A dog who shakes every time a storm rolls in, a cat who hides for hours after guests leave, a dog who growls when someone reaches for the food bowl. Behavior problems like these wear on the whole household, and they are often a sign that your pet is genuinely stressed, not just being difficult.
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, Dr. Waxman sees both dogs and cats for fear, anxiety, and aggression. We start by looking for medical causes, then build a plan that can include changes at home and anxiety medication when it is needed.
Behavior concerns look different in dogs and cats, but most fall into a few groups:
Many of these behaviors have a medical piece. A dog that suddenly snaps when touched may be in pain, and a cat that stops using the litter box may have a urinary problem. That is why a behavior visit starts with a full exam, and often bloodwork, before we treat it as a behavior issue alone.
Once we have ruled out a medical cause, we put together a plan that fits your pet and your household. That plan usually combines a few pieces:
Medication works best alongside changes at home, not instead of them. Some anxiety medications take a few weeks to show their full effect, so we plan for follow-up from the start.
We treat behavior concerns here in our Montclair clinic. When a problem is severe, such as aggression that puts family members or other pets at risk, or when the first medication does not help, we refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for more specialized care.
A referral does not mean we step out of the picture. We can send your pet’s history to the behaviorist, and we keep seeing your pet for routine exams and any other health needs along the way.
Dr. Cory Waxman has treated pets across Northern New Jersey since 2011. If your dog or cat is anxious, fearful, or reactive, a behavior visit is a good first step toward a calmer pet and a calmer home.
Call us at (973) 321-7229 or use our contact form, and mention that the visit is for a behavior concern so we can book enough time to talk.
Yes. Dr. Waxman sees both dogs and cats for fear, anxiety, and aggression, along with problems like litter box issues and over-grooming.
Yes. When fear or anxiety gets in the way of daily life, Dr. Waxman can prescribe anxiety medication, either daily or for specific events like storms or travel. Medication works best together with changes at home.
We refer to a veterinary behaviorist when a problem is severe, such as aggression that puts people or other pets at risk, or when the first medication we try does not help.
Sometimes. Pain, urinary problems, and other illnesses can show up as new aggression, hiding, or accidents in the house. That is why every behavior visit starts with a full exam, and often bloodwork.
Bring notes on when the behavior started, what seems to set it off, and anything you have already tried. Short videos of the behavior at home are very helpful, since many pets act differently at the clinic.
