Behavior
- Our Services
- Clinician
- What to Expect
- "Head Start" - Problem Prevention Consultations
- Scheduling an Appointment
- Articles of Interest
- Newsletters
Our Services
Problem Behavior Consultations
Are you experiencing a behavior problem with your pet? The Behavioral Medicine Clinic offers services to owners of companion animals with behavioral issues, including, but not limited to, human-directed aggression, inter-pet aggression, separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination, fears, phobias, compulsive behaviors, and cognitive dysfunction. We are experienced in addressing the behavior problems of dogs and cats and the concerns of their families. The goal of a behavior appointment is to help you understand your pet’s behavior and to help you and your pet live together more comfortably and safely.
Clinician:
The behavioral medicine clinic is headed by Dr. Meghan E. Herron, a veterinarian who has completed a residency program in veterinary behavioral medicine. Dr. Herron earned her veterinary degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Herron also has extensive experience working with shelter and rescue animals in both the Columbus and Philadelphia areas. Dr. Herron will work directly with you and your pet on training and management at your appointment and continue to guide you through close follow up beyond your appointment.
View podcast of Dr. Herron on All Sides with Ann Fisher
What to Expect
Before your appointment, Dr. Herron will review the behavior history form completed by you, and your pet’s medical record, which we request from your regular veterinarian. You can download the Cat and Dog Questionnaires.
- At your appointment, Dr. Herron will spend time with you and your family, getting further information to help refine the treatment plan and tailor it to your family and your pet. During this time, she will also observe your pet to gain a more accurate impression of his behavior problem. Once she has a clear picture of the problem, she will discuss diagnosis and prognosis, as well as safety, management, and behavior modification. In some cases Dr. Herron may recommend medication to augment your pet’s training regimen.
- A physical exam will be done on your pet whenever possible, and any medical problems that may be contributing to his/her behavior problem will be discussed with you.
- You will be provided with a detailed written summary of the diagnosis, behavior modification, training, and management plan of your pet’s behavior problem. A copy of the summary will be faxed to your primary care veterinarian.
- Three months of unlimited email access to Dr. Herron are provided. For clients who prefer telephone communication, phone calls can also be arranged as part of your behavior appointment package. These can be scheduled during the week as time allows.
- After your appointment we encourage you to call or email if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pets’ treatment plan. If Dr. Herron determines a more extensive discussion is needed, an in-person recheck appointment may be recommended either during or near the end of your follow-up period.
- If medication is prescribed at your pet’s appointment, Dr. Herron will continue to prescribe refills for up to 6 months after your appointment, depending on your pet’s needs. After that time period a recheck appointment is necessary for prescription renewal. This policy assures that your pet will be given the best care possible. You also have the option of having your primary care veterinarian take over prescription responsibilities.
- For fees and additional information Download the New Client Information
An initial appointment for a dog usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, for a cat, 1 to 2 hours. If two or more pets are involved, or if the behavior problem is complicated, it is likely to last longer.
"Head Start" - Problem Prevention Consultations
Decades of research has shown that the early months of an animal’s life are the most critical as far as shaping desirable adult behavior. In order to blossom into the loving and secure pet that you desire, puppies and kittens need to be exposed to people, animals, environments, and training in an appropriate fashion before they are 4 months of age. Head Start appointments provide information and basic training recommendations for puppy and kitten owners. For fees and additional information: download Head Start information
Who qualifies for a "Head Start" consultation?
- Puppies under 16 weeks of age
- Kittens under 16 weeks of age
- Newly-adopted shelter dogs and cats of any age if appointment is scheduled within one week of adoption-- adoption certificate required for verification.
Scheduling an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment by calling the client line at 614-292-3551. Afternoon, evening, and Saturday appointment hours are available to accommodate most schedules.
Questions about the Behavioral Medicine Clinic? Email OSUVET [dot] BehaviorMedicine [at] cvm [dot] osu [dot] edu
Articles of Interest
- Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats
- Advances in Understanding and Treatment of Feline Inappropriate Elimination
- Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors
