ST. CHARLES, MO--(Marketwired - Jun 13, 2013) - Problem behavior is a top reason for the relinquishment of cats and dogs by their owners.1 However, knowing what options exist to address the problem and seeking counsel from a veterinarian can help owners resolve unwanted behavior and restore the special human-animal bond.
Pet behavioral issues may start early after a cat or dog is adopted or born into a home, or may occur after any change in routine. Changes or events that may seem minor to owners can be a source of considerable stress for pets, including the introduction of a new cat and dog into a household, having guests over, boarding, loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks, or traveling.
"Stress is a common issue for cats and dogs that can negatively affect a pet's mental and physical health and as a result frustrate owners," said Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant and host of Steve Dale's Pet World radio show. "Any change big or small can be unsettling for pets, so it's important to pay close attention to their behavior to identify if they appear stressed -- and sometimes those signs are subtle."
For cats, common signs of emotional imbalance include urinating in inappropriate places, excessive vocalization, destructiveness, aggression toward people and other animals or obsessive grooming. Similarly, common signs in dogs include compulsive destruction, excessive licking, hiding, or excessive barking or whimpering.
Cat and dog owners who believe their pet may be experiencing uneasiness are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about the best options to manage the issue. If the problem behavior is caused by nervousness there are a variety of options available such as calming pheromones, supplements and a therapeutic diet which may restore balance to a cat and dog's life.
"Today there is more veterinary specialization in behavioral issues, a variety of options for behavioral modification and recognition of medical causes for behavioral issues -- all which have offered owners help," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, veterinarian and director of corporate affairs at Royal Canin. "Nutrition, one of the most important factors for our pets' health, can also play a role in addressing special needs; veterinarians can recommend a therapeutic diet to support a pet's emotional balance."
Royal Canin, the leader in cat and dog health nutrition, introduced a first-of-its-kind therapeutic diet to help cats and dogs maintain emotional balance. Available exclusively through veterinarians, this innovation in health nutrition is complete and balanced, and can be fed seasonally or year-round as recommended by a veterinarian.
Every Royal Canin Veterinary Diet is guided by science and gives priority to the cat and dog, focusing on nutrients to support a pet's overall health and special needs. For additional information on Royal Canin, as well as special rebate offers, visit www.royalcanin.us.
About Royal Canin USA
Royal Canin USA is a forerunner of nutritional and technological advancement in dog and cat food. With more than 40 years of experience in the animal health and nutrition industry, the company prides itself on putting knowledge and respect for the animal first. Royal Canin collaborates with nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world on impartial and relevant research to ensure dogs and cats receive the best nutrition. For more information, find Royal Canin at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us or visit www.royalcanin.us.
1 M.D. Salman, John G. New, Jr., Janet M. Scarlett, Philip H. Kass, Rebecca Ruch-Gallie & Suzanne Hetts (1998): Human and Animal Factors Related to Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1:3, 207-226
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