Behavior problems are a major cause of euthanasias in animal shelters all across the country. Most behavior issues can be solved through a combination of training, exercise and sometimes much-needed behavior modification drugs. However, it's sometimes easier to prevent behavior problems than to treat them. Raising your puppy or kitten right with lots of socialization and training is critical. For cats, owners also need to be aware of the potential behavior problems associated with declawing. For more information, read this article from a pain specialist about chronic pain associated with declaws:
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ivapm/professionals/members/newsletters/IVAPM%20May%202005.pdf
Dogs and cats can suffer from anxiety, fear, aggression and obsessive-compulsive disorders. These may manifest as destruction of the house, litterbox problems, trembling or hiding and stereotypical behaviors like circling.
When a behavior problem begins, it's important to address it early. The longer the problem occurs, the harder it is to treat. First we begin with a physical exam to see if any underlying medical reasons are to blame. If there is no medical cause, we begin behavior modification training. We recommend a professional trainer for some canine problems. There are a few holistic therapies (homeopathics, flower essences) that may work for certain issues. However, it is sometimes necessary to use behavior drug therapy.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are used. These include drugs like Prozac, Elavil, Clomicalm, Buspar and Xanax. Owners should not "feel like a failure" for having to use them. Your pet will not be "drugged out". On the contrary, pets feel much calmer and begin to act "normal" again. In humans, disorders like anxiety can be debilitating. They can be just as hard on pets. There have been documented cases of thunderstorm-phobic dogs dying during a storm. Recently there was also a report of 2 cats suffering from depression after their owner died. The cats quit eating and lost a significant amount of weight, yet all blood tests were normal. When treated with anti-depressants, the cats resumed eating.
Solving behavior problems takes time, patience and consistency. Even drug therapy is not a quick fix. You must monitor liver enzymes often when using any medications and adjustments to dosages must be made slowly. For more information on pet behavior problems:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/index.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/