Behavioural advice
Behavioural advice
for your pet
Changes in behaviour can be confusing or worrying. We can help work out what may be contributing and what to do next.
Understanding behaviour
Understanding changes
in behaviour
Behaviour can change for many reasons, including stress, fear, changes in routine, environment, age and previous experiences.
Sometimes there may also be a physical reason behind what you are seeing. Pain, illness or discomfort can affect how a pet sleeps, moves, interacts, toilets or responds to people and other animals.
At Blakehurst Vet, we look at the whole picture. We’ll ask when the behaviour started, how often it happens, whether there are any obvious triggers and if anything else has changed at home.
Where appropriate, we can also check for health problems that may be contributing. From there, we can help with practical behavioural advice, discuss treatment options if needed, or recommend additional support for more complex concerns.
Behavioural concerns
Changes we can
help you understand
Behaviour changes can have many possible causes. We can help you understand what may be behind them and what steps may help.
Anxiety and fear
Hiding, trembling, excessive vocalising or difficulty settling can all be signs that your pet is struggling. We can help look at possible triggers, whether health may be contributing and what steps may help them feel more comfortable.
Aggression and irritability
Growling, snapping, biting or a sudden change in tolerance can have behavioural or medical causes. We can help look at possible triggers and whether pain or illness may be contributing.
Toileting changes
Urinating or defecating outside the usual place is not always simply a behaviour problem. We can help consider medical, environmental and behavioural causes.
Seperation and settling
Some pets find being left alone or changes in routine difficult. We can talk through what is happening at home and help you work out practical next steps.
Storm and noise anxiety
Thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises can be genuinely distressing for some pets. We can help you understand the signs of anxiety and discuss ways to make these situations easier to manage.
Puppy and kitten behaviour
The early months are important for confidence, learning and socialisation. Our Puppy & Kitten Care includes advice about behaviour and development during those first visits.
Our approach
Behavioural advice at
Blakehurst Vet
We start by understanding what you are seeing at home: when the behaviour began, how often it happens, what seems to trigger it and whether anything else has changed.
Depending on the problem, we may discuss:
- Your pet’s routine and environment
- Possible triggers
- Exercise, enrichment and social interaction
- Positive behaviour strategies
- Whether pain or illness should be investigated
- Whether medication may be appropriate
- Whether additional help from a trainer or veterinary behaviour specialist would be useful
For young puppies, early social experiences can make a real difference. Our early puppy socialisation guide has practical ideas for introducing puppies to the world safely.
Eligible Blakehurst Vet patients can also attend our free Puppy Play sessions for supervised socialisation with other young pups.
Behaviour and socialisation
Helpful reading for
pet owners
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find what you need? Call us on 02 9547 2750
Can a change in behaviour mean my pet is unwell?
Yes. Pain, illness and other health changes can sometimes affect behaviour. If a behaviour is new or out of character, we may recommend examining your pet before assuming it is purely behavioural.
Regular wellness and preventative care also gives us a useful picture of what is normal for your pet over time.
Can Blakehurst Vet help with anxiety?
Yes. We can discuss what you are seeing, possible triggers and whether health may be playing a part, then help you work out appropriate next steps.
My pet has suddenly become aggressive. Should I book an appointment?
Yes, particularly if the behaviour is new or unusual for them. Pain or illness can sometimes cause irritability or reduced tolerance.
Can you help with puppy behaviour?
Yes. Behaviour, development and socialisation can all be discussed during our Puppy & Kitten Care appointments. Eligible puppies can also attend Puppy Play.
Do you offer dog training?
We provide veterinary behavioural advice rather than a general obedience or dog-training program. If structured training or specialist behavioural treatment would help, we can discuss the most appropriate next step.
Understand what’s behind the behaviour
If your pet’s behaviour has changed or something doesn’t seem right, book an appointment with Blakehurst Vet. We’ll look at their health, routine and environment and help you work out the best next step.
New puppy? Learn about our free Puppy Play sessions →