The Savvy VetTech

When we discuss veterinary behavior, the conversation is often centered on dogs and cats. Realistically, canine and feline behavior issues will comprise the majority of cases you will encounter in small animal practice. Even exotic animal patients can have behavioral issues, however, and it’s important to be prepared for those cases!

Veterinary behavior is an interesting field, as well as an important one. Behavioral issues are the number one reason that dogs are relinquished to animal shelters and the second most common that cats are relinquished to shelters.¹

Once these animals enter shelters, they may be adopted and re-homed... but pets with serious behavior problems face an increased risk of euthanasia. Behavioral interventions not only improve the quality of life for pets and their owners, but can also be a life-saving treatment.

If you’re a vet tech who is passionate about animal nutrition, there are a number of different training opportunities you can pursue to gain more knowledge in this field. From continuing education to certification to specialization, there are options to suit every interest level.

While most pets do well on any high-quality, over-the-counter commercial diet that is appropriate for their lifestage, some pets will benefit from a prescription diet. Prescription diets are specially formulated to mitigate a specific medical condition. These diets should be fed only under the supervision of a veterinarian; their formulation may not be appropriate for all pets.

For many clients, visiting the veterinarian is just another chore to check off their to-do list. It’s not good and it’s not bad; it’s just something that needs to be done.

But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? Clients who have a positive experience are more likely to keep returning to your clinic, giving you and your coworkers more opportunities to educate that client and provide optimal care for their pet.