Red Bank Veterinary Hospital

• Back to Behavior

Additional information
•	What to Expect
•	Preparing for Your Behavior Appointment

Preparing for your Behavior appointment

Before your appointment:

1. History Forms

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Please download and complete the appropriate history form for your pet. On request, these forms can also be mailed or faxed to you. For species other than dogs or cats, please contact the Behavior Service for appropriate forms.
HISTORY FORMS -link coming soon

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Return the completed form to the Behavior Service by fax (732-747-3385), or mail (RBVH Physical Rehabilitation Center, 210 Newman Springs Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701). The completed forms must be received at least 48 hours prior to your appointment, or your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

2. Medical Records

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Please have your primary care veterinarian fax a copy of your pet's medical records and recent laboratory results to us at (732) 747-3385 prior to your appointment.

3. Videotapes

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Videotapes are not required for appointments. However, they can often be helpful in assessing your pet's problems. Please bring the videotape AND your videocamera with you to the appointment.

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In all cases, it can be helpful to videotape your pet's normal interactions with family members and other pets, as well as the layout of your home.

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It can also be helpful to videotape your pet's problem behavior, IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. NEVER PURPOSELY SET UP A SITUATION WHERE YOUR PET WILL BE AGGRESSIVE FOR THE PURPOSE OF VIDEOTAPING! Some of the problems for which videotapes can be especially helpful are:

Separation anxiety or destruction and/or escape behavior during
owner absences

Videotape your dog's behavior as you prepare to leave.

Videotape your dog's behavior during your absences. In most cases it is best to set up the camera facing the door by which you leave. In some cases, you may need to set up the camera facing windows or other areas where you believe your pet spends most of its time while you are gone. If your pet becomes destructive during your absences, a short 10-15 minute departure is sufficient. Be sure to place your camera in a location where you pet will not damage it.

"Compulsive" and repetitive behaviors

-	Videotape your pet performing the behavior.
-	Videotape your pet while it is home alone. This will help us to determine if your pet engages in the problem behavior when nobody is present. Set up the videocamera to capture the area where your pet spends most of its time when you are gone; if necessary, confine your pet to one room while videotaping.

Fearful/anxious behaviors

-	Videotape your pet's behavior in the situations that cause them to be fearful/anxious if it can be done safely.

Aggression

-	Do NOT videotape. Speak to the clinician first!

4. Journal/Notes

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Keep a journal describing your pet's behavior. Note all instances in which the problem behavior occurs, include when and where it occurs, what was happening prior to its occurrence, and how you reacted. This may help us in determining the cause of the behavior and assist us in formulating a specific treatment plan.

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Note any questions or concerns you have so we can discuss them during the appointment.

Day of Appointment:
Bring to your appointment:

1.	The patient (your pet) – To establish a legal veterinarian-client-patient relationship, we must see your pet in person. If your pet's problem involves aggression towards another household pet, please bring both pets. If more than two pets are involved, please call for instructions.
2.	Family members and friends – We encourage as many human members of your household to attend the appointment as possible. Often other family members are able to provide information about your pet's behavior that you may not be aware of. Young children need only attend in those cases where they are directly involved in the problem behavior OR if the pet's problem involves aggression towards family members. If you are not sure whether or not to bring your child(ren), please call the Behavior Service.
3.	Treats and toys – Bring your pet's favorite treats and toys to the appointment.
4.	Training aids – Bring all collars, harnesses, leashes and other training aids that you use with your pet.
5.	Videos and Journals – Don't forget to bring any videos or journals that you have prepared.
6.	Medications – Please bring any medications that your pet is currently taking for its behavior problems. Do NOT bring medications that require refrigeration; instead carefully record the dosage of medication your pet is receiving.

All dogs must be on a leash and under physical control when they enter the building. All cats, birds, and pocket pets must be in carriers when they arrive.

CANCELLATIONS:
As a courtesy to other clients who may be waiting for an appointment, please notify us at least 2 business days in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BEHAVIOR SERVICE:
Please note that the Behavior Service is located at the RBVH Physical Rehabilitation Center at 210 Newman Springs Rd.

If you have any additional questions regarding your appointment, please call the Behavior Service at 732-747-3383.