• Corpus ID: 33751610

Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines

@inproceedings{Hammerle2015CanineAF,
  title={Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines},
  author={Marcy Hammerle and Christine Horst and Emily D. Levine and Karen L. Overall and Lisa Radosta and Marcia Rafter-Ritchie and Sophia Yin},
  year={2015}
}

• Marcy Hammerle, Christine Horst, +4 authors S. Yin
• Published 2015
• Medicine

The 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines were developed to provide practitioners and staff with concise, evidence-based information to ensure that the basic behavioral needs of feline and canine patients are understood and met in every practice. Some facility in veterinary behavioral and veterinary behavioral medicine is essential in modern veterinary practice. More cats and dogs are affected by behavioral problems than any other condition. Behavioral problems result in patient suffering and relinquishment and adversely affect staff morale. These guidelines use a fully inclusive team approach to integrate basic behavioral management into everyday patient care using standardized behavioral assessments; create a low-fear and low-stress environment for patients, staff and owners; and create a cooperative relationship with owners and patients so that the best care can be delivered. The guidelines’ practical, systematic approach allows veterinary staff to understand normal behavior and recognize and intervene in common behavioral problems early in development. The guidelines emphasize that behavioral management is a core competency of any modern practice. (J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2015; 51:205–221. DOI 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6527) From The Pet Doctor, O’Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.). Correspondence: [e-mail] (K.O.) Misspellings and other minor errors were corrected on September 15, 2015. AAHA, American Animal Hospital Association; BZD, benzodiazepine; MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitor; SARI, dual serotonin 2A antagonist/serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA, tricyclic antidepressant *These guidelines were prepared by a task force of experts convened by the American Animal Hospital Association for the express purpose of producing this article. They were subjected to the same external review process as all JAAHA articles. This document is intended as a guideline only. Evidence-based support for specific recommendations has been cited whenever possible and appropriate. Other recommendations are based on practical clinical experience and a consensus of expert opinion. Further research is needed to document some of these recommendations. Because each case is different, veterinarians must base their decisions and actions on the best available scientific evidence, in conjunction with their own expertise, knowledge, and experience. These guidelines were supported by a generous educational grant from CEVA Animal Health, Virbac Animal Health, and the AAHA Foundation. Deceased 28 September 2014. Q 2015 by American Animal Hospital Association JAAHA.ORG 205