Behavior

Behavior Changes

Do you behave differently when you do not feel well? Pets also behave differently when they do not feel 100%. It could possibly be that your pet is suffering from an illness or disease. We'd like to help determine the underlying problem of the change in behavior, so please call our office at 763-559-PETS to schedule a physical examination for your dog or cat.

Feline Litter Box Issues

Feline house soiling is one of the main problems owners report in regards to their cats. It is one of the primary reasons that owners surrender their cats to shelters. There are several factors why cats suddenly stop using the litter box. Reasons may pertain to one or more of the following:

Feline has not been spayed/neutered
Medical conditions: Several medical conditions including urinary tract infections, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, etc. may also contribute to inappropriate elimination practices.
Litter Box Preferences: Several litter box types (covered, high sided, etc.) and several litter types (clumping, clay, compressed newspaper, litter crystals) are available. Cats have opinions too! Theirs may be different from yours, so please use the litter that works best for your cat.
Litter box aversion: Certain events may cause cat to become wary of the litter box.
Stress/Fears: Cats are creatures of habit and they do not deal well with change.

Should you experience any litter box problems, please call our office at 763-559-PETS to discuss your concerns with one of our doctors or staff or to schedule an appointment for your cat as soon as possible. This way, your veterinarian will be able to help determine a diagnosis and provide the appropriate treatment for your feline.

Feline Aggression

Feline Aggression is the second most common behavioral issue encountered by most veterinary clinics and can be just as complex a problem as feline house soiling. The types of aggression are classified by the cause of the aggressive response. Although there are many different classifications of feline aggression, listed below are a few of the more common types experienced:

Fear Aggression - Due to improper socialization, threats from another animal, traumatic experience or genetic predisposition.
Redirected Aggression - Cat directs an aggressive response to something or someone that is not the original cause of the aggressive response.
Play/Predatory Aggression - A natural instinct for cats; they are predators and will respond with aggressive actions towards objects that appeal to their innate prey drive.
Stimulation Aggression - Sitting on a person's lap and having had enough petting, cat suddenly bites or strikes out.

Should you experience any type of feline aggression, we'd like to help! Please contact our office at 763-559-PETS to discuss your issue or to schedule a consultation with our staff.

Destructive Canine Behavior

There are many different reasons why a dog exhibits destructive behavior. Some reasons may include:

Boredom
Type of breed
High-energy level
Home alone all day
Dog has run of the house

To learn more about possible reasons, you may schedule a consultation appointment with one of our staff by calling 763-559-PETS.

Housetraining

There is a lot involved with the housetraining of your puppy. Some factors to consider with this effort include but are not limited to:

Consistency - It is important that all members of the family are consistent in the training approach.
Patience and Understanding - Remember, a puppy is very young and accidents will occur. It takes time and patience to teach your puppy where to do its business.
Type of Breed - Depending upon the type of breed, some puppies will take longer to housetrain than others.

For further information regarding the housetraining of your puppy, you may contact our office at 763-559-PETS to schedule a consultation with our staff.

New Pets

Adding a New Pet
In general, when adding a new cat or dog to your family, the following important factors should be taken into consideration:

New pet should be younger.
Introduction should be done very slowly.
- Feline/Feline: New, younger cat should be in a pet carrier. Place carrier in a quiet room and let other cat walk over and sniff new cat.
- Feline/Canine: New, younger cat should be in a pet carrier and dog on leash. Slowly, walk dog to carrier and allow it to sniff cat.
- Canine/Feline: New, younger dog is on leash and cat is in carrier. Slowly, walk dog to carrier and allow it to sniff cat.
- Canine/Canine: Both dogs should be outside and on leashes. Slowly, walk new, younger dog over to older dog. Allow them to sniff one another.
- Time needed to acclimate: On average, it takes about 2 months before you will be able to trust the "new" and "old" pets to be left alone together unleashed or uncrated.

Where to do introductions:

Whenever cats are involved, introductions should be done indoors and in a quiet room.
When you are introducing 2 dogs, outside is best. Dogs need more space and will eventually run around, chase each other and play.

If you have any additional questions regarding the addition of a new pet to your family, please call our office at 763-559-PETS. Our staff will be happy to consult with you!

Finding a New Pet
Looking for a cat or dog to join your family? Heritage Animal Hospital Staff will be happy to help you with your selection process. We will help you to find the best breed of dog or cat based on your family's needs and lifestyle. Please call us to schedule a consultation appointment at 763-559-PETS.

Before selecting your new pet, there are several important questions you need to ask yourself:

Characteristics and personality of the breed (Different breeds have different personalities. Please contact us and we will happily give you our impression of your particular breed or we will suggest one).
Are you interested in a breed that is long/short haired, big/little?
What do you expect in your pet?
Does pet fit into your family's lifestyle?
Working Family - Can breed stay home alone all day, be happy and not get into mischief?
Is pet "children-friendly"?
Does breed require extra care (i.e.: regular ear cleaning, daily brushing)?
What is the exercise requirement for the breed (larger dogs need lots of yard space/good walks daily)?

Listed below, for your reference, are several sources you may consider when searching for a new pet:

Breeders: There are many breeders available. You may call our office at 763-559-PETS for the name of an AKA breeder, or you can refer to the yellow pages or internet.
Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue: This rescue organization is dedicated to placing abandoned or abused Scottish Terriers and West Highland White Terriers with loving and caring homes. For further information, you may call Jan Seeger at 952-937-6984 or visit their website at www.memoryofmonroe.com
Rescue Clubs: There are many rescue shelters available. One organization we recommend is Homeward Bound Rescue (763-295-3116 or 612-721-0275 or www.homewardboundrescue.com). This private, non-profit organization is devoted to placing foster dogs (and a few cats) in homes that will provide them with the love, care and respect that they well-deserve.
Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM): This rescue shelter places Golden Retrievers that were given up for adoption by their owner for one reason or another. For further information, you may call RAGOM at 952-946-8070 or visit their website at www.ragom.org.
Shelters: Again there are several. But the most well-known and respected, non-profit organization is your local Animal Humane Society. The AHS shelters many different breeds of dogs and cats who are eagerly awaiting adoption today! Please contact your local Animal Humane Society to discuss adoption plans.
Strays: Find a stray cat or dog? May you keep him/her? Often, a stray makes the best pet and becomes very loyal to their new owner. However, you should first try to locate the pet's original owner (Wouldn't you be sad if you lost your dear friend?). You can do this by contacting the following businesses:
- Animal Humane Society's Lost and Found Department
- Local City Hall- Animal Control Department
- Veterinarian Hospital or Clinic (Those lost pets with microchip placement I.D. can be quickly identified with a scanner).
From a Friend: It is extremely important that you know the history of the dog or cat and reasons why your friend is no longer able to care for him/her. You may want to keep the dog or cat for a trial period, with the agreement that you may return him/her, should the fit not be right.

Please Note: It is of great importance that you schedule a complete physical examination for your pet once he/she has joined your family. At the initial appointment, your veterinarian and staff will make certain that your dog or cat has all current vaccinations as well answer any questions you may have.

Contact information

Heritage Animal Hospital
12624 Bass Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN
55369

Office: 763-559-7387
Fax: 763-551-3982
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