Veterinary Behaviorist.

Animal behavior issues can be complex and challenging to resolve, but veterinary behaviorists have the expertise to diagnose and treat these problems in pets. This article will delve into the world of veterinary behaviorists, including their education and training requirements, their role in addressing behavioral issues in pets, and the benefits of working with one. A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian with a special interest and expertise in studying animal behavior. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating behavioral problems in pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. To become a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, a veterinarian must complete a rigorous educational and training program, which typically begins with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery. This is followed by a three-year residency in veterinary behavior, during which the veterinarian receives advanced training in animal behavior and learns to diagnose and treat a wide range of behavioral problems.

 History.

The field of veterinary behavior has its roots in the early 1960s when veterinarians first started to recognize the importance of treating behavioral problems in animals. Over time, veterinary behaviorists emerged as a specialized field within the veterinary profession. In 1991, the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) was established as the first organization to offer board certification in veterinary behavior. Today, there are around 80 board-certified veterinary behaviorists in North America.

The field of veterinary behavior has seen significant growth and development over the past few decades, and veterinary behaviorists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating behavioral problems in companion animals. As specialists in the study of animal behavior, they offer pet owners a unique and effective approach to addressing behavioral issues in their pets. However, some pet owners may be unfamiliar with what a veterinary behaviorist is and the difference between this specialty and other related professions, such as certified behavior consultants. In this article, we will explore the role of veterinary behaviorists and the benefits of working with one. We will also discuss the differences between veterinary behaviorists and certified behavior consultants and why pet owners may choose to work with both in a team approach.

Education and Requirements.

To become a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, a veterinarian must complete a comprehensive education and training program. This starts with earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college, followed by a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery and a three-year residency in veterinary behavior. During the residency, the veterinarian will receive advanced training in animal behavior and learn to diagnose and treat various behavioral problems. Finally, the veterinarian must pass a rigorous certification examination administered by the ACVB.

The Role of the Veterinary Behaviorist.

The role of a veterinary behaviorist is to diagnose and treat behavioral problems in companion animals, using their expertise in animal behavior to evaluate the animal’s behavior and develop a customized treatment plan. This may include behavior modification techniques, such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, as well as medication. Veterinary behaviorists typically see a wide range of behavioral problems in dogs, including separation anxiety, aggression, fear, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. They also collaborate with other veterinarians, including internal medicine and surgery specialists, to ensure that any underlying medical conditions are appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Other Professions that Collaborate with Veterinary Behaviorists.

Pet owners may choose to work with both a veterinary behaviorist and a certified behavior consultant in a team approach. This is because both professionals have unique expertise and skills that can complement each other in addressing behavioral problems in pets. For example, a veterinary behaviorist may diagnose a medical condition that is contributing to the animal’s behavioral problems. At the same time, a certified behavior consultant can help the pet owner implement behavior modification techniques to resolve the issue. By working together, these professionals can offer a comprehensive and effective approach to resolving behavioral problems in pets.

In some cases, it may be beneficial for pet owners to work with a certified trainer, a certified dog behavior consultant, and a veterinary behaviorist. These professionals can complement the treatment plan developed by the veterinary behaviorist and add valuable insights and expertise to the process. A certified trainer can help pet owners learn behavior modification techniques and provide practical training exercises. In contrast, a certified behavior consultant can offer additional guidance and support to the pet owner. By working as a team, veterinary behaviorists, certified trainers, and certified behavior consultants can provide comprehensive and effective treatment for behavioral problems in companion animals.

Finding a Veterinary Behaviorist.

Regarding finding a veterinary behaviorist, pet owners can start by researching local veterinary clinics and asking for recommendations from their regular veterinarian. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) also maintains a list of board-certified veterinary behaviorists on its website. Before choosing a veterinary behaviorist, pet owners should consider their experience and qualifications, as well as their approach to treatment and communication style. By doing their research and asking questions, pet owners can find a veterinary behaviorist who is a good fit for them and their pets.

In conclusion, veterinary behaviorists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating behavioral problems in companion animals. They are highly trained specialists in the study of animal behavior and offer pet owners a unique and effective approach to addressing behavioral issues in their pets. By working with a veterinary behaviorist, pet owners can be confident that they receive the highest quality care for their animals. In some cases, pet owners may also choose to work with a certified behavior consultant in a team approach to complement the veterinary behaviorist’s expertise and offer a comprehensive solution to resolving behavioral problems in pets.

Here is a list of references that could be used to further research the topic of veterinary behaviorists.

1. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). (2021). About the ACVB. Retrieved from https://doxercalciferol.tpmc.org/about/
2. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2021). Veterinary specialties. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/specialties
3. American Society of Veterinary Medical Association (ASVMA). (2021). Behavioral problems in dogs. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/caring-for-your-pet/behavioral-problems-dogs
4. American Kennel Club (AKC). (2021). Separation anxiety in dogs. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/separation-anxiety-in-dogs/
5. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research. (2021). About the Journal. Retrieved from https://www.jove.com/journal/2035
6. Dodman, N. H., Shuster, L., & Rand, W. M. (2000). A case-control study of obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 217(12), 1775-1780.
7. Horwitz, D. F., & Neilson, J. C. (1997). Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals. Mosby.
8. Overall, K. L. (1997). Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals. Mosby.
9. Seksel, K., & Lindeman, M. J. (2002). Clinical behaviour medicine for small animals. Mosby Australia.