What Does a Veterinary Behaviorist Do?

By Linda Cole

Pets find themselves in animal shelters for a number of reasons, but too often, they're surrendered because of behavioral problems their owner couldn't or wouldn't deal with. Qualified veterinarians are applying their specialized knowledge in animal behavior and working with pet owners to help them solve bad behavior so a pet and his owner can stay together. Like an applied animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorists are helping to solve behavioral problems and keeping pets out of shelters.

Dealing with a pet that has a behavioral problem is extremely frustrating for an owner who has no idea why their pet's behavior has suddenly changed. When a once quiet dog barks insistently for no apparent reason, it can drive a loving pet owner, and their neighbors, up the wall. However, the dog does have a good reason and to him, it isn't an unnatural behavior. A cat refusing to use her litter box may have a medical problem or is upset because of a change in the home. A veterinary behaviorist can step in to help a pet owner solve the mystery of why their dog is barking or why the cat isn't using her litter box.

The difference between an applied animal behaviorist and a veterinary behaviorist is education. Animal behaviorists are people who specialize in a particular field of study like wild animals or pets. They come to your home and observe a pet in their environment and watch how owner and pet interact with each other to help them make recommendations to correct behavioral problems. However, you need to make sure the applied animal behaviorist you call is someone with expertise in dealing with your pet's specific behavioral problem. Animal behaviorists need at least a B.S. or B.A. Degree.

Veterinary behaviorists are vets who have at least a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) and have spent a year as an intern. Upon graduating, they then go into a behavioral residency training program for two or three years. While in the program, they're required to do a research project and publish their findings. As a veterinary behaviorist, they are then able to help pet owners with behavioral problems.

The advantage of working with a veterinary behaviorist is that they can treat your pet's physical conditions along with behavioral problems. They can perform tests to find out if your pet's behavioral problem is due to a medical condition, and prescribe medication. If the bad behavior isn't due to an illness, then the veterinary behaviorist can work with the pet owner to determine if the behavior is from a lack of training, poor communication between pet and owner, or an owner who is unknowingly contributing to their pet's behavioral problem.

When dealing with a behavioral problem like barking, it's important to consider your dog's breed. Even mixed breeds will exhibit characteristics of one or more of the breeds in their makeup. For example, a Beagle barks and a mixed breed dog with some Beagle in him may also bark at everything he sees. Border Collies herd and Siberian Huskies love to run. Understanding who your dog is can help you determine if he has a behavioral problem. Sometimes, a dog just needs an owner who understands him and can provide him with proper training.

Pets don't do things to annoy us on purpose; there's always a reason why they do what they do. Most pet owners don't have the expertise to recognize and correct issues we consider to be bad behavior. As responsible pet owners, it's up to us to take an active role in helping our pets by educating ourselves on minor behavioral problems we can handle. More serious issues like any kind of aggression, are best dealt with by an expert. The next time your pet needs a check up, ask your vet if they are a veterinary behaviorist. Solving your pet's behavioral problem may be easier than you think.

Thanks to continued research into why pets act in certain ways, people who love animals and care for our pets can give us assistance in dealing with behavioral problems before they become unmanageable. If you have a pet that has any kind of behavioral problem, the solution is to find out what's bothering them and correct the problem with the help of a veterinary behaviorist, an applied animal behaviorist or a qualified trainer. A pet belongs in a loving home, not in an animal shelter. You picked out your pet for a reason, so give him the same unconditional love he gives you. Seek out the help you need to correct behavioral problems that can be eliminated with a proper diagnosis or dedicated training.

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What Does It Take to Be a Veterinarian?

By Ruthie Bently

Have you ever looked at the framed certificates on your veterinarian’s wall? Do you know what it takes to become a vet? Anyone interested in becoming a vet should have a love of animals and be able to deal with the emotions of their owners or caretakers. You need to be good at math, psychology, English, physiology and anatomy of many species and understand numerous medications (both capabilities and side effects) and when to prescribe the right one. You need to like school, taking tests and studying a lot.

