  • Tryptophan chews – another natural source of anti-anxiety compounds
  • Pheromones (synthetic copies) – Dog Appeasing pheromone or Feliway for cats – which have a calming effect.

More severe behavioural problems require behaviour modification or training, and anti-anxiety medication may be helpful to facilitate this. Before drugs can be prescribed, we will need a complete medical and behavioural history. We may also recommend working with a trainer to address specific issues. There are many medications available for use in behavioural cases, (e.g. tranquilizers, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, hormones, stimulants), however the anxiolytics and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help to calm anxiety and make training easier. They are especially useful to help a pet through a period of significant change in their life, and may be weaned off once everything has settled.

If you are having problems in your house, book and appointment with one of our vets to discuss what your best options are to meet your pets individual needs.