Veterinarian advice, Geelong
There will be many times during the life of your pet where you will need a vet’s advice. It could be before you even bring a new pet into your home – what do I have to do to prepare for a new puppy or kitten? What is the best kind of dog when we have young children? Once your pet is home, there may be questions about how best to ensure it remains healthy and happy or how to prepare it for time in a boarding kennel.
Dr Trevor Brown has nearly 40 years experience as a vet in and around Geelong and he can provide veterinarian advice and the answers you are looking for, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Where you have a medical concern with your pet, a call to Dr Brown to discuss symptoms will determine whether you have nothing to worry about or whether you will need to organise a home visit for your pet to be examined.
Another very common reason for needing a vet’s advice is where you have a animal which is demonstrating difficult or challenging behavioural traits.
For puppies and dogs these may include:
- Excessive barking
- Destructive chewing
- Digging
- Separation anxiety – and note that the above problems can all be manifestations of separation anxiety
- Urinating or defecating inside the home, including territorial marking
- Negative puppy behaviour such as nipping and mouthing
- Pulling on the lead when out walking
- Jumping up on people, especially children
- Aggression such as growling and snarling. Biting is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately
- Won’t come back when you call.
By understanding the reasons why your dog is behaving in a certain manner and has certain dog behaviour problems, it is then much easier to put effective measures in place to change these behaviours for the better.
Owners can also have questions about cat behaviour problems in their household. Common problems include:
- Not using the litter box
- Scratching furniture
- Aggressive behaviour, whether towards family members or other pets
- Biting or scratching when playing
- Racing around at night rather than sleeping.
Whatever the animal, whatever the problem, Dr Brown needs to first rule out any physical or medical problems. Our animals can’t tell us if something is physically wrong with them and so we need to pay particular attention to their behaviour to look for clues as to possible causes for unusual behaviour. Once a medical problem is ruled out, Dr Brown can discuss the problems with your pet’s behaviour and offer tips on how to deal with it.
Where the problem is entrenched, long standing or of serious concern, for example an overly aggressive or threatening dog, Dr Brown offers a referral service to a specialist Geelong vet or other animal professional. He may suggest speaking to an animal behavioural specialist who can work directly with you and your pet to achieve a happy outcome for all of you.