Why integrate preventative behavioural advice and first aid into routine practice?

Studies such as Roshier and McBride (2013) suggest that many veterinary staff do not feel fully confident in offering clients behavioural advice and are often reluctant to do so during consultations. Many veterinary staff may not wish to specialise in behaviour or may find it difficult to devote the time to supporting clients through modifying their pet's behaviour. However, considering the links between behavioural change and medical conditions, it should be a basic requirement of all veterinary practices to be willing to discuss behavioural changes in companion animals, and to be able to offer first aid behavioural advice prior to specialist treatment (Zulch, 2019).

Annually, more pets are euthanased, abandoned or rehomed for behavioural reasons than as a result of medical problems (Overall, 2013); and the majority of these animals are under 3 years of age. This suggests that the introduction of behavioural support in the form of preventative and first aid advice, will not only enhance the welfare of veterinary patients, but it will also enhance the practice's financial health. Every animal lost from the practice due to behaviours, which result in a breakdown in the owner–pet bond, results in the loss of practice income for annual vaccinations, routine parasite control, routine surgery and the medical support that would have been required during the animal's senior years. In addition, timely advice and owner education prevents owners from repeating the same animal welfare mistakes (also resulting in owner misery) with subsequent pets — a win/win situation for everyone.