Pet Behavior Counseling

Behavior counseling

You interact with your pet on a daily basis. If you have noticed that your pet has developed an odd or troubling behavior, or isn’t quite acting as usual, please give us a call or schedule an appointment.

A change in behavior can mean your pet has developed an underlying medical issue-and isn't being "bad"-that needs a proper diagnosis and treatment in order for your pet return to normal behaviors.

Our pet behavioral exams look at the bigger picture of behavior with open and honest communication about what has been going on with your pet. We want to first determine if any medical issue is causing your pet to act out in any way. When determined, we can work on a treatment plan and remain in contact with you on your pet's progress. It may take some patience, and an open mind, but many times pet behavior can change for the betterment of both of you.

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What behaviors may warrant an appointment

If you observe any of the behaviors below, give us a call. Many times these have an underlying medical condition that can be treated to get your pet back to behaving like themselves.

  • Sudden phobias (a fear of something)
  • Anxiety (rapid heart rate and increased alertness)
  • Aggression
  • Attacking without provocation
  • Housetraining aversions
  • Going outside the litter box
  • Urine marking within your house
  • Inability to Sleep
  • Constant licking, over-grooming, or other repetitive behaviors
  • Excessive meowing or barking for no reason

Is your pet not behaving as usual? Let's Talk About How we can help!

Book an Appointment
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About Vernon Woods Animal Hospital...

The vet called me and addressed all my questions and concerns directly. He was very patient and helpful and communicative. I felt as if my fur babies were in excellent hands and they came out happy / un-scared! Truly appreciate them! Friendly staff - highly recommend!

— lparks488

My dog had a complication in healing from an injury and Dr. Fisher at Vernon Woods went right into action. She came in on her day off to do the surgery we needed, the staff re-arranged the days schedule to ensure this happened. They treated us like beings and showed they cared. They will have us as patients for life. I would highly recommend Vernon Woods and especially Dr. Fisher. Your pet will not be in better hands than with them.

— Jacinda A.

I cannot speak highly enough about Vernon Woods Animal Hospital and especially, Dr. Jones. Dr. Jones is an amazing vet and has been so helpful to me and my pup! He is the kind of vet that makes a difference - he follows up to make sure everything is okay. If you have a pup you love - take them to Vernon Woods Animal Hospital!

— Virginia M.

I just can't say enough about Dr. Wen. She takes the time to cover everything, makes sure she answers every question, and makes it clear that's she's accessible if you have any questions or concerns later. The difference between the way my dogs behaved our first visit to the way they react to going to the vet now is night and day, and it's because they trust Dr. Wen and feel so much more at ease around her after getting to know her. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Wen to anyone in need of a competent, thorough, and highly professional veterinarian with a caring and calming "bedside manner."

— Dawn T.

The staff who answer the phone are kind and wonderfully helpful when you call; the doctors and all the technicians truly listen to the feedback of their clients and provide solutions to your pet's health problems. When my dog had a weird reaction to sedation and had to be sedated for another procedure, the doctors listened to my feedback and adjusted the amount of sedative given to my dog and she had a much quicker recovery. Truly wonderful people working here and excellent medical care across the board. They are also observing excellent COVID-19 protocols right now and when things eventually return to normal I look forward to giving the entire staff a huge hug of appreciation.

— Kathy C.