Behavioral issues in dogs and cats can be stressful and frightening for pet owners. If left unaddressed, these problems can impact the bond between owners and their pets and may diminish the quality of life for both animals and their owners.

Comprehensive Behavior Consultations are recommended for the following issues:

• Aggression towards humans, housemates, or wildlife (inside or outside, while walking on or off leash, or during play)

• Generalized anxiety (signs of fear and stress in most situations for a prolonged period)

• Attention-seeking behaviors (excessive barking, stealing items, and excessive pawing at people)

• Separation-related anxiety (excessively vocal, destructive, eliminates in the house, or is visually distressed when left alone)

• Guarding resources (such as food and water bowls, treats, toys, or other perceived high-value items)

• Noise fear or phobia (hides, trembles, pants, vocalizes, attempts to escape with loud noises)

• Confinement anxiety (signs of distress when confined)

• Cognitive decline is typically seen in senior dogs over 7 years and cats over 10 years of age (changes in wake-sleep cycles, unlearning previously learned behaviors such as house training, becoming stuck under furniture, pacing, decreased social interactions)

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