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It’s in the nature of every dog to dig holes in the yard, chew things, and defend their territory, but when these destructive tendencies result in destroyed possessions, ruined landscaping, and aggressive behavior, you may need to visit an animal care specialist. Depending on the type of behavior and the circumstances that trigger them, an animal care specialist may be able to identify the source of these destructive tendencies and recommend solutions that will protect your belongings and give your pet peace of mind.

Primary Destructive Behavior

Primary destructive behavior is when dogs chew small items, gnaw on furniture, or dig holes in the yard without exhibiting any other symptoms. This condition can often have simple solutions, like providing more appropriate chew toys or increasing your pet’s level of daily physical activity. Dogs exhibiting primary destructive behavior often benefit from increased supervision and additional training, although these tendencies may be related to an undiagnosed medical condition.

Secondary Destructive Behavior

animal careA variety of other factors can trigger animals to engage in destructive behavior, even under appropriate supervision. In many of these cases, animals destroy items to get an owner’s attention, especially if the behavior is fear-based. Separation anxiety is an extremely common trigger of secondary destructive behaviors, resulting in chewed personal items or destroyed window sills.

Diagnosing Destructive Tendencies

To determine the cause of destructive behavior, your vet will need a complete history and explanation of the circumstances in which these tendencies arise. Before your appointment, pay attention to whether your dog acts out more when you aren’t home, whether the behavior has gotten worse or better with time, and any other physical symptoms you’ve noticed. Your animal care specialist may also decide to perform blood, stool, and urine tests to determine whether the behavior has a physical source.

 

For over 40 years, pet owners throughout Waipahu have relied on Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital for the absolute finest in animal care. Visit their website to see a sample of the veterinary services they offer, follow their Facebook page for more insight into your pet’s health, or call (808) 671-7387 for an appointment.

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