Behavior Problems
The following are questions to answer when suspecting a
behavior problem with your pet. Answer as many as you can prior to your pet’s
exam. (An exam should ALWAYS be performed any time you suspect a behavior
problem, because many times these behaviors can signal a treatable medical
problem! We rule out medical problems first and deal with behavior problems
next.)
HOUSE-SOILING CAT
Age?
Neutered/Spayed? When?
How long have you had the cat?
How many cats have lived in your home?
How many cats, dogs, humans live in your home?
Is your cat indoor, outdoor, both?
How many litter boxes?
What kind of litter? Have you changed the type?
How often is the box cleaned?
How big is the box and is it covered?
What is near the box?
Does your cat urinate on vertical surfaces?
Urine or stool outside box? How often? Time of day?
Predictable pattern?
AGGRESSIVE CAT
Does your cat nip, bite, mouth or suck anything or
anyone?
Does your cat hiss, snarl, growl or bite?
Have you ever been concerned that your cat is
“aggressive” to people, cats, other
animals?
Does your cat hunt or prey on people, cats, other
animals?
Has your cat ever bitten or clawed anyone?
Has anyone ever told you they were afraid of your cat?
OTHER CAT BEHAVIORS
Does your cat destroy any objects by scratching, chewing
or biting?
Has your cat had any changes in sleep, eating?
Has your cat had any changes in locomotory behaviors,
ability to get around house,
jump?
Do you have any concerns about your cat’s grooming
behaviors?
HOUSE-SOILING DOG
What age was your dog DEFINITELY house-broken?
Does your house urinate in the house?
Does your dog defecate in the house? Diarrhea?
AGGRESSIVE DOGS
Have you ever been concerned that your dog is
“aggressive” to people, dogs, other
animals?
Has your dog ever bitten anyone?
Has anyone ever told you they were afraid of your dog?
Has anyone ever told you your dog was ill-mannered?
ANXIETY AND OTHER DOG BEHAVIORS
Does your dog destroy anything (furniture, clothing,
rugs, windows)?
Does your dog mouth anything or anyone?
Does your dog vocalize inappropriately?
Does your dog react to storms, fireworks, noises?
Is your dog distressed when left alone?
Has your dog had any changes in sleep, eating, locomotor
behaviors?
What type of collar, leash, harness do you use for your
dog?
