What Are Common Behavioral Issues In Pets, And How Can I Address Them?

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Do you think your dog or cat may have a behavioral issue, and you want to know how to address it? Behavioral issues are common in pets, and with time, patience, and possibly professional assistance, your canine or feline companion can learn to be obedient, well-adjusted, and happy. 

Aggression is a common behavioral problem in some dogs and cats. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training. Cats may respond favorably to proper socialization techniques. Urine marking is another issue. Neutering or spaying your cat can help decrease the chance of them marking.   

Noise phobia occurs when your furry friend becomes stressed or anxious when a loud noise is heard. In this article, you will learn about several behavioral issues in pets and treatment options. 

Behavioral Issues In Pets 

When your pet has a behavioral issue, it is essential to be proactive about treatment. You should first talk to your veterinarian about how to best help your furry friend. Working with a professional behavior expert is often the answer. There are several behavioral issues in dogs and cats that require treatment. 

Aggression In Dogs 

An aggressive pet is not a “lost cause,” as some people may think. Dogs and cats are trainable, but the solution calls for a lot of time and work on the part of the pet parent to manage the behavior. Some classic examples of aggressive behavior in dogs:  

• Lunging at people 
• Barking constantly
• Jumping up on people
• Growling and snarling  

Instead of punishing your pet for acting out, set them up to succeed. Michaelsdogs.com says you can “train new behavior to replace an old behavior pattern.” Use positive reinforcement to accomplish this goal. 

For example, if your dog barks furiously when the doorbell rings, it probably means they instinctively know that a stranger is about to enter their home. And it’s their turf. It’s classic territorial behavior. 

You can train your canine companion through positive reinforcement, such as with treats, fresh chicken, etc., not to bark when the doorbell rings but to go to another room where their crate is set up to help them feel more at ease. 

Start training when no one is on the other side of the door. Put the doorbell sound effect on your phone. Lead your pup to the other room where their crate is and give them a treat when they come. This way, they can learn that when the doorbell rings, they go to the other room and get a treat. 

Aggression in Cats

An aggressive cat should be managed differently. Maybe your cat doesn’t like strangers to pet them. Cats can be skittish, and that’s okay. But the goal is to teach your cat through socialization. It is a technique used in shelters that helps cats get used to people. There are certain behaviors a cat will exhibit when they are aggressive:

• Biting
• Hissing
• Swatting 
• Using their claws 

Dogs and cats are often aggressive when they are feeling fearful. You can try sitting quietly near your cat so they get used to being close to you. Read a book or nap near them to reduce the pressure on them. You can also give them a few treats so they can make a positive association with you. If your cat is hissing or tries to bite you, wait until they calm down until you interact with them again. 

Urine Marking

Changes in the home can trigger urine marking. If your dog or cat is urine-marking, do not punish them. Take them to the veterinarian to make sure they do not have any health issues:

• Bladder stones
• Kidney disease  
• Arthritis or pain 
• Hormonal changes
• Urinary tract infection 

Once health issues are ruled out, make sure to provide your cat with enough litterboxes. Set up litterboxes in areas where traffic is not prevalent and where exit routes are available. Scoop at least once daily. 

A cat who displays urine marking may respond well to pheromones. FELIWAY spray works by mimicking the natural pheromones a mother cat provides to her kittens. It will soothe your feline friend. Make sure your pets are spayed or neutered. 

Noise Phobia 

Booming noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, can trigger noise phobia in pets. These noises are unexpected and startling. AAHA explains that the fear and anxiety these noises produce can lead them to “hiding, trembling, destruction of property, salivation, or panting.” In these cases, you could try a Thundershirt. It acts similarly to a baby swaddle. 

The Thundershirt is a fabric your pet wears that applies gentle pressure to their torso. This kind of pressure can be soothing and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. Music therapy can also be good for our animal companions. You can also try environmental enrichment for your pets. Give them a food puzzle to play with, as it is something to occupy their time and attention.  

Conclusion 

There are a few approaches to treating a dog or cat with behavioral issues. Whether the concern is fear, aggression, or hormonal changes that need to be addressed, you can teach your pet through positive reinforcement and promote calm with the aid of certain products. Whatever route you choose, try not to give up on your furry friend who is asking for your help. 

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