Behavioral problems are one of the leading causes of euthanasia in shelter dogs, yet a study by M. E. Hevern (2022) found that many veterinarians in small-animal general practice feel underprepared to address them. The survey of 59 veterinarians revealed that 40% did not rank behavior issues among the top four welfare concerns, instead prioritizing conditions such as osteoporosis, skin disease, and obesity.
While more than half (54%) of respondents agreed it was their professional responsibility to recognize behavior problems, a substantial number admitted they lacked confidence and sometimes avoided or rescheduled behavior-related appointments. Only a minority reported consistent follow-up for behavioral cases, compared to physical health issues.
Veterinarians with more experience or shelter backgrounds were more likely to view behavior as a significant welfare issue. However, 80% of participants reported that their veterinary education had left them poorly or extremely poorly prepared to manage such cases.
The study underscores the urgent need to integrate behavioral medicine into veterinary training programs. Doing so could improve the welfare of dogs and cats, reduce euthanasia rates, and strengthen the veterinarian-client-pet relationship.
Source: Hevern, M. E. (2022). Welfare worries: a preliminary, cross-sectional study of general practice, small animal veterinarians perceptions and management of canine and feline behaviour problems. Australian Veterinary Journal.
