ABOIEMENT: A Review of Causes and Interventions
Abstract
Aboiement is a condition characterized by excessive barking that can have a negative impact on the quality of life of both the dog and its owner. This article reviews the various causes of aboiement and the interventions that are available to address this condition. A variety of environmental, physiological, and medical causes can contribute to aboiement, and the available interventions range from behavior modification techniques to medications. The success of the intervention depends on the underlying cause of the aboiement, and the best course of action should be discussed with a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
Introduction
Aboiement is a condition characterized by excessive barking that can have a negative impact on the quality of life of both the dog and its owner. This condition can be caused by a variety of environmental, physiological, and medical factors, and the severity of aboiement can range from intermittent barking to constant and disruptive vocalizations. In order to effectively address this condition, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the aboiement and to select an appropriate intervention. This article reviews the various causes of aboiement and the interventions that are available to address this condition.
Causes of Aboiement
A variety of environmental, physiological, and medical factors can contribute to aboiement. Common environmental causes of aboiement include boredom, inadequate exercise, social isolation, and fear (Bergman, 2020; Duxbury, 2020). Physiological causes can include medical conditions such as thyroid or adrenal disease (Bergman, 2020; Duxbury, 2020). Additionally, some dogs may bark excessively in response to pain or discomfort (Bergman, 2020; Duxbury, 2020).
Interventions for Aboiement
The available interventions for aboiement depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In cases of environmental causes, behavior modification techniques can be used to address the problem. These techniques include providing the dog with adequate exercise, providing environmental enrichment, and desensitization and counterconditioning to address fear-based barking (Bergman, 2020; Duxbury, 2020). For physiological causes, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include medications to address medical conditions such as thyroid or adrenal disease, as well as medications to address pain and discomfort (Bergman, 2020; Duxbury, 2020).
Conclusion
Aboiement is a condition characterized by excessive barking that can have a negative impact on the quality of life of both the dog and its owner. A variety of environmental, physiological, and medical causes can contribute to aboiement, and the available interventions range from behavior modification techniques to medications. The success of the intervention depends on the underlying cause of the aboiement, and the best course of action should be discussed with a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
References
Bergman, R. (2020). What causes excessive barking in dogs and how can it be managed? Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/what-causes-excessive-barking-in-dogs-and-how-can-it-be-managed
Duxbury, E. (2020). Excessive barking in dogs: Causes and solutions. Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/excessive-barking-dogs-causes-solutions