Abstract

KOSCINCZUK, P; ALABARCEZ, M. N; CAINZOS, R. P  and  LONDRA, M. PUPPY BEHAVIORAL EVALUATION DURING THE FIRST CLINICAL CONSULTATION: A PILOT STUDY AT CORRIENTES CITY, ARGENTINA. Rev. Med. Vet. Zoot. [online]. 2014, vol.61, n.1, pp.17-30. ISSN 0120-2952.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rfmvz.v61n1.43880.

With the object of identify early precursors of any conduct disorder on puppies' behaviour when they assisted to the primo vaccination. Thirty one (n = 31) puppies with 30 and 60 days of age, belonging to both sexes and several breeds were observed. According to the clinical examination routine sequence, data from the floor environmental exploration (Exp), stretcher manipulation (Sm), subjection and forced submission (Fs) by the professional were registered. In addition, data from oral responses by owners regarding puppy reaction to novel stimuli, resting, and play episodes were evaluated. 74% percent of puppies returned to the well-know human (owner) after the floor environmental exploration. At the stretcher phase, 81% did accept physical contact initiated and the 84% did accept the forced submission initiated by the professional. None puppy attempt to run away and only one showed neurovegetative responses. Regarding to novel stimuli reaction, 61% of puppies did no display any fear signals and for the rest, the susceptibility ranking was: noises, mobile objects and the unfamiliar human items. Regarding to resting episodes, 71% of the owners did not listened their puppies weep at nights, and for the play episodes 61% of puppies stopped biting at the owner request. During the first consultation, most of the dogs did not present any precursor sign of behavior alteration. The appliance of easy semiologic procedures -observation of the exploratory behaviour, submission position, answer to the palpation and auscultation- give information about hyperactivity, fear, anxiety and inadequate socialization. This information was used to made behaviour modification. With early intervention, the veterinary can improve the human/animal relationship and the urban dogs welfare.

Keywords : Puppy socialization; veterinary clinic; behavior disorders; animal welfare.

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