It is often very hard to live with an animal with a behavior problem. It can be frustrating, heart-breaking and dangerous. AdelaideVet are here to help with our veterinary behaviour and mental health consulting service.
Pet Behaviour And Mental Health Consulting
Behavioural Problems
Why do they matter?
It is a scary, sad and confronting statistic that behavioural problems are the number one terminal illness of dogs and cats in Australia. More pets are euthanased due to behaviour problems than all other leading causes of death combined. Behavioural disorders are extremely common with at least 1 in 5 dogs affected and some estimates suggesting up to 80%.
Behavioural disorders can degrade the bond between human and animal which is why these disorders are a major contributing factor to surrender, relinquishment and euthanasia in pets. These issues can be very detrimental to the health and quality of life in animals and are often potentially dangerous.
We believe in giving animals and their human families the best chance to correct or drastically improve these behaviour problems. From a moral, ethical, welfare, health and safety perspective, AdelaideVet are committed to helping our clients find practical and effective solutions for their animal companions.
A frustrating problem
It is often very hard to live with an animal with a behaviour problem. It can be frustrating, humiliating, even heart-breaking and very dangerous. In cases where behavioural issues exist, there is often a lack of understanding of what is going on and why it is occurring. This often leads to animals never getting the necessary help and treatment they need and even worse, receiving unethical, inappropriate and damaging treatment and training.
Behaviour affects other medical diseases
Importantly, there is significant overlap between mental health and physical health problems. Medical problems are commonly precipitated or made worse by psychological and emotional problems in our pets. Common conditions caused or made worse by anxiety disorders include skin disease, allergic disease, chronic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract disease and respiratory disease. Anxiety also worsens pain perception and lowers the pain threshold. This is an under-recognised phenomenon and deserves more focus and attention.
Who needs a behaviour consultant?
You may like to bring your beloved pet in if you are concerned about any aspect of their behavior and would like professional advice or assessment. We are happy to help with anything from basic training and communication to severely abnormal behaviours.
Common presenting problems include:
- Anxiety
- Fears / phobias
- Panic attacks
- Aggression and anti-social behavior
- Noise sensitivities (eg. fire works / thunder storms)
- Hyperactivity
- Abnormal repetitive behaviours (obsessive - compulsive disorders)
- Separation distress
- Excessive barking
- Destructive behaviours
- Abnormal toileting (urinating or defecating inside)
- Learning problems / not doing well at training
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia) in old animals
We can also assist you with:
- Pre-purchase discusions - Helping prospective owners choose the right pet
- Post-purchase consults - Helping newly adopted animals settle in to their new homes and setting them up for success
- Preventative mental health and wellness consults
- GP consults for very fearful animals - for those needing special care and assistance with routine medical interventions
How does it work?
The first behaviour consultation is usually an hour long but can be tailored to your needs. During this time we will collect a thorough history and ensure we have a deep understanding of all of your concerns, your animal’s problems and your goals and expectations. We will talk you through important concepts to improve your understanding of your pet and explain why any undesirable behaviour is happening.
What to expect from your visit?
An accurate diagnosis will be made so that an effective treatment plan can be established and agreed upon and prognosis discussed.
Pending time and urgency, we may start to implement treatment immediately. In some cases, a second consult will be required to discuss the recommended multi-angled treatment options and tailor them to your wants and needs before we start.
In many cases, it may be recommended that your pet have a blood test to investigate any underlying medical problems which may be contributing to their behavioural disturbance.
During each consult session your pet will enjoy a long lasting tasty chew treat to keep them occupied and at ease during our time together.
We will follow up with you after each session to see how your pet is progressing and address any questions you may have about the treatment process.
Your Behavioural Veterinarians at AdelaideVet
Your consultation will be conducted by either Dr Elle Parker or Dr Chalette Brown. They are similar to a psychiatrist but in the veterinary field. Consultations are held at our brand new Goodwood Road clinic in our dedicated behaviour consultation rooms. These rooms are specifically designed to provide a calming environment for your pets with special pheromones and sound proofing to allow our team to work with you and your pet and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Dr Elle Parker
Elle is a veterinarian with additional post- graduate qualifications in behavioural medicine.
Dr Elle is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about psychology and mental health in animals. She is here to help your pet with all behavior problems using scientifically sound, evidence-based and humane treatment with unlimited compassion and understanding.
Dr Chalette Brown
Dr Chalette Brown graduated from the first cohort of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Adelaide (Roseworthy Campus) in 2013. Chalette’s keen interest in behaviour medicine started in veterinary school and has led her to complete further education in the field, including becoming a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in 2017. Chalette was awarded the Robert Holmes award for outstanding achievement in the Veterinary Behaviour Membership examination.
Chalette has worked in general practices in South Australia, accepted referred behaviour cases in practice and previously at a behaviour medicine clinic, she has also worked for Dr Kersti Seksel, a registered specialist in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine, at Sydney Animal Behaviour Services in 2016.
Chalette serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Adelaide in behavioural medicine for veterinary students and is an examiner for the Memberships Examinations for the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour.
Chalette is a Fear Free Certified Professional and is passionate about creating a low stress experience for her patients and addressing their behavioural needs.
Enquire Today
If you have any questions please contact us
Phone: 8169 9755 AdelaideVet Goodwood Road
Email: info@adelaidevet.com.au
