2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines*

Abstract

The 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines were developed to provide practitioners and staff with concise, evidence-based information to ensure that the basic behavioral needs of feline and canine patients are understood and met in every practice. Some facility in veterinary behavioral and veterinary behavioral medicine is essential in modern veterinary practice. More cats and dogs are affected by behavioral problems than any other condition. Behavioral problems result in patient suffering and relinquishment and adversely affect staff morale. These guidelines use a fully inclusive team approach to integrate basic behavioral management into everyday patient care using standardized behavioral assessments; create a low-fear and low-stress environment for patients, staff and owners; and create a cooperative relationship with owners and patients so that the best care can be delivered. The guidelines' practical, systematic approach allows veterinary staff to understand normal behavior and recognize and intervene in common behavioral problems early in development. The guidelines emphasize that behavioral management is a core competency of any modern practice.

Veterinary Professionals’ Understanding of Common Feline Behavioural Problems and the Availability of “Cat Friendly” Practices in Ireland

“…The final section of the survey focused on "cat friendly" clinical practice, aspects of the facilities and protocol for the waiting area, consultation room, hospitalisation, and boarding that are likely to either cause stress, fear, and/or anxiety in cats or alleviate these responses based upon recent literature [9,13] and initiatives such as Fear Free Pets ® . In relation to the reception area, respondents were asked if their clinic offered any of the following: a cat-only reception/entrance/waiting area, cat-only consultation hours, shelves for cat carriers above "dog level," towels/covers for cat carriers, and televisions, magazines, or other materials in waiting areas for owners.…”

“…The remaining five vignettes (1, 4, 7, 8, and 9) were designed to illustrate advice that was unlikely to result in best outcome based on the following rationale. Vignette 1 (inappropriate toileting) was considered unlikely to support best outcome because although the new litter box location would provide privacy and seclusion [18], the use of an ammonia based cleaner may encourage the cat to continue to toilet in the inappropriate area, and thus, the advice is unlikely to resolve the problem [9,18]. Self-mutilation, as described in Vignette 4, is a complex issue.…”

“…The advice given to the owner in Vignette 7 (fear-loud noises) was unlikely to support the best outcome because reassurance may be ineffective or may reward the behavioural manifestations of fear. In the short term, the cat should be allowed to choose other coping mechanisms, such as retreat and hiding [9,13]. Anxiolytic medications or pheromones may also be helpful for calming the cat.…”

“…An additional project aim was to capture the prevalence of "cat friendly" initiatives in veterinary practice in Ireland. This survey serves as the third part of a broader research aim to develop day-one competencies for VBM and to inform training in veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland [1,9].…”

Opportunities for incorporating the human-animal bond in companion animal practice

“…8 For these reasons, attention has recently turned toward reducing stress and anxiety in animal patients during hospital visits. Veterinarians and their staff may lose credibility if they do not compassionately handle active, fractious, fearful, and distressed animals.…”