Medical therapy plus behavior modification may help dogs and cats with anxieties, phobias and compulsive behaviors

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Primrose, a 3-year-old Pyrenean shepherd, has always had a lot of nervous energy -- to the point that her behavior could be annoying, says owner Deb Rabuck of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

After Rabuck had Prim spayed last August, the dog’s behavior changed, and not for the better. Already aggressive toward unknown dogs and people, she began urine-marking in the house and developed signs of anxiety such as panting and pacing. Prim’s behavior kept Rabuck from sleeping at night and disturbed her other dogs.

“I had to separate her from my other two dogs,” she says. “I was afraid they would kill her. She drives them crazy with all that energy.”

Rabuck took Prim to veterinary behaviorist Jacqueline Wilhelmy, VMD. After running lab tests to rule out possible health problems, Dr. Wilhelmy prescribed Prozac and gabapentin and offered behavior modification advice. It has been 11 days, and while Prim is still urine-marking, Rabuck is now able to sleep through the night.

Pet behavior problems such as separation anxiety; thunderstorm or other noise-related fears; compulsive disorders such as excessive chewing, licking, tail chasing or other repetitive behaviors; or aggression toward other animals or humans can all respond to many of the same psychoactive medications that help humans. They include fluoxetine (Prozac), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; gabapentin, an antiseizure medication sometimes used off-label for pain and anxiety; tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline; and benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium.

“Not in every case do we use a medication, but when it is indicated, it can really facilitate the progress of the case quite dramatically,” says Patrick Melese, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist in San Diego, California.

Medications used in humans have the same or similar effects in dogs and cats because the nervous systems of animals and humans operate in a similar manner. The goal is to normalize brain chemistry and improve the way the animal processes information.

Shannon Gillespie’s border collie Fizz has taken Prozac for more than five years because she would “explode” when frustrated or excited and was unable to calm down quickly. About four years ago, when Fizz’s veterinarian prescribed gabapentin for torn bicep and supraspinatus muscles, Gillespie noticed a further positive change in her behavior. Now Fizz takes both medications to help her maintain a calm demeanor.

“Medications can help decrease the animal’s overall level of anxiety, aggressive behavior, and reactivity and help with impulse control, says Wailani Sung, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist at San Francisco SPCA Behavior Specialty Service and co-author of the book “From Fearful to Fear Free.” “They are typically prescribed when the animal has a high level of anxiety, aggressive behavior and reactivity, (and) when the inappropriate behavior occurs daily or multiple times a week or is very intense.”

It can take several weeks on medication before pets become calm or relaxed enough to start learning new ways of coping or adjust to changes in the household or interactions with family members or other animals. How long medical therapy continues depends on the individual animal and situation. It can range from a few months to a year to a lifetime. Animals may stay on the same dose or have it gradually reduced as the situation improves.

Medication by itself won’t solve a pet’s behavior problems. Behavior modification and environmental changes, if needed, are a necessary part of treatment. (The exception, Dr. Melese says, is urine-marking in cats, which typically responds well to medication alone.) A veterinary behaviorist or certified applied animal behaviorist can develop a plan to help the animal respond more appropriately to the circumstances that trigger the behavior.

Q&A

How much grooming

do rabbits need?

Q: We recently adopted a rabbit from the animal shelter. What do we need to know about grooming him?

A: Although you may notice that your pet rabbit grooms daily like a cat, he will still need help from you to maintain his coat.

Short-coated breeds such as the Dutch or the Netherland dwarf need at least weekly brushing. Long-coated breeds such angoras or lionheads require daily brushing to maintain their coats. Whether your rabbit has short or long hair, brushing removes loose hair that might otherwise end up in the digestive tract and cause a blockage.

You can assess your rabbit’s overall health during grooming. As you brush, check for fleas, because rabbits can be susceptible to them. Check with your veterinarian before using any flea-control product on your rabbit, and avoid flea powders and shampoos. Be on the alert for lumps, bumps or crusty patches that could indicate health problems. After brushing, check your rabbit's eyes and ears for any discharge, and make sure his paws are free from any sores.

Examine your rabbit’s nails weekly, and trim them when they become long. Your veterinarian can show you how to safely trim the nails. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, make an appointment for a bunny pedicure at the clinic.

During spring and fall, you may notice more bunny hairs in the brush than usual. This is because your rabbit is losing his winter coat (in the spring) or building it up (in the fall). You may want to increase the frequency of brushing during these transitions.

