- 924 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
- (916) 925-2107
- Today: ...
- (916) 925-2107
- Today: ...
Compassionate Treatment for Anxiety, Aggression, and Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life and the bond you share with them. Whether it’s anxiety, aggression, compulsive behaviors, or cognitive decline, these problems are often medical issues that deserve professional attention — not just “bad behavior.”
At Del Paso Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Khabra provides behavioral consultations and treatment plans to help pets overcome anxiety, fear, aggression, and other behavioral challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, addressing both medical causes and behavioral modification strategies.
Many behavioral problems have underlying medical causes. Pain, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions, and other health issues can manifest as behavioral changes. Our first step is always ruling out medical problems before addressing pure behavioral concerns.
Separation Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety
Noise Phobias
Social Anxiety
Fear-Based Aggression
Territorial Aggression
Resource Guarding
Inter-Pet Aggression
Pain-Related Aggression
Repetitive Behaviors:
Destructive Behaviors:
Similar to dementia in humans, cognitive dysfunction affects senior pets and causes:
Disorientation:
Changes in Interactions:
Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes:
House Soiling:
Activity Level Changes:
Medical vs. Behavioral: First, we rule out:
Common Behavioral Causes:
Detailed History:
Physical Examination:
Diagnostic Testing (When Needed):
Behavioral Modification:
Medication When Appropriate:
Environmental Enrichment:
Training Referrals:
Nutritional Support:
Anxiety Signs:
Aggression Warning Signs:
Compulsive Behavior Signs:
Cognitive Decline Signs:
Quality of Life Impact:
Don’t wait for behaviors to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Comprehensive discussion of behaviors, triggers, and history. Physical examination to rule out medical causes.
Diagnostic testing if needed to identify underlying health issues contributing to behavior.
Dr. Khabra identifies the behavioral issue and any medical contributors.
Customized plan including behavioral modification, environmental changes, and medication if appropriate.
Regular monitoring to assess progress, adjust medications, and provide ongoing support.
Some can be resolved completely with proper treatment. Others require ongoing management. Our goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life and your relationship with them.
Not always. Many behavioral issues respond to environmental changes and behavior modification alone. When medication is needed, it’s used alongside training and environmental management.
Yes, when properly prescribed and monitored. We perform bloodwork before starting medications when appropriate and monitor for side effects. Most pets tolerate behavioral medications very well.
It varies. Some issues improve in weeks, while chronic anxiety or compulsive disorders may require months of treatment. We’ll provide realistic timelines.
No. Punishment often worsens anxiety and fear-based behaviors. We recommend positive reinforcement training and addressing underlying causes.
Absolutely! While it may take longer, senior pets can learn new behaviors and benefit from behavioral modification at any age.
We take aggression seriously. Dr. Khabra will assess the risk and provide honest recommendations, which may include safety protocols, referral to a veterinary behaviorist, or discussion of all options.
Yes! We work alongside professional trainers who use positive reinforcement methods. Medication plus training is often most effective.
Costs vary based on complexity and testing needed. We’ll discuss fees during scheduling and create a plan that fits your budget.
Rarely. Most anxiety disorders worsen over time without intervention. Early treatment prevents chronic, severe anxiety from developing.
Many behaviors that seem purely behavioral actually have medical origins:
Pain: Arthritis, dental disease, or other painful conditions can cause irritability, aggression, or withdrawal.
Thyroid Disease: Can cause behavioral changes, anxiety, or aggression (testing available through reference lab).
Brain Tumors: Can cause personality changes, confusion, or aggression.
Cognitive Dysfunction: Age-related brain changes cause confusion, anxiety, and behavioral shifts.
Sensory Decline: Hearing or vision loss can cause anxiety, startle responses, or aggression.
Hormonal Imbalances: Can affect mood and behavior.
This is why medical evaluation is the first step in treating behavioral issues.
When medication is appropriate, options include:
Anti-Anxiety Medications:
Antidepressants:
Cognitive Support:
All medications require:
Comprehensive Approach We address both medical causes and behavioral components for complete care.
Medical Expertise Dr. Khabra’s 18 years of experience helps identify medical contributors to behavioral problems.
Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Care We understand behavioral issues are stressful for the whole family. We provide support without judgment.
In-House Diagnostics Bloodwork available on-site (CBC and chemistry panel) to rule out medical causes quickly with same-day results.
Customized Treatment Plans Every pet and situation is unique. We create individualized plans that fit your family.
Medication Management When needed, we prescribe, monitor, and adjust medications safely and effectively. All behavioral medications available on-site.
Same-Day Appointments For urgent behavioral concerns, we strive to see pets quickly.
Multilingual Team Service in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Hindi ensures clear communication.
Ongoing Support We partner with you long-term to manage chronic behavioral issues.
Trusted Since 1940 Over 80 years helping Sacramento pets and families through behavioral challenges.
Behavioral problems don’t improve on their own — but they can improve with proper care. Let us help you and your pet find relief.
Call (916) 925-2107 to schedule a behavioral medicine consultation with Dr. Khabra.
Email: office@delpasovetclinic.com
Visit: 924 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
Same-day appointments available for urgent behavioral concerns.
Proudly providing wellness and preventive care for pets in:
