Dog and Cat Behavior Consultations

Why Behavior Consultations?

More than half of all pet owners experience behavior problems
with theirs pets. Unfortunately, many times the early signs of a
behavior problem may go unrecognized or little is done to try to
treat the initial problem until it becomes more serious. Many
pet owners simply put up with the problem behavior and suffer
the consequences or, ultimately, have to give their pet away.
Fortunately, if help is sought early enough and if an
appropriate treatment plan is followed, often the behavior
problem can be cured.

What Is Involved?

In order to make it easier and more affordable for our clients
to address behavior problems before they get out of hand, Linda
Mar Veterinary Hospital staff veterinarian Ilana Strubel, DVM,
MA provides in-office behavior consultations.

Consultations take approximately one hour and must be scheduled
in advance. The presence of all family members over the age of 6
and any pet involved in the problem is requested so that any
underlying dynamics contributing to the problem behavior can be
identified.

A comprehensive medical and behavioral history questionnaire is
provided for the client to complete and return in advance of the
appointment. In some cases, a videotape of the pet’s problem
behavior at home may also be requested. This information allows
the doctor to become familiar with the presenting behavior
problem so that she may best utilize the time spent with the
patient and client during the consultation.

During the appointment, the doctor will ask further questions
pertinent to the history of the problem and form a tentative
diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of the main problem is made, Dr.
Strubel is able to provide a thorough explanation of the pet’s
behavior problem and a customized plan for solving it.

If appropriate to the problem, the doctor will demonstrate the
proper use and fitting of training collars and/or head halter.
For all problems, handouts explaining the behavior and outlining
steps for correcting it are provided to assist the client with
implementing the treatment plan.

If drug therapy is advised, it may be necessary to collect a
blood sample for baseline values to help ensure the patient’s
safety and to avoid possible side effects. All animals given
prescriptions for behavior medications will need to be closely
monitored by the prescribing veterinarian. The cost of any
medications or products prescribed during the appointment is not
included in the consultation fee.

The consultation fee includes two follow-up phone calls during
the first few weeks after the consultation to assist with any
problems or questions that may arise. It is advised that all
behavior modification protocols be implemented slowly and
precisely to ensure greater long-term success.

Depending on the type of behavior problem it may be necessary to
introduce the training program in stages, and a follow up visit
in one to two months may be recommended. This can be scheduled
with Dr. Strubel as a regular 20-minute office visit or as a
full hour, if desired. Dr. Strubel may also consult with Board
Certified Veterinary Behavior Specialists regarding more
challenging behavior problems and assist in scheduling a
referral if indicated.

What Are The Behavior Consultant’s Qualifications?

Ilana Strubel, DVM, MA is a general practitioner with a special
interest in behavioral medicine. Dr. Strubel received her
Bachelor’s degree in ethology (animal behavior), ecology, and
evolution from the University of Illinois. She then earned a
Master’s degree in marine biology with a special focus on marine
mammal behavior from Boston University. Dr. Strubel then
returned to the University of Illinois where she completed her
doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Since 1995, Dr. Strubel has practiced small animal medicine and
surgery. She has trained with the Behavior Service at the
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of
California, Davis, and is currently a member of the American
Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.