When your dog is struggling with anxiety, aggression, or another behavior concern, it’s natural to want to help them feel better—fast. For some, this means turning to medication. But who should you turn to for that help? Your regular veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist? Let’s break down the difference, and why it matters.
Your Vet Is a Great First Step—But There’s a Specialist for That
Your regular veterinarian is a trusted partner in your dog’s health. They know your pet, their history, and may be the first to spot that something isn’t quite right behaviorally. Some general practice vets do prescribe anxiety medication, and in some cases, that might be helpful.
But here’s the thing: behavioral medication is a complex field. It’s not just about prescribing something to “calm your dog down.” It involves understanding the root cause of behavior, the specific neurochemistry involved, and how medication interacts with behavior modification training. That’s where a veterinary behaviorist comes in.
What Is a Veterinary Behaviorist?
A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive additional training (including a residency and board certification) in behavior and psychopharmacology. They are the dog-world equivalent of a psychiatrist.
According to Whole Dog Journal article written by Pat Miller, published 3/2/24 https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/what-is-a-veterinary-behaviorist/ There is another professional organization that has “veterinary” and “behavior” in its title – the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – but it does not provide certification of any kind. Veterinarians and persons holding a PhD in animal behavior or a related field may join this membership organization, but it does not confer certifications or presuppose a level of expertise in animal behavior. Behavior consultants who are members of AVSAB are listed on its website (avsab.org/directory/).
Veterinary behaviorist don’t just prescribe medication—they create an integrated plan that includes:
- A behavior modification protocol tailored to your dog’s specific needs
- A medication protocol, when appropriate
- Training guidance rooted in science, not suppression
- Follow-up support to monitor progress and make adjustments
This approach ensures that medication isn’t a Band-Aid, but part of a long-term solution.
Why This Matters for Your Dog
Behavior problems are often symptoms of underlying emotional distress. A veterinary behaviorist doesn’t just treat the symptom—they dig into the cause. Their training allows them to evaluate complex cases and adjust medications in ways that maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
And importantly, they collaborate with force-free trainers and behavior consultants like me to ensure your dog gets a consistent, humane, and effective plan.
Success Story: How a Veterinary Behaviorist Made a Difference
I was contacted by a rescue group to evaluate a 10-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy who was already showing signs of aggressive behavior. After a week of observation and hands-on training, it became clear that his behavior wasn’t rooted in defiance-it was driven by intense fear and likely something more complex. We scheduled an appointment with a Veterinary Behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital. During a thorough, 2 hour-long evaluation that included over 100 questions, the specialist diagnosed him with canine dysfunctional behavior, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder. They also noted possible vision issues and referred him upstairs (same day) for an Ophthalmologic evaluation. That exam revealed entropion-a painful condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to scrape the cornea.
With both a medication and behavior modification protocol in place, I began working closely with him. Like many medications, his initial prescription came with side effects, including intermittent anxiety burst. I reported these to the behaviorist, who quickly adjusted the plan. Over the next year and a half, through consistent training, compassionate support, and careful medication management, we were able to wean him off all but one medication. For the full story of this incredible dog’s progress, check out my post: Can a Dog have Autism? On the Bark Side Manners Blog.
This isn’t the same 10-month old I met almost 10 years ago.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If your dog is struggling with fear, anxiety, or aggression, your vet is a great first step—but don’t be afraid to ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. It’s not a criticism of your vet—it’s recognizing that this is a specialty, and your dog deserves the best care possible.
Let’s Work Together
At Bark Side Manners Dog Training, I specialize in helping dogs with fear, anxiety, and aggression—often in collaboration with veterinary behaviorists. If you’re not sure what your dog needs next, I can help you assess your options and get the right team in place. Contact us at Bark Side Manners