For vets in rural areas there can be emergency calls on nights, weekends and holidays. Imagine a call in the middle of a cold winter night for a farm animal with a breech birth in an unheated barn. You need to be able to perform surgery, both routine and emergency; blood and needle phobics need not apply. One vet, when queried about the hardest part of practicing veterinary medicine mentioned euthanasia; whether an animal was too ill and it was the kindest thing or because there were no loving homes for them. The same vet said the most rewarding part of their job is working with animals and seeing the happy faces of pets and owners.

High school students interested in becoming a veterinarian should concentrate on getting good grades. You need to have a great head for memorizing facts. Vet school selection committees require good grades in science, biology and math, and look at your background situation and previous experience with animals. To be considered for admission to a vet college, a student must complete pre-vet medical course work as an undergraduate. This takes three to four years of college study; courses required include physics, English composition, chemistry, math and biology. While a Bachelor’s degree may not be required, a large percentage of students entering vet school have them. Many students with an eye on vet school select an undergraduate major in agriculture, biology or animal science, as the courses overlap vet school requirements. If you’re interested in specializing in a more exotic species (e.g., lions, dolphins, elephants) you will need to take courses in marine biology or zoo medicine.

Each vet school’s admission requirements are different, and contacting the college closest to you is suggested. Before entry to vet school, each applicant is required to take the (GRE) Graduate Record Examination. Evaluation letters from people you’ve worked with help the school evaluate your work ethic and character. A vet hospital work history and letter from a veterinarian documenting this can assist you and may be required. Some vet colleges are affiliated with the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and require this form from an applicant as well. The deadline for the VMCAS is almost a year in advance of when you start the vet program.

There are 28 accredited schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. They receive their accreditation from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). These are the only schools recognized where a veterinary medical degree can be attained in the U.S. The vet schools are usually located at state colleges, and preference is given to applicants of the state, though some accept a limited number of non-resident applicants. Veterinary students take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) in their final year of school. If they pass the NAVLE, meet state license requirements and finish their veterinary degree program successfully, a student becomes a licensed vet eligible to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S.

A vet school teaches many subjects and a graduating veterinarian can go into many fields. The majority of veterinarians go into private practice, but there are also openings in teaching and research (at vet schools); regulatory medicine (the elimination or control of animal diseases that can affect humans, testing animal vaccines, as food inspectors for the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service; public health (help control and prevent diseases that affect both humans and animals, FDA employees testing food additives and medicines, the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service); United States Military (biomedical research and development, care of government-owned animals, food safety and public health officers), private industry (biomedical and pharmaceutical research).

Vets never stop learning, as the needs of their patients are constantly changing. They need to keep current on new medications and drug therapies, new treatments and techniques, as well as diseases and infections that can affect our pets and possibly us. Vets take continuing education courses to keep their knowledge up to date, and some of these are required to keep their license current. Most vets read several medical magazines and books every month, not just veterinary ones. Some vets may go on to study for a specialty (behavior, orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiology, dermatology, nutrition) and there are exams to qualify for these as well. Many vets pass on their knowledge to other vets by speaking at conferences after they have been certified in their given specialty.

I have been blessed with most of the vets that have taken care of my animal companions over the years. A few had a lousy bedside manner, “dumbed down” their conversations with me, and had a “do as I say” attitude. They didn’t last long. A good vet will listen to all your concerns and discuss them with you. They will explain any procedure that needs to be performed and why. Any time you need to speak with them about an issue with your pet they will talk with you in a language you can understand. And their care and compassion for your animal will be evident.

CANIDAE “Ask a Veterinarian” Page

Do you have a question you’d like to ask a vet about your pet’s diet, nutrition or health? Visit the “Ask a Veterinarian” page on the CANIDAE website to read articles written by a specialized team of veterinary consultants. If you don’t see your question listed, you can submit it. The most popular questions and their answers will be posted.

