"Ok, Gang, Let's Split Up and Search for Clues!"

The key to solving any mystery is to gather clues. Scooby Doo shows us that the culprit was someone we knew all along. In many scenarios with your pet, the same pattern occurs...

I can tell a lot about a dog's life and their history from things that are present in their behavior and appearance. For example, I know that a dog who barks and spins chronically in circles has hyperactive or OCD tendencies, and may come from a background of spending too much time in a crate that isn't constructive. A dog that is constantly licking its paws can either have an allergy or be self-soothing its way through extreme stress. Barking can also uncover a lot of clues. What are we barking at? If it seems like nothing, why do we feel the need to be on such high alert?

Cats are no different. If your cat is losing hair, especially under their stomach, I can tell they may be over-grooming as a coping mechanism for stress. Are they ignoring their water? I look for where in the house the water bowl is placed - instinctively, cats tend to avoid water that is near their food. The ancestral file that says water near my food can be contaminated is preserved.

Clues are so important. They lead us to not only the answer to the mystery, but a definite method of treatment that corrects the ailment at the source. So grab your magnifying glass and fire up the mystery machine. What is your pet telling you?