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VIRBAC ANIMAL HEALTH OFFERS VETERINARIANS NEW, FREE ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE FOCUSED ON BEHAVIOR

September 06, 2011

FORT WORTH, Texas —Virbac Animal Health has released the first chapter of their new Behavior University online series. Understanding Fear, Anxiety and Stress in Dogs and Cats is an introductory course on animal behavior aimed to help veterinarians and their staff recognize the body language of, and better understand fear, anxiety and stress in dogs and cats.

Written by Valerie Tynes, DVM, Diplomate ACVB, Understanding Fear, Anxiety and Stress in Dogs and Cats details some of the behavior problems resulting from these emotions, what may cause them, and what can be done to prevent these behavior issues. The goal of this program is to provide veterinarians and their team with information to assist them in providing appropriate behavioral advice to pet owners.

Anxiety and fear are common problems in dogs and cats and can result in behaviors owners find unacceptable. Nearly 60 percent of pet owners who responded to an independent survey, commissioned by Virbac Animal Health, said they have at least one dog that experiences anxiety. Often, there can emotional and physical repercussions for the pet, who may also be suffering. This course helps educate general practitioners on basic behavioral issues and indications. It also outlines the veterinarian’s role in helping prevent and treat anxiety-associated behavior problems, as well as helping to distinguish between anxiety type behaviors and those triggered by a medical issue.

“Having a better understanding of fear, anxiety, stress and other behavior issues really helps general practitioners and their staff to properly diagnose and treat these disorders,” said Stacey Leonard, senior marketing manager for Virbac Animal Health. “Sometimes the symptoms stem from behavior problems but, in some cases, the real problem may be the result of medical issues. This course addresses various possibilities, so veterinarians can help both their patients and their clients’ improve quality of life.”

About Virbac Behavior University

Virbac Animal Health's Behavior University is a convenient online resource which offers up-to-date technical and treatment information about behavioral issues. Behavior problems are a top reason for relinquishment of dogs and cats.* The courses can help identify and address solutions to behavior problems. Veterinarians and technicians receive one hour of Continuing Education (CE) credit for successfully completing each chapter in the curriculum. All behavior courses are free of charge and can be found at www.virbacuniversity.com/behavior. Virbac University also offers continuing education courses in heartworm prevention, dental health, dermatology, canine hypothyroidism, intestinal parasites and developing medical compliance.

One of the World’s Largest Laboratories Dedicated Exclusively to Animal Health

Virbac develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products and services intended for the prevention and treatment of common pathologies in companion animals. Virbac Corporation U.S., located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading companion animal health company offering products in the heartworm, tick and flea, dermatology, antibiotic, endocrinology, senior care, behavior, critical care nutrition, and oral hygiene markets. Virbac products are available to pet owners exclusively through a veterinarian.

For more information about Virbac Animal Health and the company’s products, please visit www.virbacvet.com.

*Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters. Salman, M.D.; Hutchison, J.; Ruch-Gallie, R.; Kogan, L.; New, J.C., Jr.; Kass, P.; Scarlett, J. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(2), 93-106. July 2000.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Stacey Leonard, Senior Marketing Manager
Virbac Animal Health
682.647.3584
stacey.leonard@virbacus.com

Priya Selvan, Public Relations Manager
Stephens & Associates
913.661.0910, Ext. 124
priya@stephens-adv.com

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