CANIDAE 2010 Scholarship Recipients

CANIDAE has awarded their 2010 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Scholarships which supports applicants that have chosen to pursue a career path and life dedicated to the health and welfare of our pets. The program winners are Rebecca Tanaka Reader (Tufts Cummings School), Stephanie Heilman (Ohio State University), Kendra Creighton (University of Michigan at Ann Arbor) and Richard Boisvert (University of Calgary, Canada). Each winner received $2,500 from the $10,000 program.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

Tips for Stress-Free Vet Visits

By Ruthie Bently

I’ve been a dog owner since 1981, and have been blessed with my dogs. My breed of choice is the American Staffordshire Terrier; while they are not the breed for everyone, they are a great fit for me. I got two of my dogs as puppies, and as a responsible pet owner I took the time to teach them a few things before we headed off to the vet’s office for the first time.

I began handling my dogs at an early age to get them used to it. Whether you show a dog in confirmation events or just want a family pet, they all need to get used to being handled. You want to handle them all over, touch their head, check inside the ears, open their mouth and look inside, check their gums, their feet, between toes, toenails, even their tail. Make it fun – using dog treats makes the job easier if you have a wiggler. Until a puppy gets used to being handled, it’s easier to do this after romping or just before you put them to bed for the night.

It is also important to teach your dog the basics of leash walking. When you go to the vets, use a regular six foot lead. It will give you more control than a retractable lead in the confines of the vet’s office where you may encounter other dogs. Get your dog used to riding in the car by going for short rides. Take your dog to the pet shop, a dog park or a beach, or other places they have fun.

Make sure to socialize them well and allow them to meet other dogs; this helps prepare them for encounters with multiple dogs at the vets. It also helps them to be less stressful, as they don’t just go in the car to the vet’s office. Schedule a trial run at the vet’s office at a time when the veterinary personnel can greet your dog and offer a treat. This lowers stress levels and puts a different spin on going to the vet. If your dog tends to get carsick, don’t feed them before going to the vet and keep this in mind when making your appointments. Make your appointments for early morning and feed your dog after you get home.

What do you do when you adopt an adult dog and don’t know the dog’s temperament at the vet’s office? If you adopt your dog from a shelter, ask to speak with the person who took them to the vet, or if the vet came to the shelter ask how the dog behaved there. How is the dog around other dogs? Do they ignore them, are they friendly or are they aggressive? Do they have a fear of noises? By finding out as much information about your new dog as possible, you will have an idea of what you need to work on.

If your dog acts anxious in the vet’s waiting room, don’t pet or comfort them. This only reinforces the behavior. Distract them with a treat or job to do that will bring praise. I have taught Skye the command “pay attention.” She knows that I expect her undivided attention and her eyes don’t leave my face. For example, if there’s another dog making a fuss at the vets, I say “pay attention” and Skye ignores the other dog. The vet's waiting area is large enough for me to work Skye, so sometimes we bone up on basic commands while we wait. You can also just keep your dog on a down/stay next to you until it’s your turn to be seen. Don’t let your dog wander, because the other pets that are there may be ill and you should not allow your dog to approach them. They may not be as socialized as your dog, and illness makes pets cranky.

Depending on your vet’s situation, you may be asked to assist by holding your dog and keep them calm during the examination. This may be required when the vet draws blood, takes your dog’s temperature or gives your dog a shot. Put one hand on your dog’s neck and keep the other on their collar to help steady them. Be generous with your praise, as this will distract your dog from the procedure being performed. The calmer you are, the more comfortable your dog will be.

Skye has to visit the vet every six months for blood tests. I don’t worry about her though, since she loves the vet and enters (and leaves) with her head high and her tail wagging vigorously.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

How to Brush your Dog's Teeth

Your veterinarian probably tells you to brush your dog's teeth. I know--if you're like me, it's hard enough to remind your kids to brush their teeth. With all we have to fit in a day, brushing a dog's teeth may be the last thing we can tackle on our expanding to-do list.

But I've learned that dental care is important to a pet's overall health. So I'm making more of an effort to brush Kelly's teeth. And, it really is quick and easy once you get the hang of it. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Gather your supplies.
You'll need a special pet toothpaste. Remember, human toothpastes may upset your dog's stomach. Pet toothpastes come in flavors like chicken, beef, malt and mint. Yum!
You'll also need a pet toothbrush. Be sure to select the appropriate size for your pet. You may want to start off with a small rubber brush that fits over the tip of your finger.

