Behavior Referrals in Amesbury, MA
Does your pet exhibit some undesirable behaviors such as aggression, anxiety disorders, or elimination problems? It could be time to visit a veterinary behaviorist. The team at Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital is committed to meeting your pet’s every need, and sometimes that means referring you to specialists. For specialized pet training and behavior therapy, we recommend referral behaviorists.
Knowing When Your Pet Needs a Behaviorist
Which behaviors are natural and which need special attention? It can be hard to tell. A good rule of thumb is if you feel that your pet’s behavior is negatively affecting your relationship with them, then it’s time to talk to a veterinary behaviorist. Common pet behavior problems include:
Aggression/ Reactivity
- Growling
- Nipping
- Biting
- Fighting
Anxiety Disorders
- Separation anxiety
- Fears and phobias
- Generalized nervousness
Elimination Problems
- House soiling
- Urine marking
- Litter box issues
Compulsive Disorders
- Tail, light, or shadow chasing
- Pica (eating disorder)
- Over-grooming
Our Referral Veterinary Behaviorists
When your pet presents with a behavioral problem we can’t address in a general wellness appointment, we’ll recommend a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist. We work with Pet Behavioral Problems in Lexington, MA as well as Posage Veterinary Behavior Services in Merrimack, NH.
Pet Behavior Consultations
At Pet Behavior Consultations, you and your pet will benefit from a team of animal behavior consultants including veterinarians and animal psychologists. Headquartered in Lexington, MA, they work to develop a unique behavioral therapy program for each animal. Their consultations are done by phone, online, in their office, or even at your home. Typically, a consultation will include:
- An assessment of your pet’s behavioral or medical history
- A diagnosis and explanation of the problem
- A personalized treatment plan
- Handouts to help you implement the information
- Medication, if necessary
- Pet training, coordinated with a local trainer in your area
To get in touch with Pet Behavior Consultations, call (781) 862-5060.
Posage Veterinary Behavior Services
Posage Veterinary Behavior Services provides behavioral consultations for both cat and dog owners in Merrimack, NH. It is operated by our very own Dr. Michelle Posage, with whom you and your pet can also work. Typically, consultations are 90-120 minutes long, during which the behaviorist assesses your cat or dog’s behavioral issue. The consultation includes:
- A review of a written behavior history and an in-person interview
- Observation and evaluation of the temperament and behavior of your pet
- A physical examination
- Explanation of your pet’s behavior
- Prognosis for improvement
- Personalized treatment plan with additional handouts and resources
- Prescribed medications (if appropriate) with 6 months of monitoring
- Referral report sent to your regular veterinarian or trainer
- Three months of email/phone follow-up included
Contact Posage Veterinary Behavior Services at (603) 589-4848.
Other Behavioral Referral Options
Other referral centers for behavioral counseling or pet training include: