At BVS, we are pleased to be able to offer in-depth behavior consultations for dogs and cats. Dr. Jennifer Summerfield has a special interest in the field of veterinary behavior and has experience with a wide variety of behavior issues, including the following:
- Human-directed aggression
- Dog-to-dog aggression
- Separation anxiety
- Thunderstorm phobia
- Compulsive behaviors
- Inappropriate elimination
Behavior consultations are generally done as housecall visits, so that Dr. Summerfield can assess your pet’s behavior in his/her home environment and make recommendations that are tailored to your living situation. This initial visit normally takes 2-3 hours, and owners are asked to complete a behavior questionnaire regarding their pet’s history and their specific concerns prior to the appointment (see below).
During the consultation, Dr. Summerfield will go over a detailed, in-depth history of your pet’s behavior issues and work with you to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to address the problem. She will make management recommendations, discuss and demonstrate techniques for behavior modification/training, and also talk with you about the pros and cons of medication if she feels that your pet would be a candidate for drug therapy.
A written summary of the visit will be provided to you within 2-3 days after your appointment, which will include Dr. Summerfield’s overall assessment and treatment plan for your pet. Follow-up communication by phone and email is always welcome (and encouraged!), so that we can trouble-shoot any problems that arise and make adjustments to your pet’s training plan, if needed.
Follow-up training sessions can be scheduled with Dr. Summerfield either in your home or at our training facility, if you wish.
For pricing and scheduling information, please call our clinic at 304-272-6200.
