Guilherme Marques Soares

Estudo exploratório da síndrome de ansiedade de separação em cães de apartamento

Separation anxiety syndrome in animals is a behavioral disorder characterized by undesirable wanted behaviour showed by dogs when they are away from their attachment figures. In this study, with the goal of understanding the syndrome in indoor dogs from a suburb of the city of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), two questionnaires were used: a questionnaire to identify separation anxiety syndrome in animals (QI-SASA) and a questionnaire of support. In the surveyed population, 55.9% of the dogs presented clinical signs of SASA, being the most frequent excessive vocalizations (53.8%), destructive behaviours (46.1%), and depressive behaviour (34.6%). The results also suggest a negative impact on the life quality of the owners and dogs.

Epidemiologia de problemas comportamentais em cães no Brasil: inquérito entre médicos veterinários de pequenos animais

Behavior issues directly affect animal and human welfare. In some countries, behavior problems are the main reasons for abandonment and euthanasia of companion animals. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavior problems among dogs seem by Brazilian veterinarians, by sending questionnaires to be responded by veterinarians at university referral animal hospitals in Brazil. Among 101 responses, 91.1% of participants affirmed to be consulted about behavior issues, and 82.2% said that they mostly concern dogs. Most veterinarians (56.7%) try to solve some behavior cases by themselves and refer others to a specialized colleague. Most affirmed to do not perform euthanasia due to behavior issues (89.1%). The most common complaint among owners was destructive behavior, followed by aggressions. The most recommended treatment for aggressive behavior and inappropriate elimination of urine was behavior therapy.