Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services

Home
Canada
Ottawa, ON
Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Need help with your pet’s behaviour? Dr. Michelle Nicholson is a vet with a special interest in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine.

She is able to offer virtual consult as well as occasional in person appointments.

10/30/2026

Aggression is often rooted in fear.

But fear doesn’t look the same in every pet. One dog might retreat, another might freeze, and another might growl, lunge or bite. One cat might hide, while another might swat or chase someone away.

Which response an animal chooses can be influenced by their personality, learning history, previous experiences and the context they’re in. But the underlying emotion still matters.

When we recognize fear beneath aggressive behaviour, it helps us respond with empathy rather than punishment. Instead of focusing only on stopping the growl, snap or swat, we can ask: What is making this pet feel unsafe or unwell, and how can we help them feel safer?

Aggression deserves to be taken seriously, but treating fear means addressing the reason for the behaviour, not simply suppressing the response.

If your pet is showing aggressive behaviour, we can help you understand what’s driving it and develop a treatment plan that prioritizes safety and their emotional wellbeing.

📅 Book a consultation with Dr. Nicholson to get started.

10/27/2026

Cats are often misunderstood, especially when concerning behaviour gets written off as “just a cat thing.”

🐱 “She’s always been grumpy.”
🐱 “He just doesn’t like being touched.”
🐱 “She’s a loner.”
🐱 “He’s always been a picky eater.”

All cats have individual preferences and personalities. But changes in behaviour, constant hiding or irritability, or behaviours that interfere with a cat’s daily enjoyment of life can also be signs of pain, fear, anxiety, chronic stress or another medical concern.

Instead of assuming a behaviour is simply part of their personality, it’s worth asking: Is my cat comfortable? Do they have choices? Are they able to relax and engage in normal activities? Has something changed?

Behaviour is information. When we pay attention to what our cats are telling us, we have a better chance of identifying problems early and improving their quality of life.

Concerned that something about your cat’s behaviour might be more than a personality quirk? Book a consultation with Dr. Nicholson to take a closer look.

10/23/2026

A wagging tail means they’re happy. A dog showing their belly wants a belly rub. Licking means kisses... right?

Not necessarily!

One of the biggest mistakes we can make when reading dog body language is looking at a single behaviour in isolation.

The same behaviour can mean very different things depending on the context, the individual dog, and what the rest of their body is doing. A wagging tail can accompany excitement, uncertainty or fear. Rolling onto the back can be an invitation for interaction, but it can also be an attempt to create space or defuse a situation.

Instead of asking, “What does this behaviour mean?” try asking, “What is my dog’s whole body telling me right now, in this specific context?”

Learning to notice the full picture can help us recognize discomfort sooner, respond more appropriately and make interactions feel safer for our dogs.

Want help better understanding your pet’s behaviour? Book a consultation with Dr. Nicholson.

10/20/2026

Halloween can mean unusual sights, sounds and visitors, so a little preparation can make the night much easier for your pet. 🎃
👻 Costumes: If your pet isn’t already comfortable wearing clothing, skip the costume or introduce it gradually using treats ahead of time. Watch for signs of discomfort and make sure it doesn’t restrict movement. It's okay to have your pet wear a bandana or nothing at all if it's stressing them too much.

🚪 Have a door plan: Repeated knocking, doorbells and visitors can be overwhelming even for the most easygoing of pets. Use a leash or baby gate, have your pet watch from a safe distance, or set them up in a quiet room with white noise and a chew or toy. You can also ask trick-or-treaters not to knock or ring the bell.

🕷️ Scary decorations: Give your pet space from unfamiliar decorations and let them investigate at their own pace. Never force them closer or laugh at them if they are spooked.

💊 Get support early: If your pet struggles with visitors, noises or Halloween activity, contact your veterinarian and trainer ahead of time. Medication, management and training in advance can all help.

And remember, your pet doesn’t have to participate. A quiet evening somewhere they feel safe may be the best Halloween plan. 🧡

09/03/2026

When you work with us, you benefit from a multidisciplinary team with different areas of expertise—and multiple sets of eyes on your pet’s care. 🐾

Dr. Michelle Nicholson, DVM, MSC MANZCVS
Dr. Nicholson is a veterinarian with more than 35 years of experience and a focus in veterinary behaviour. She supports pets’ mental health and helps families build stronger relationships with their animals.

