Behavioural Assessment appointments
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At Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital, we offer Dog and Cat Behavioural Assessment appointments with Dr Kristy that are aimed to address problematic behaviour(s) that you may have with your pet.
Dr Kristy is particularly passionate about veterinary behaviour, and has completed multiple advanced courses to further her knowledge in this field. She continues to build on her education in behavioural medicine so that she can help all pets to live a calmer, happier and more stress-free life. Dr Kristy also recently became a fear-free certified professional. Behavioural issues can be grouped as problem behaviours or behaviour problems. Problem behaviours are behaviours that are normal for the animal to show (normal in frequency, duration, intensity and context), but are problematic to us. Examples of this would include a dog digging up the backyard when bored, or a cat scratching furniture. Behaviour problems are behaviours that deviate from normal, and usually reflect an animal’s inability to cope. For example, a dog who barks excessively and destroys the house when left alone, due to underlying separation anxiety. Problem behaviours can generally be addressed through training or changes to the environment, whereas behaviour problems usually require more extensive treatment plans. Dr Kristy has seen a variety of behaviour problem cases, such as overgrooming, urination issues and reactivity in cats, and storm phobias, noise phobias, separation anxiety, and reactivity towards people and animals in dogs. She has received excellent responses from her patients, with improvements seen in more than 80% of cases to date. |
What to expect?Before considering a Behavioural Assessment, your pet needs to have had a general health check consultation with any of our Veterinarians as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that there are no underlying medical issues that could be causing or contributing to the behavioural issues.
After this consultation, if our Veterinarian determines that your pet can proceed with a Behavioural Assessment with Dr Kristy, you will be emailed a questionnaire. This is a very comprehensive document, with certain questions having been intentionally designed to seem repetitive. The completed questionnaire needs to be emailed back to us at least 3 days prior to the appointment. Dr Kristy will review all of the received information prior to your visit. The Behavioural Assessment appointments run for approximately 60-90 minutes. Following the appointment, you will receive a written report within a few days, summarising important information and the management plan. We will support you through regular phone calls and revisits in person. A follow up behavioural questionnaire will be emailed to you for completion prior to recheck appointments. |
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Client Testimonials: Dr Kristy's Rave Reviews
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"I had the pleasure of working with Dr Kristy during behaviour appointments for my dog Semper. Her expertise and approach made a difference in Semper’s behaviour. The guidance provided was practical, effective, and tailored specifically to his needs.
My Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Semper, came to Dr Kristy with storm anxiety and some indications of doggy dementia. He would bark all night during winter when there was rain or wind which kept me up all night too. We had engaged an animal behaviourist and made some changes to his environment, but they suggested medication might be also be needed to assist. With some monitoring and modifications to his medication we survived winter 2023 with no adverse experiences and have minimised his anxiety which is a great outcome. I highly recommend Dr. Kristy's services to any pet owner facing behavioural challenges. The impact on my pet's behaviour, our relationship and the household getting a good night sleep has been invaluable. Thank you, Dr. Kristy, for your exceptional support and dedication!" From, Leah (Semper's Mum) |
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