Our dog's medical status and their behaviour are closely connected. I love to draw comparisons and analogies so bear with me on this:
Imagine you have a sore back. You are resting, you are taking time off work, you're doing everything you can but it's just not getting better. You have some over the counter medication, but in reality you need to see a dr and get some better pain meds. At the same time, you're not really sleeping well and you can't get comfortable in bed. Your mood is in the gutter, you are crabby with everyone you speak to and your fuse is super short.
Your behaviour could be labelled extreme, aggressive, out of character....unpredictable.
The cause of your behaviour can only really be resolved through seeing a dr. No therapist, gym coach, physio or other paraprofessional is going to successfully diagnose and fix/heal/prescribe appropriate pain management to you, and solve the issue. While those other people I mentioned can help...without a proper diagnosis, everything is a stab in the dark doing a very general attempt at fixing the problem.
Have you ever heard a dog trainer or behaviourist say "you need a vet check before anything else?"
Well this is essential for exactly that reason. Especially if there is good reason to consider that there is any ailment, injury, sickness going on.
What does it mean though.... "get a vet check" what are you asking for and what are you looking for?
- A good and thorough physical exam.
- We want a vet that takes their time, is going to look at the animals response to them touching them. Specific body language responses to manipulation etc. Does the dog lick their lips, have a stronger response or struggle with certain areas of handling.
- For them to take you seriously when you describe what's going on with your dog.
- Describe your dog's behaviour, describe what you see and what they do. Tell the vet why you are there and what you want to explore.
- It can be very helpful to talk to your behaviourist prior to going so that you can target areas of discussion.
- If the vet deems it necessary, don't shy away from further investigation.
Your vet is an extension of your support team. This is the exact reason why I insist on a vet referral. It means I can talk to your vet, see your pet's history and work together with them. It makes such a huge difference to the animals I work with when I get to provide this service for them.