Behavioral Medicine (Clinical Ethology)
I help you understand them, improve their well-being, and prevent behavioral problems.
At Sanavet, we are specialists in behavioral medicine, a specialty of veterinary medicine responsible for the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral problems. Behavioral problems are often caused by underlying health issues, so our behavioral medicine service combines veterinary assessment, specialized diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for each animal, helping to improve their well-being and coexistence with their family.
METODOLOGÍA DE LA VISITA
Pasos a seguir
Veterinary assessment and evaluation
In an ethology consultation, the first step is always to perform a complete veterinary assessment because many diseases can manifest through behavioral problems. Along with this assessment, a behavioral evaluation and detailed information gathering are conducted; we explain the diagnosis and prognosis and determine if complementary tests are necessary to rule out medical issues.
Treatment and follow-up plan
At the end of the process, we explain and provide a treatment plan, accompanying you throughout the entire journey with follow-up visits adapted to the diagnosis and needs of each case, in addition to maintaining telephone contact to resolve any questions or problems that may arise.
Prevention and Advice on routine changes
Our main objective is prevention, so during a routine visit, we also review behavior and advise you if we observe any alterations. We provide guidance if you have just acquired a puppy; the first months of life are fundamental for their development, so we help you understand your pet’s needs and establish solid foundations for coexistence, education, and well-being to prevent behavioral problems in the future. We also provide advice in cases of changes in household routines that may affect your pet: the arrival of a new family member (babies, other pets, etc.), moving house, etc. This advice prepares families to face these changes positively and avoids the stress it can generate in animals and the resulting behavioral problems.
Official sociability test
This is an official ethological evaluation performed only by authorized collegiate veterinarians and serves to measure the behavior and the level of aggression or sociability of dogs. It is especially applied to potentially dangerous dogs and dogs that have shown incidents of aggression, biting, or aggressive behavior, evaluating the risk level and the probability of a repeat aggressive behavior or incident. The test consists of an initial interview and information gathering with the animal’s owner and a behavioral analysis where the dog is exposed to various common stimuli to evaluate its reactions. Afterward, all data will be interpreted considering the risk level to issue an objective verdict and determine if specific training and behavior modification guidelines are required.
LO QUE DEBES SABER
Información clave
Specialist Accreditation: Master’s in clinical ethology and animal welfare and active member of GEMCA (Animal Behavioral Medicine Specialty Group of AVEPA).
RESOLVEMOS TUS DUDAS SOBRE PREVENCIÓN
Preguntas Frecuentes
What is the difference between a clinical ethologist and a canine educator or trainer?
A clinical ethologist is a professional with a degree in veterinary medicine specialized in animal behavior. They are the only profile qualified to perform a medical-behavioral diagnosis, rule out underlying diseases causing behavioral problems, and apply biological therapies or psychotropic medication if necessary. The trainer or educator focuses mainly on discipline, learning, and obedience.
What behavioral problems can be treated in an ethology consultation?
We treat fears, phobias, separation anxiety, aggression (towards people or other animals), marking or inappropriate elimination in the home (urine and feces in cats and dogs), compulsive or destructive behaviors, and coexistence problems between pets.
Why does the first phase of the consultation always include a full veterinary exam?
Many behavioral alterations (such as sudden aggression, marking, or apathy) are caused by physical pain or diseased organs (osteoarthritis, urinary tract infections, thyroid problems, etc.). Ruling out or treating the organic cause first is essential before modifying behavior.
Do you offer preventive advice for puppies or changes in the home?
Yes, prevention is key. I offer advice in the initial stages of a puppy’s arrival to prevent future problems, as well as guidelines to successfully face major changes in the family routine (arrival of a baby, living with new pets, adoptions, or moves) and avoid stress in the animal.
What does the Official Sociability Test consist of and who is it for?
It is an official ethological evaluation performed exclusively by accredited veterinarians that measures the behavior and level of aggression or sociability of a dog. It is especially applied to dogs classified as potentially dangerous (PPP) or animals with a history of incidents or bites to issue an objective risk verdict and prescribe their management.
What is the treatment and follow-up process at home like?
After the interview and behavioral evaluation in your own home, I provide you with a personalized treatment plan with behavior modification guidelines, environmental enrichment, or medication if required. We maintain continuous follow-up through scheduled review visits and direct contact by phone or WhatsApp to resolve doubts during the process.