Dog- and owner-related risk factors for consideration of euthanasia or rehoming before a referral behavior consultation, and for euthanizing or rehoming the dog after the consultation.

The objective of our research was to identify pet-, owner-, and environment-related risk factors for euthanasia or rehoming of dogs presenting to a veterinary behavior service. In this retrospective clinical study, we examined 302 patient records for dog and owner demographics, presenting complaints, clinical diagnoses, home environment, behavioral and medical history, and disposition of the patient at 3 and 6 months post-visit. Data were analyzed for the association of pet-, owner-, and environment-related factors with: (A) owners having considered euthanasia before the behavior consultation; (B) owners having considered either rehoming or euthanasia before the consultation: (C) owners having rehomed or euthanized the dog up to 3 months after the consultation; (D) owners having rehomed or euthanized the dog 6 months after the consultation.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research