Dog dermatology is the study of anything related to a dog's skin, ranging from skin masses and infections to other conditions affecting the skin.

The duration of medication use for a dog's behavior problem depends on the individual dog. In most cases, medication is used for a minimum of one to two years. However, some dogs may require medication for many years. It's important to remember that these medications are safe, and their goal is not to sedate or change your dog's personality, but to help them feel happier and less anxious.

Behavioral modification is a broad category that encompasses various techniques to establish a safe environment for your pet, help them walk on a leash, and learn to disassociate fear from certain noises. Essentially, it includes any non-medical intervention that can help alleviate your dog's behavior problems.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with a behavior problem, your veterinarian will likely recommend a behavioral modification plan. This plan will involve training and techniques to help your dog feel more comfortable and less stressed. Additionally, medication may be discussed as a supplementary treatment. It is important to understand that the goal of these medications is not sedation, but rather to help your dog feel less anxious.

Ask your veterinarian about the possible solutions and interventions for your dog's behavior. Be sure to inform them about any seemingly small issues, as these could be indicators of a larger problem. The more information you provide, the better your veterinarian can help you and your dog.

For a behavioral consultation, the veterinarian will need a full history of your dog from the moment you got them to the present day. Questions may include how your dog reacts to certain noises, how they behave when people enter your home, how they act at the vet and in public, and what signs they exhibit when showing fear or aggression. The more detailed the history, the better the vet can determine the cause of the problem.

Consulting with a veterinarian is the best way to determine the difference between a behavior problem and a mental problem. The vet will conduct a full physical examination to ensure there are no issues with pain or underlying organ issues that could be causing the behavioral problems. Blood work may also be necessary. Once these factors are eliminated and a full history is taken, it will be easier to determine if the issue is behavioral or medical.

Reach out to a veterinarian for any concern you have, regardless of whether you think it's small or not. However, specific instances when you should seek help include if your dog exhibits aggressive tendencies, becomes very fearful, pants or paces excessively, is scared of thunderstorms, or gets overexcited or agitated when people enter your home.