Rabbits don't normally require baths, and bathing can be stressful for them, but spot cleaning of problem areas -- such as their rears -- can be accomplished with a washcloth and warm water. Dry the fur with a towel after it has been cleaned. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Guess breed mixes,

help dog science

-- Think you’re good at guessing a mixed-breed dog’s ancestry? Test your skills with the MuttMix Project, a joint “citizen science” survey conducted by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and Darwin’s Dogs (a dog genome research venture at Broad Institute of Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School). Take the video quiz, which asks you to guess which three breeds contribute the largest percentage of DNA for each dog pictured, and submit your answers. In 60 days, you’ll find out the answers and receive a certificate of participation. For more information, visit iaabcprojects.org.

-- June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, and American Humane offers tips on acquiring a cat from a shelter if you’re ready to bring one into your life. Here are the top three: 1. Choose one who suits your own personality. Adoption counselors can point out which cats are laid-back and which are active. 2. Consider getting either two kittens or a bonded adult pair so your cat will have a friend when you’re not at home. 3. Find a cat-friendly veterinarian, and schedule an exam for your new feline friend within a few days of bringing him home. For more tips, see americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/cat-adoption-checklist.

-- Are sunglasses for dogs a fashion statement or a necessity? A little bit of both, it turns out. Dogs who spend a lot of time on boats, running through brushy areas or hanging their heads out the car window need protection from flying debris, sand, prickly foliage and sun glare. Other dogs who can benefit from pet eyewear are those with large, protruding eyeballs such as Boston terriers, cavalier King Charles spaniels, French bulldogs and pugs, as well as search-and-rescue or military working dogs in dry, sandy environments. They can be prone to corneal ulcerations and recurrent conjunctivitis. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Arthritis pain can go unrecognized in dogs and cats. Here’s what to look for

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Excited by the prospect of going for a walk, Harper, my 10 1/2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, sprang down the hall, then skidded to a halt, yelping in pain. A physical exam by her veterinarian and subsequent X-rays showed osteoarthritis in her lower back.

Osteoarthritis is chronic joint inflammation that causes damage to articular cartilage -- which covers and protects the ends of bones -- as well as changes to synovial fluid and narrowing of the joint space. Because cartilage in an osteoarthritic joint is brittle, it cracks a little when the pet moves or jumps. The cartilage becomes thinner and less able to retain fluid. Eventually, inflammation and cartilage destruction lead to painful bone scraping on bone.

Some 20 percent of dogs and an unknown percentage of cats develop osteoarthritis. We think of it as a disease of senior animals, but it can affect pets at any age, especially if they are overweight or have congenital conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, says Joyce A. Login, DVM, senior manager of veterinary specialty operations at Zoetis, which counts pain medications among its products.

Pet owners are often surprised and dismayed to learn that their pets are in pain from osteoarthritis, says Robin Downing, DVM, a veterinary specialist in pain management and sports medicine at Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado. Too often, they assume that a lower activity level or stiff gait is normal, chalking it up to advancing age. Dr. Downing often hears the following statements from owners who don’t recognize behavior changes that indicate pain:

-- “We used to walk 3 miles, but now she only wants to go 1.”

-- “She used to play fetch for 20 minutes and now she’s done at five minutes.”

-- “She stops and thinks about it before she walks up the stairs.”

-- “She doesn’t like to be groomed or touched in certain areas.”

-- “He’s not eating as much as he used to.”

-- “My cat doesn’t groom himself very well anymore.”

-- “My pet doesn’t jump on the bed or sofa anymore.”

-- “My cat has stopped using the litter box.”

Decreased stamina, reluctance to perform previously normal actions, and resistance to touch can all signal joint pain. Pets who aren’t eating as much may have lower back pain that makes it painful to lean down to the food dish. And animals who stop using the litter box or have accidents in the house may do so because it hurts to climb in and out of the litter box or squat long enough to completely empty their colon. Pets in pain may isolate themselves to avoid being petted or groomed. When the veterinarian performs a pain palpation, the animal may react by twitching the skin, moving away, crying out or trying to bite.

A plan for managing pain from osteoarthritis may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); injectable chondroprotectants such as Adequan Canine (also used off-label in cats); nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effects, such as microlactins and omega-3 fatty acids; weight loss; laser; and physical rehab. The goal is to break the pain cycle quickly and effectively.

NSAIDs tend to be a cornerstone of treatment, Dr. Downing says, but multiple strategies and products allow her to target pain and inflammation in different ways. Reducing reliance on NSAIDs to treat chronic pain gives her the option to reserve them for use with acute pain, such as that caused by a tooth extraction.

“Each pet is an individual,” Dr. Login says. “There’s not one specific product or treatment that I think you can lean toward. We can’t always fix it, but we can make them happy and comfortable.”

Q&A

Healthy birds need

annual checkups

Q: How often should my pet bird visit the veterinarian?

A: A healthy pet bird should visit the veterinarian each year for a physical examination and as needed for illness or injury. According to the Association of Avian Veterinarians, it is important for a pet bird to have regular examinations because signs of illness in birds tend to be subtle.

The veterinarian will begin by collecting your bird's medical history from you, and that information will be included in his medical file. The exam will then proceed to a hands-off look-see before he is gently restrained in a towel and removed from his carrier. Your bird will be weighed and looked over carefully from beak to bottom for physical indications of illness or injury. Your veterinarian will listen to the bird's heart, lungs and air sacs with a stethoscope.

Following the examination, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, including fecal evaluation, bloodwork and microbiology to further determine your pet's health. The annual exam can also be a good time to have your bird's wing feathers clipped or his toenails trimmed.

Observant owners are important members of their bird’s health care team. Watch for signs of illness, which can include a fluffed appearance, appetite loss, increased sleep, weight loss, a change in the frequency or appearance of droppings, lameness, drooping wing or wings, breathing difficulties, or discharge from the bird's nares (nostrils) or eyes.

Pay attention to your bird's appetite, appearance and activity level daily, and contact your veterinarian's office for advice if you notice a change in your bird's routine. Because birds naturally mask signs of illness, the first indicators are often overlooked, but early detection is key to helping your bird regain health as quickly as possible. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Get the skinny

on pet skin

-- Skin: It’s your pet’s largest organ. Think of it as armor for internal organs, bones and joints, preventing harmful organisms from sneaking into the body, insulating it from temperature extremes, and enabling the sense of touch through sensory nerves that transmit sensations such as temperature, pain and pressure. While cat and dog skin is there to protect and to serve, it is more delicate and sensitive than human skin, which is why it usually has an outer layer of fur. Skin has three layers: the epidermis, or outer layer; the dermis, the middle layer; and the subcutis, made up of fat cells and connective tissue.

-- Nicknamed “the tail-wagging sport,” the art of dancing with dogs -- known variously as canine freestyle, musical freestyle and heelwork to music -- allows dog and human dance pairs to display teamwork, athleticism and creative costuming and musical interpretation. Freestyle dogs learn to spin clockwise and counterclockwise, jump through or into their partner’s arms, bow before a waltz, or place their paws on an arm or on their partner’s back, to name just a few of their talents. The most commonly seen freestyling dogs include Australian shepherds, border collies and golden retrievers, but it’s a fun activity for any dog and person.

-- “We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please.” Who doesn’t remember the snobby singing Siamese cats from the animated movie "Lady and the Tramp"? Siamese cats -- with their blue eyes; sleek, pale bodies; and dark “points” on ears, paws, face and tail -- have been popular since the Victorian era. They are known for their bossy personality, raspy voice, which sounds as if they smoke two packs a day, and long life span. The personable cats love to spend time with their humans and are amenable to walking on a leash. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers can have valuable insights into pets available for adoption

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When you’re ready for a dog or cat to come into your life, you want him now, right? You look online or go to the shelter, walk through once or twice, and, hey, that one in the third cage to the right looks like what you had in mind. But is he really the right choice? Adoption counselors and volunteers at shelters and rescue groups say people don’t ask enough questions about the pets they’re interested in, leading to mismatches in personality and lifestyle.

“I do Abyssinian rescue,” says Linda Kay Hardie of Reno, Nevada. “Some people are attracted to the beautiful looks of the Aby, but they don’t realize the high activity level and intelligence of the cat. One of my Abys came to me after he was returned to the breeder by someone who didn’t know that Abys are high energy and need a lot of attention.”

Ask about health needs, especially if you are interested in a particular breed. Veterinary care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nicole Morrison of Houston, who was rescue coordinator for her local cavalier King Charles spaniel club, says cavaliers, for instance, need regular teeth brushing and dental cleanings, as well as weight control to prevent obesity. A breed rescue coordinator should be able to fill you in on specific needs of the breed and an individual dog or cat.

Think about your lifestyle and how you enjoy spending time with a dog or cat. More important, ask what the animal you’re considering likes to do and whether that matches your activity level and what you’re looking for in a companion animal.

Common questions potential adopters ask include “Is she housetrained?” “How much does he shed?” “Is she a lap cat?”

Those are good questions, but be aware that appropriate house manners or desired behaviors such as lap sitting may not appear until the pet is comfortable in new surroundings. Maryanne Dell, one of the founders of Shamrock Rescue Foundation in Orange County, California, says even well-trained animals may have accidents in a new home because environmental changes can be upsetting. It’s important to give them time to settle in and ensure that they don’t have opportunities to make mistakes.

“Many rescue pets have been turned over by their owners because they are old or have medical or behavioral issues,” Dell says. “Others are saved from kill shelters by rescues for the same reasons. A good rescue will disclose any and all of the issues that might affect an animal and how he may act in the new home.”

Former shelter adoption counselor Sharon Melnyk of Berkeley, California, suggests some more in-depth questions to ask:

-- Is this animal well-socialized or accustomed to interacting with people?

-- How does this animal react to children?

-- Does this animal get along with other cats or dogs?

-- Are there any dogs or cats I should consider who haven’t caught my attention?

Consider behavior and personality, not just looks. Melnyk says it can be heartbreaking to see sometimes shy or reserved cats pawing at people as if trying to get their attention, only to be ignored. Even if a particular animal isn’t what you had in mind, give him a look. You may find a friend for life.

Laura Anne Gilman of Kenmore, Washington, recalls going to a shelter with the idea that she wanted a black kitten. A large orange adult cat reached out to grab her arm both times she walked by. She stopped to see him, and he snuggled his face into her neck. She and Boomer have been together for 15 years now.

Q&A

Is it OK to

bathe cat?

Q: My cat is good about grooming herself, but she spends so much time on my furniture, especially my bed, that I’d like to bathe her weekly. Is that a good idea?

A: I know this will be surprising to many people, but it makes sense to bathe a cat regularly, even one who spends all her time indoors. There are several good reasons for doing so.

The first is that it benefits people who are allergic to cats. As you know, cats bathe themselves with their tongues, and saliva carries allergens. Regular bathing helps to remove not only the remnants of saliva from fur but also dander -- dead skin flakes that also carry allergens. That makes the presence of cats more tolerable to humans with allergies.

Senior cats may need baths to help them stay clean. Often, they have put on some pounds over the years or developed arthritis, both of which can make it difficult for them to groom themselves thoroughly.

Cats who go outdoors may get into sticky stuff, such as chewing gum, tree sap or tar. A bath is also important if a cat has been exposed to a toxic substance. Often, a bath is the most effective way to remove harmful chemicals from the coat. Cats with skin conditions may require medicated baths.

Finally, as you noted, cats spend a lot of time on our furniture. If you don’t want it to become “fur”-niture, brushing and bathing regularly will remove dead hair so it doesn’t fall off the cat and onto your belongings.

I always recommend that people with new kittens accustom them to baths and other grooming from the beginning. If you get them used to it at an early age on a regular schedule, you’ll have a sweeter smelling cat and a cleaner home. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Senior dog earns

advanced sniffing title

-- A Chinese crested named Frasier became the first of his breed to earn an Elite title from the National Association of Canine Scent Work. Frasier was two weeks shy of his 16th birthday when he achieved the coveted title, earned by passing an NACSW NW3 title level three times. “I am over-the-moon-and-back proud of Frasier, who searched in high-90s heat and stayed focused all day,” says handler Judy Peterson of Fullerton, California. “It’s a day I won’t forget.”

-- Bringing home a new pet? Here are five important items to purchase beforehand: a flat collar with an identification tag engraved with your name and at least two phone numbers where you can be reached; a carrier or crate that can be left out in your home so your pet becomes used to hanging out in it and will be comfortable riding in it for car trips or other travel experiences; pet health insurance to cover unexpected or expensive vet visits; an exercise pen or baby gate to help contain your new puppy or kitten in safe areas until his house manners are solid; and weighted stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls to prevent spills.

-- If you compete with your dog in sports such as agility, obedience or nose work trials, you may face the issue of keeping him cool in the car while he waits for his turn in the ring. The following items can help you both chill out: a spray bottle filled with water for misting him (be sure to keep the belly, paws and “underarms” cool); a reflective car cover or vehicle umbrella; a cooling pad for your dog to lie on or a cooling coat for him to wear; and water to help him stay hydrated. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.