Behavior

Understanding and Improving Your Pet’s Behavior

At Central Hospital, we understand that behavior issues can significantly affect the quality of life for both pets and their families. Our Behavior Service, led by Jessica Beckstrom, DVM, Resident, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, is dedicated to supporting the behavioral health of all companion animals, including cats, dogs, and birds. Our team is here to support your pet’s behavioral health and to help you and your pets live in harmony.

Why is Behavioral Medicine Important?

Behavioral problems are a leading cause of relinquishment of dogs and cats to animal shelters in the United StatesIn fact, many undesirable behaviors can be treated once their underlying causes have been identified. Neurological conditions and behavioral illnesses can alter a pet’s ability to learn. Diseases that cause pain can contribute to undesirable or abnormal behavioral responses. Veterinary behaviorists are trained to recognize and treat normal but undesirable behaviors as well as behaviors that are related to mental or physical illness.

Behavior Services at Central

Comprehensive Behavioral Assessments

Dr. Beckstrom will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the root causes of your pet’s behavioral concern. Her assessment and diagnosis will consider your pet’s medical history, environment, and daily routine. Then, she will provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Behavioral Treatment Plan

After taking a complete history and conducting a thorough assessment with you and your pet, a treatment plan is created. Behavioral treatment plans always incorporate both behavioral and environmental modifications, with medication as an option for some pets.

Training and Behavior Modification

We create personalized behavior modification plans that will consider your pet’s specific behavioral concern as well as your family’s needs. Be assured that only humane, science based techniques are used.

Our Behavior service can benefit pets with:

Fear, anxiety, frustration
Noise phobia
Separation related distress
Repetitive behaviors
House soiling
Destructive behavior
Hyper-reactivity
Aggressive behavior

Collaboration with Your Primary Veterinarian

We work closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure a holistic approach to your pet’s well-being. This collaboration allows us to address any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to behavioral problems and provides a comprehensive plan for your pet’s overall health.

Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Behavior modification is a continuous process. Our team provides ongoing support and follow-up to ensure the success of your behavioral treatment plan. We’re here to assist you with any questions or adjustments needed along the way.

Why Choose Our Veterinary Behavior Services?

Expertise: Dr. Beckstrom and her team have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of behavioral issues.

Personalized Care: We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of you and your pet.

Comprehensive Approach: We consider all aspects of your pet’s life, including medical, environmental, and social factors.

Compassionate Support: We are dedicated to improving the well-being of both pets and their families.

What is a resident doctor?

A behavior resident is a veterinarian who, after at least one year of clinical experience, has chosen to pursue advanced training in order to become a board-certified specialist.

Dr. Beckstrom, Resident ACVB is training under the mentorship of Dr. Ellen Lindell, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.