Behavioural issues can severely impair the human animal bond and are cited as the number one reason in dogs and second most common reason in cats for relinquishment (surrender and/or euthanasia) from their homes. It is imperative to treat serious behaviour issues just as a serious medical condition would be.[1] Behaviour problems are medical problems like arthritis, diabetes and dental disease. They are mental health issues. There are no magic treatments for behaviour problems; they require long-term treatment regimes.[2] However, behaviour problems such as anxiety, aggression, house soiling and property destruction respond to medical treatment because they are medical problems. [3]
Generally, pet behaviour has only received attention when it becomes a problem, such as aggression, anxiety leading to owner property destruction or house soiling. Mental health issues affect the welfare and quality of life of animals affected by these conditions, along with the owners of these pets and other pets in the household. These issues can be managed so that ones pet can have an excellent quality of life.