Pet owners urged to focus on welfare
Dogs were most often referred for aggression, despite the fact that research suggests 80 per cent of dogs left at home alone suffer from separation anxiety.
Recently published data suggests that companion animals are being referred to specialists for behaviours that are undesirable to their owners, rather than those that threaten animal welfare.
This is according to data from cases seen by members of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. A review of the findings was co-presented by pet behaviour specialist Dr Sarah Millsopp at the recent Universities Federation for Animal Welfare conference in Croatia.
According to the data, dogs were most often referred for aggression, despite the fact that research suggests 80 per cent of dogs left at home alone suffer from separation anxiety.
Cats were most commonly referred for inappropriate toileting, but Dr Millsopp, who lectures at the University of Chester, said: "Other behaviours that cats were referred for are, in fact, part of a cat's normal behaviour repertoire, but are undesirable to some cat owners - like roaming and predatory activities."
When it came to aggression, most cats were referred for cat-on-cat aggression, while over a third of dogs were seen for aggression towards humans.
Dr Millsopp added: "The vast majority of the time, dogs are aggressive because they are scared or worried about something, or they are concerned about losing something that’s important to them…
"Some owners think that a dog must learn to cope with having their food taken away, but in reality, this just makes the animal more anxious. Anxious dogs are more likely to be aggressive, so this is counterproductive."
Holidays are particularly problematic, with behaviour counsellors and dog trainers tending to notice an increase in cases during these times. Dr Millsopp says this is not surprising when one considers the change in routine for many pets who are used to being home alone.
She hopes to educate owners to recognise animal behaviour from the pet's point of view, rather than their own preferences.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
