Exciting new research at the intersection of gastroenterology and behavior shows that the microbiome influences temperament. Dogs with chronic gut inflammation (IBD) are statistically more likely to show aggression and anxiety. Veterinary science is now exploring how probiotics and diet change behavior, blurring the line between nutritionist, internist, and behaviorist.
Animals learn by associating their actions with consequences. This involves positive reinforcement (adding a reward to repeat a behavior) and negative punishment (removing something desirable to stop a behavior). Modern veterinary science heavily favors reward-based methods over aversive techniques.
Cognitive decline is not exclusive to humans. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and Feline Cognitive Dysfunction mimic Alzheimer's disease, causing disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling, and changes in social interactions with owners. Brain tumors, epilepsy, and inflammatory central nervous system diseases can also induce drastic personality shifts.
For the veterinarian, the technician, and the owner, the lesson is clear: The animal is always telling you what is wrong. Veterinary science is finally learning to listen.
When anxiety or aggression is severe, behavior modification alone may not work. Veterinary science utilizes targeted medications to balance brain chemistry:
A change in behavior is often the very first sign of sickness. For example, a normally affectionate cat that suddenly hides may be experiencing underlying kidney pain or arthritis.
The breakthrough came when Barnaby saw a squirrel and bolted without a second thought. He didn't limp. He didn't lick. His brain had finally received the memo: the crisis was over.
Exciting new research at the intersection of gastroenterology and behavior shows that the microbiome influences temperament. Dogs with chronic gut inflammation (IBD) are statistically more likely to show aggression and anxiety. Veterinary science is now exploring how probiotics and diet change behavior, blurring the line between nutritionist, internist, and behaviorist.
Animals learn by associating their actions with consequences. This involves positive reinforcement (adding a reward to repeat a behavior) and negative punishment (removing something desirable to stop a behavior). Modern veterinary science heavily favors reward-based methods over aversive techniques. Animals learn by associating their actions with consequences
Cognitive decline is not exclusive to humans. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and Feline Cognitive Dysfunction mimic Alzheimer's disease, causing disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling, and changes in social interactions with owners. Brain tumors, epilepsy, and inflammatory central nervous system diseases can also induce drastic personality shifts. Cognitive decline is not exclusive to humans
For the veterinarian, the technician, and the owner, the lesson is clear: The animal is always telling you what is wrong. Veterinary science is finally learning to listen. For the veterinarian
When anxiety or aggression is severe, behavior modification alone may not work. Veterinary science utilizes targeted medications to balance brain chemistry:
A change in behavior is often the very first sign of sickness. For example, a normally affectionate cat that suddenly hides may be experiencing underlying kidney pain or arthritis.
The breakthrough came when Barnaby saw a squirrel and bolted without a second thought. He didn't limp. He didn't lick. His brain had finally received the memo: the crisis was over.