Humans have access to all kinds of health care: primary physicians, dentists, therapists, cardiologists, pediatricians, the list can go on. These healthcare professionals and experts are highly trained in very specific fields of health with a wide range in skills and treatment. So wouldn’t we have the same for dogs? While you may not think veterinary medicine requires as many specific fields of experts, you’d be wrong. Consider all the different breeds and types of animals that exist – there’s medical experts to cover all of them. But we are most familiar with our standard small and large animal veterinary practices. And even within these practices comes a plethora of unique studies. What is a behavioral veterinarian? You may not have heard of a behavioral vet before, but they are growing in numbers – and in need. As the title suggests, behavioral veterinarians are experts in animal behavior and undergo rigorous studying to maintain up-to-date knowledge on medicines, behavior intervention, training and more. Essentially, they can be compared to a psychiatrist that a person would be, only their patients can’t speak to them. When should I see a behavioral vet? If your dog is experiencing behavioral issues, it is best to first consult your regular veterinarian. Sudden changes in behavior like: aggression, fear, anxiety, whimpering, etc. can indicate a problem medically. In fact, many of these behaviors can be attributed to pain. Your vet will perform a thorough exam and several tests to help rule out or address any medical issues that may be the cause. If tests come back clean and there is no obvious indication of a medical event occurring, you would next seek a certified trainer to help you address your dog’s problem behavior. If training is not helping to curb the behavior as much as the trainer would like, then a consultation with a behavioral vet would be the final step. Take note, due to the limited number of behavioral veterinarians in the nation, they often book out weeks or months in advance. If you and/or your trainer feel a visit with one is needed, don’t delay setting up your appointment. What to expect when seeing a behavioral vet By the time you see a behavioral specialist, you and your dog are likely in serious need of help addressing the problem behavior. At your appointment, expect to spend 1-2 hours on average with the vet as they undertake a very thorough evaluation of your dog. This will include detailed history, speaking with others in the home affected by the behavior, reviewing current medications and much more. During this time, your veterinary specialist will work hands-on with your dog and may ask you to perform several tasks. This allows them to better observe what may be causing the behavior and develop a very specialized plan. Remember that behavioral vets seek to understand and improve the quality of life for your dog and you. It is best to keep an open mind and approach your appointment with a rational mind.