Veterinary science relies heavily on ethology—the scientific study of animal behavior—to decode these subtle shifts. Behavioral changes are often the very first clinical signs of underlying medical issues. Common Medical Issues Masked as Behavior Problems
: A global standard for animal welfare that includes freedom from discomfort, pain, injury, and disease. Veterinary science is also studying the behavior of
Veterinary science is also studying the behavior of the owner. Non-compliance—when an owner fails to give medication or follow a treatment plan—is a leading cause of treatment failure. Often, the root cause is a behavioral challenge the owner faces at home. In the wild, showing signs of pain or
In the wild, showing signs of pain or illness makes an animal a target for predators. Consequently, most species have evolved to hide their suffering. A cat suffering from severe osteoarthritis may not limp; instead, it might simply stop jumping onto its favorite window sill or become uncharacteristically aggressive when touched. Because behavior is biology.
When a dog growls, bites, or cowers, the first instinct of many owners is to call a dog trainer. However, in the hierarchy of behavioral medicine, the veterinarian must come first. Why? Because behavior is biology.