PEER REVIEWED
How to Enhance Your Pet's Environment
Joel D. Ray, DVM O
ur pets sometimes exhibit "normal" behaviors that we find objectionable. For example, cats may scratch furniture or eat plants because there is nothing else to scratch or eat. In these cases,
providing a scratching post/mat or cat grass/nip may do the trick. However, not all behavior issues are straightforward and easily resolved. Many behavioral problems, such as canine separation anxiety (that may manifest as destructive behavior when owners are away), can be complex and require comprehensive treatment plans, including medication. Any behavioral issue should be thoroughly discussed with and diagnosed by your veterinarian—especially aggressive behavior—before implementing the following suggestions.
SIGNS YOUR PET MAY BE EXPERIENCING STRESS Cats
Dogs Scratching household items
Obsessive licking and/or hair chewing Aggression toward people or other pets Inappropriate urination/defecation Night-time vocalization
Destructive behaviors (eg, chewing household items) Self-mutilation and/or obsessive chewing Aggressive toward people or other pets Unexplained lapse in house-training Separation anxiety
SUGGESTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT Cats
Dogs
Climbing, perching, resting, & hiding: Create specific spots on bookshelves and windowsills and/or provide commercial cat towers.
Feeding: Provide opportunities to forage by using feed- er toys, multiple bowls throughout the home, and hiding treats in different areas.
Olfactory stimulation: Use catnip (whether in toys or as a "catnip garden") and pheromone diffusors.
Scratching behaviors: Provide acceptable outlets, such as scratching posts, for this natural behavior.
Toys: Cats prefer toys that are light and can be picked up and easily moved.
Cats
catsinternational.org/articles/fun_for_cats/index.html catsplay.com/dailycat.php3?cat=mind&scat;=mind_training fabcats.org/behaviour indoorpet.osu.edu
Exercise: Amount and type is determined by breed, age, and physical condition, from leash walks to physical rehabilitation.
Human interaction: While human interaction consists of daily routines, such as feeding, expand interaction with obedience/agility classes or games, such as fetch.
Interaction with other dogs: Increase socialization by organizing "doggie" play dates and visits to dog parks.
Olfactory stimulation: Provide novel scents around the home (ie, spices, herbs, synthetic animal scents).
Toys: Focus on supplying commercial toys that provide a mental challenge or treat puzzle.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR MORE IDEAS Dogs
aussiedog.com.au/ (dog toys) indoorpet.osu.edu
kongcompany.com/ (dog toys) usdaa.com/ (dog agility)
This form can be downloaded and printed for use in your practice at todaysveterinarypractice.com (see Resources). Today's Veterinary Practice July/August 2012
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