Behavioural Consultations

BEHAVIOURAL CONSULTATIONS

Support for the Emotional Well-being of Your Pet

At Seaforth Vets, we understand that a pet’s health isn't just about their physical body, it’s about their mind, too. Behavioural challenges can be incredibly stressful for both the pet and the owner, often impacting the bond you share.

Our veterinary team is dedicated to diagnosing and managing these issues with compassion and evidence-based medicine. Whether you are dealing with a "COVID-puppy" struggling with separation or a long-term companion showing new signs of anxiety, we are here to help you find a path forward.

OUR APPROACH: THE "TWO-PILLAR" METHOD

When we sit down for a behavioural consultation, our team looks at the problem through two distinct lenses:

Behavioural Modification
Behavioural Modification
We work with you to identify environmental triggers and implement training techniques to reshape how your pet reacts to their surroundings.
Medical Support
Medical Support
Just like humans, some pets have neurochemical imbalances that make "learning" difficult while they are in a state of high anxiety. In these cases, our vets may prescribe medication to lower the pet's "anxiety threshold," allowing training and socialisation to finally take effect.
Dr Veronica Gibb-Cumming

SPECIALIST INTEREST IN FELINE & CANINE BEHAVIOUR

While our entire veterinary team provides advice on behavioural health, we are proud to have Dr Veronica Gibb-Cumming leading this area of the practice.

Veronica graduated from Sydney University in 2008 and has been a vital part of the Seaforth team since 2014. She is currently pursuing advanced qualifications (memberships) in animal behaviour to ensure our clinic remains at the forefront of this field.

With a lifelong love for cats and a "special interest in all things feline," Veronica understands the unique challenges of the feline mind. Having managed her own cat’s behavioural quirks, she brings a practical, empathetic perspective to every consultation, ensuring our feline patients receive the specific, nuanced care they require.

The "Socialisation Window" & Preventive Care

THE "SOCIALISATION WINDOW" & PREVENTIVE CARE

We believe the best way to manage behavioural issues is to prevent them before they start. During our free initial puppy and kitten health checks, our team focuses heavily on the "socialisation window" (up to five months of age).

We provide guidance on:

  • Independence Training: Teaching your pet to be calm when left alone, avoiding the separation anxiety often seen in pets raised during lockdown periods.
  • Positive Exposure: How to introduce your pet to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a way that builds confidence rather than fear.
Common Challenges We Address

COMMON CHALLENGES WE ADDRESS

Our team is experienced in managing a variety of complex behaviours, including:

  • Separation Anxiety: Destructive behaviour, barking, or distress when owners leave the house.
  • Aggression: Understanding the fear-based roots of reactive behaviour toward people or other animals.
  • Generalised Anxiety: Support for pets who are constantly "on edge" or fearful of storms and loud noises.
  • Senior Cognitive Dysfunction: Helping older pets who may become confused or restless at night.

START THE CONVERSATION

If your pet’s behaviour has become difficult to manage, you don’t have to do it alone. A behavioural consultation is the first step toward a more peaceful, happy home.

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