Behavior Problems Following Hospitalization
Aggression Between Pets
A dog or cat that has been admitted to a veterinary hospital
or kennel facility may experience conflict with other housepets
when it returns home. The scent of other pets, people, medications,
disinfectants and perhaps even the traces of anesthetic may cling
to its coat for days after it is released. The response of housemates
may include fear and aggression. Removal of one pet, even only
temporarily, can disrupt the established social order of the remaining
pets. If the removed pet has been the most dominant, a lower-ranking
pet may use its absence to advance its social rank. The leader's
absence may also allow changes in the use of territory by each
pet and individual attention from the owner. A conflict may result
when the former leader returns. Conflicts are usually minor if
the separation has been relatively brief (less than 1 or 2 weeks).
As a general guideline, the longer your pet has been away, the
more gradually it should be reintroduced. A reintroduced pet may
be the instigator of aggressive encounters. This occurs particularly
if the pet was admitted because of illness or underwent surgery.
Irritable aggression is more likely in a pet with physical discomfort
or emotional upset, which is common after hospitalization. It
may be helpful to isolate the recuperating pet during the first
few days of its return so that it can adjust more gradually and
without the additional stress of housemates. When your returned
pet is ready to rejoin the household, it will usually not require
any intervention from you. Meanwhile, during its temporary isolation,
make it comfortable and spend extra time in some agreeable and
gentle form of interaction, such as petting. Also, provide additional
attention and activity for your other pets so they will not associate
a lack of attention with the return of their companion.
Depression
Depression in pets, as in people, is seen as disruptions in sleeping,
eating or grooming and reduced levels of activity, playfulness
and social interaction. A pet that has recently stayed in the
hospital or kennel has been separated from you and left to the
care of others. It has been removed from familiar surroundings
and placed in a very different environment. Its sleeping patterns
have been interrupted and activity restricted. Its diet may have
been changed. Additionally, if it was hospitalized for medical
care, it must recuperate. After a pet returns home, it may be
somewhat withdrawn and sleep more than usual. On the first day
home, your pet's appetite may be decreased or the animal may refuse
food completely. If its appetite does not improve by the second
day home, consult your veterinarian. Pets commonly become slightly
depressed or even aggressive toward their caretakers during their
confinement away from you. This behavior is usually short-lived
and without consequence. In rare instances, depression can be
severe enough to pose a health risk. If your pet is being boarded
at a commercial boarding facility and not at your veterinarian's,
tell the doctor where your pet will be boarded and instruct the
boarding facility's staff to contact your veterinarian at the
slightest indication of a problem. When making arrangements to
hospitalize or board your pet, always leave a telephone number
where you can be reached. If you will be unavailable by telephone,
call to check in periodically and ask a friend to stand by in
case their help is required. Before your departure, visit the
facility where your pet will be housed and speak with the staff,
including the kennel workers. If your first impression is not
satisfactory, point out your concerns to someone in charge. If
you are dissatisfied with their response or if your concerns are
too great, make other arrangements.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Many owners have feelings of guilt and anxiety when a pet is
hospitalized or boarded. When the pet returns home, theowners
tend to "spoil" the animal. Following neutering, for
example, you may give a pet extra food or special treats because
you feel responsible for its discomfort. You may also be more
lenient, tolerating a pet's undesirable behavior. Dogs and cats
quickly learn that their chances of a food reward are high, for
example, if they scratch at the food pantry or exhibit some other
attention-seeking behavior. Your pet can learn that whining, whimpering
or barking brings immediate attention, particularly if you are
concerned during its first days back home. Be aware of how your
pet can learn to manipulate you, based on your response to its
behavior. Keep in mind that undesirable habits are almost always
easier to prevent than they are to break. Avoid projecting your
feelings of anxiety or guilt onto your pet. Both of you will be
happier in the long run.
Inappropriate Elimination
House-soiling is fairly common following a return from hospitalization
or boarding. A dog or cat may urinate or defecate in an inappropriate
place to reclaim its territory and to relieve anxiety. It may
void simply because it is excited to be home or because its bowel
and bladder habits were interrupted during its confinement. Bowel
and bladder control also may be affected by illness or medication.
Do not scold your pet for eliminating in an inappropriate area,
particularly when it has just returned. Quickly deodorize and
disinfect the soiled area. Discourage access to the location by
placing an obstacle or a bowl of water there. Take your dog for
more frequent walks to allow it opportunities to void outside.
Prepare a clean litter box for your cat's return. Things usually
return to normal soon.