Teach your veterinary team to listen for pet behavior concerns

Discussing behavior with pet owners is important to catch problems early, when they're easier to change, and preserve pet owners' bond with their pets. To prepare your whole team to tackle common behavior issues, spend a few minutes at your next team meeting on these activities:

1. Take the elimination or house soiling quiz. House soiling is a major frustration for cat owners, and if you know the facts about common differences between cats that are house soiling or eliminating, you'll be better prepared to talk to clients about this behavior before kitty's life is on the line and clients are ready to give up on their cat. Visit dvm360.com/housesoil to test your house soiling IQ.

2. Read and discuss "10 life-threatening behavior myths" at dvm360.com/behaviormyths to review some of the top misconceptions clients have about their pets. Then practice role-playing answers so you're prepared to respond next time clients voice these misconceptions.

3. Distribute the article "10 ways any team member can help improve animal behavior" at dvm360.com/teambehavior to review ways to safely handle pets in your practice and contribute to behavioral wellness.

4. Know when to refer. Great resources are available for those particularly challenging behavior cases. If your doctor doesn't offer behavior services, make sure your team members are prepared with the name of a qualified behavior expert in your area to offer client referrals. Visit dvm360.com/behaviorreferral for tips to identify experts in your area.

5. Offer handouts. Download free client education behavior handouts on a variety of topics, from how to house train a dog to feline and canine behavior questionnaires and more at dvm360.com/behaviorforms.