2. Start off slow.
Start by just checking in your dog's mouth. Get him used to having you open his jaws and touch his teeth. Be careful with nippy dogs--you know your pet best. Advance to rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger.

3. Offer a taste.
Put some pet toothpaste on your finger. Let your dog lick it off. She should enjoy the flavor. Experiment until you find the flavor she likes best!

4. Use a gentle brushing motion.
Apply pet toothpaste to the finger brush or a pet toothbrush. Lift your dog's lips and rub the brush gently on the outside of the teeth. Be sure to get the back teeth. You won't need to worry about the inside of the teeth. If your dog balks at the toothbrush, try a square of guaze or washcloth.



How To Brush Your Dogs Teeth (Canine Dental) - VetVid Episode 0 - Watch more Funny Videos

5. Reward!
Keep the tooth brushing time short and pleasant. When you're done, reward with a game of fetch or a walk.

Most veterinarians suggest brushing daily. I admit I fall short of this. But if you can try for once or twice a week, that's a good start. Make it a part of your routine, like before bed or the evening walk.

Goodbye "Mr. Brown"

For those of you following this blog, you may have read my posts about "Mr. Brown" and "Max" the dog. You may have also seen the photos of me with them in the Sunday Tulsa World a couple of weeks ago. It is with mixed feelings that I share with you that "Mr. Brown," alias "Buddy" Springer (as printed in the World), passed away this week. He was at Clarehouse, a wonderful hospice home here in Tulsa and I couldn't have asked for a better place for him to spend his last days. His dog, Max, is with a family member and his dog companion Tahoe, and as far as I know, will stay there for the remainder of his life.

"Buddy" was gruff and outspoken at times, but underneath his crusty exterior lay a tender heart that had been deeply touched by the loss of a wife and his only child many years ago. He was ready to leave this world and ready to be free of the sickness that kept him from doing the things he loved. I am so glad he didn't have to suffer the loss of his faithful dog while he was facing his own mortality. This photo was taken when I brought Max back from the veterinarian after he was treated for arthritis and flea allergy. Buddy didn't know if Max would be coming back with me or not, as he had instructed me to have Max euthanized if the vet recommended it. Instead, this photo captures his relief and the patient and adoring love of his trusted companion. If you look closely, you will see that Max is smiling. This photo will always be one of my favorites.

Thank you for making it possible to help people like Buddy and dogs like Max.

Top 10 Reasons Pets Go To The Vet

Did you take your pet to the vet last year? If so, you are in good company. More than 75% of pet owning households take their pets to the vet every year. About 1/4 of pet-owning households go to the vet four or more times per year. Routine veterinary checkups and vaccinations are the most common reason that pets go to the vet each year.

I have 3 dogs – Frog, Hank and Sophie. I was curious about the most common reasons that pets go to the vet so I did some checking and what I found was pretty interesting.

According to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company, their policyholders visited the vet in 2008 for various reasons. They made a top ten list for dogs and cats, not including routine veterinary care. The top reason for dogs was ear infections and the top reason for cats was lower urinary tract diseases. 

So, how did my own dogs fare according to the veterinary top ten? Well, one of my three dogs did have an ear infection, number 1 on the list. I did not fare so well with numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7 on the list: 4. gastritis/vomiting, 5. enteritis/diarrhea, 6. urinary tract infections and 7. benign skin tumors. 

My old lady Beagle, Frog, was the queen of 4, 6 and 7. She had to be treated for persistent vomiting (caused by number 6, urinary tract infection) and also had a benign skin tumor removed from her leg. 

My big yellow Lab Hank was treated for 4 & 5 due to consumption of the stuffing from his bed. Oops!

The newest addition, our stray Lab mix Sophie did the best. She did have to get her vaccinations and get spayed, but (knock on wood) , has not been treated for any illness since she came to live with us.

Check out the full top ten lists for dogs and cats on VPI’s website.

