DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE the forms. Have the completed forms with you for your appointment:
DOWNLOAD FORMS HERE -> BEHAVIOR HISTORY & CONSENT FORMS
How long will the behavior consult appointment last?
Behavior consults usually last about two (2) hours. It takes that long to review your pet’s Behavior History and ask additional questions as indicated. For canine patients, Dr. Schwartz will also ask you to demonstrate basic handling techniques to better understand how you and your dog interact. As she gains clarity about your pet’s problem, she will explain your pet’s Diagnosis and the Treatment Plan. A Consult Report will be emailed to you and to your primary care veterinarian within 7 business days.
Will I Need a Recheck Appointment?
- About 50% of behavior cases will require a second visit, and about 25% of them will need three or more over a period of a year or longer. It depends on what the problem is, how severe it is, and how well your pet responds to treatment. Some cases can be monitored by your primary care veterinarian once your pet’s treatment has produced stable results.
- If your pet has an aggressive problem, particularly if it involves children, or is on psychoactive medication (prescribed previously by another veterinarian or by Dr. Schwartz) it will need to be closely monitored and a recheck appointment is important.
- Medication cannot be refilled without a recheck with Dr. Schwartz as a precaution for your pet’s well-being. If a recheck must be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, a 30 day of your pet’s prescription can be refilled for a fee of $50.
- Recheck appointments usually are between one to two hours long. Dr. Schwartz provides the best care possible for you and your pet; her time is devoted to making sure that you live happily ever after with your companion animal.
How Do I Prepare For My Pet’s Behavior Consult?
- Dr. Schwartz needs to see both you AND your pet to evaluate your pet.
- Please download and complete the Behavior History Form & Consent Forms.
- Email completed forms to Dr. Schwartz at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled appointment.
- If you have photos or video recordings of your pet’s misbehavior, Dr. Schwartz might request to see them. However, do not set an aggressive pet up to behave aggressively just to stage a video recording. This is dangerous & not necessary. Most behaviors are easily described & Dr Schwartz has decades of clinical experience.
- Lab reports (blood and/or urine tests): Please obtain copies of tests that have been done within 1-2 yrs of your pet’s behavioral evaluation. Complete medical records are usually not necessary, however, if your pet has had a significant illness or surgery relevant to their health or behavior problem, please DO obtain medical records or ask your primary care veterinarian or any specialist who has evaluated your pet to email these documents to Dr. Schwartz at happypets@yahoo.com.
- If your pet has been on medication for this or any other behavior problem in the past, it may be helpful to show Dr. Schwartz the PILL BOTTLES for accuracy. It will be important to provide all details of previous medication to understand why these may have failed and what other medication, if any, might be recommended to help your pet.
- In some cases, laboratory tests and other diagnostics may be repeated or recommended at the time of your appointment to get precise updates on your pet’s health. This can be important to clarify a suspected underlying cause or to plan an effective treatment. Your pet’s lab tests will be done by your primary care veterinarian, so be sure to remind them to share test results with Dr. Schwartz. If your pet is already taking psychoactive medication, periodic laboratory retesting is essential to proper management, and to evaluate your pet’s health and tolerance to medication over time.
“A hundred years from now, it will not matter
the sort of house I lived in, what my bank account was,
or the car I drove…but the world may be different
because I was important in the life
of the animals & the creatures on this earth.”
Author Unknown