E-Insight

April 2007

Badly Behaved Pets No Match for Veterinarian at CSU

A large number of animal companions are surrendered to animal shelters every year as a result of behavioral problems. Dr. Jennie Jamtgaard, a veterinarian affiliated with the Department of Clinical Sciences, works to repair these broken bonds and improve the relationship between owners and their pets.

Dr. Jamtgaard, an applied animal behaviorist and professional consultant in animal behavior since 2000, has found that as many as 90 percent of owners surveyed state that there is something about their pet's behavior that they would like to change. Some of these changes in behavior can be made through behavior problem consultations.

"When the human-animal bond works the right way it is an enjoyable, fulfilling relationship that has physiological benefits for both the person and their pet,” said Dr. Jamtgaard. “Behavior problems cause frustration and stress, slowly eroding that fragile bond. With the right interventions, improvement is possible and owners can get their best friend back."

Dr. Jamtgaard offers her expertise to clients of the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital to help remedy behavior problems in dogs and cats. These behaviors may include separation anxiety, aggression, elimination/litterbox issues, compulsive behaviors, and fears, phobias or generalized anxiety. Consultations at the hospital include a diagnostic interview, development of a customized plan for treatment and three months of support and follow-up during the treatment.

In addition to seeing patients with behavior issues at the hospital, Dr. Jamtgaard teaches animal behavior classes in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She also volunteers in shelters to help address behavior problems in abandoned pets and does research in the areas of separation anxiety, appetitive problems such as pica and coprophagy and stress reduction in shelters.

For more information about behavioral services e-mail Dr. Jamtgaard at jwj@animalbehaviorinsights.com or call (970) 481-4252. To schedule an appointment at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital call (970) 297-4477.