You can find her: Coaching you during appointments, writing prescriptions and reports, and collaborating with your care team.

Pam Morrison, RVT, CTC
Pam is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Dog Trainer. She brings decades of experience and a passion for humane, science-based behaviour support and runs group classes through her training business, Furry Logic.

You can find her: Coaching you in Treatment Plan Review sessions, supporting you with prescription requests and joining your sessions with Dr. Nicholson.

Jamie Wolfe Phillips , RVT, KPA-CTP
Jamie is a Registered Veterinary Technician who specializes in positive reinforcement, consent-based training and collaborative care for veterinary visits.

You can find her: Providing advice and resources via email and answering questions about your pet’s behaviour.

*Stay tuned for Jamie's return to in person behaviour modification sessions in the Ottawa area*

Lisa St. Jean
Lisa brings 33 years of veterinary experience, with a focus on office administration to the team. Her warmth, humour and enthusiasm help make every interaction more approachable.

08/29/2026

Stigma around behaviour medication can prolong suffering—for pets and the people who love them.

We don’t expect animals to “try harder” when they need pain management or blood pressure medication. Mental health deserves the same compassion.

When appropriately prescribed, behaviour medication can reduce distress and help an animal feel safe enough to learn, cope and enjoy life.

Curious about whether your pet could benefit? Book a consultation with Dr. Nicholson.

08/23/2026

Working with a behaviour veterinarian can feel daunting when you’re not sure what to expect—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our goal is to make veterinary behaviour support feel accessible, approachable and tailored to you and your pet. We offer virtual consultations for clients across Ontario.

Ready to take the first step? Visit our website to learn more or book a consultation.

ottawavetbehaviour.ca

08/19/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions in animal behaviour is that pets who don't do what we ask are being "stubborn."

In reality, behaviour is influenced by far more than willingness to listen. Fear, pain, stress, frustration, confusion and even underlying medical conditions can all affect how the brain processes information and responds to the world.

When an animal is emotionally overwhelmed or physically in pain, they're not choosing to make life difficult. Their brain may simply not be in a state where they can learn, think clearly or respond the way they normally would.

That's why understanding the "why" behind a behaviour is so important. The behaviour itself is only one piece of the puzzle. Looking at emotional health, physical health and the environment allows us to create treatment plans that support lasting change—not just temporary compliance.

08/16/2026

Extreme heat doesn’t just affect pets physically—it can also change how they behave.

Be proactive by limiting outdoor activity, choosing cooler times of day, checking pavement temperatures and providing constant access to water and cool resting areas.

If your pet becomes unusually restless, irritable, lethargic, or reluctant to move, bring them somewhere cool and monitor closely. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion or collapse require immediate cooling with room-temperature water and airconditioning or a fan, and, emergency veterinary care. Do not use ice or ice cold water.

Remember: if your pet has a behavioural regression during extreme weather, this isn't a training problem. Take it easy, don't push it and keep their world as stress-free as possible until they feel better.

08/13/2026

Cats are incredibly adaptable… until they're not.

One cat may tolerate a litter box setup that another finds completely unacceptable. That doesn't mean the first cat prefers it or isn't experiencing stress—it may simply mean they're more able to cope with it.

We often assume that if a cat isn't urinating outside the litter box, everything is fine. But house soiling is just one possible sign that a cat's needs aren't being met. Many cats quietly endure situations that make them uncomfortable without ever developing an obvious behaviour problem...or they eventually reach their limit.

Looking at litter box setup through the lens of welfare—not just problem prevention—helps us create an environment where cats can truly thrive, rather than simply cope.

Small changes can make a big difference to your cat's comfort and wellbeing. Share this post to get better care information out there for cats.

Cat having litter box trouble? We can help! Reach out for more information.

Address

Ottawa, ON
K2P0K8

Telephone

+16134545818

Website

http://ottawavetbehaviour.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.