Top Canine Claims	Top Feline Claims
1.  Ear Infections	1.  Lower Urinary Tract Disease
2.  Skin Allergies	2.  Gastritis/Stomach Upsets
3.  Pyoderma/Hot Spots	3.  Chronic Renal Failure
4.  Gastritis/Vomiting	4.  Enteritis/Diarrhea
5.  Enteritis/Diarrhea	5.  Diabetes Mellitus
6.  Urinary Tract Infections	6.  Skin Allergies
7.  Benign Skin Tumors	7.  Hyperthyroidism
8.  Osteoarthritis	8.  Ear Infections
9.  Eye Inflammation	9.  Upper Respiratory Virus
10. Hypothyroidism	10. Eye Inflammation

Melissa Brookshire, DVM

"Max" and Mr. Brown

Today I met a man in his 90's with a sharp mind and a strong, independent spirit. For several weeks now, Mr. Brown has been preparing to die. His body, once as strong as his spirit, continues to lose ground physically as his disease progresses. Each day, he insists on wearing his cowboy boots, western slacks and shirt as he sits on the couch, also wearing the oxygen that keeps him comfortable. Our staff has had a tough time convincing him to let us do as much as we can to help. Mr. Brown doesn't take charity and he wants to do as much as possible for himself. We do our best to honor his wishes. He's sent several people packing when they tried to do more.

Mr. Brown has a 15 year old cattle dog named "Max," who is almost as fragile as he is. They "found" each other when Max was only a few months old, abandoned close to Mr. Brown's home. They have been constant companions ever since. Mr. Brown finally let us help with dog food when he learned it had been donated to our pet food pantry, but he wasn't about to let us buy any. Today I met Mr. Brown and his devoted friend for the first time. We talked about taking "Max" to his longtime vet for a checkup, as the dog's chronic skin allergies and arthritis are causing him considerable discomfort. "Max" is also rubbing his gums on the floor, suggestive of advanced gum disease or tooth pain. Mr. Brown decided to accept our help for his friend, much to my surprise. He was very grateful for the help. Mr. Brown has total trust in his veterinarian, even to the point of letting him decide when "Max" should be put to sleep because of suffering. I stopped by the vet's office to make the appointment and to let the doctor know what was at stake for "Max" and for Mr. Brown. The appointment is next Thursday. I'll let you know what happens.

How to Find a Veterinarian

Do you know how to find a reputable veterinarian for your four-legged friend? Think of it as if you are looking for a pediatrician for your human child. The same ideas apply; you are just looking for a veterinarian. A good place to start is to ask family, friends and coworkers. Do they like their vet? What kind of impression does their vet give? If you don’t have friends or family who live close by and you go shopping for a vet on your own do you know the questions to ask? Here’s some help.

Call a veterinarian in the area and make an appointment. Are they willing to see you without your pet first? If they are a good vet, they will understand. You want to meet the vet first alone to see if you get along and will be willing to trust your pet with them. Also ask them if they are willing to give you a tour of the practice. 

Arrive at the vet’s about fifteen minutes before your appointment time, this will give you a chance to visit with some of the other clients in the waiting room, and see how the vet interacts with not only them but their pet as well. It also gives you a chance to look around. 

How does the staff treat the patients waiting to see the vet? Are the office and staff neat and clean, or dirty and dingy? Does it smell clean or like urine and feces? Is the staff friendly and informative or standoffish and un-talkative? Are the vet’s credentials prominently displayed? Do they sell your brand of pet food? If not, do they have access to your food and are they willing to order it for you?

Questions to ask the vet:

• Does the vet make house calls if you have a skittish animal or can’t get into the office?
  
• If you’re in a rural area and have larger animals or birds, will the vet be able to take care of them too?
  
• If money is an issue, will the vet work with you by allowing you to make payments on your outstanding bill?
  
• Something else that is important, does the vet talk to you and explain things, or does he talk at you and expect you to follow his orders? You want a veterinarian who will work with you, not against you when dealing with your pet’s health issues. After all, your pet is still a member of the family and your veterinarian is just as important as any other doctor that a family member may see.
  

Ruthie Bently