(2025)
: Argues that behavioral knowledge is essential for modern veterinary practice to ensure safe handling, accurate diagnosis of pain, and preservation of the human-animal bond .
As veterinary professionals, it's essential to recognize that animal behavior plays a critical role in the health and well-being of our patients. Understanding animal behavior is crucial in veterinary science, as it can help us identify potential behavioral problems, diagnose underlying medical issues, and develop effective treatment plans.
We now know that animals experience complex emotional states like anxiety, OCD, and even PTSD. Veterinary science has evolved to include —using medications like fluoxetine alongside desensitization training to help animals overcome deep-seated phobias, such as fear of thunder or separation anxiety [5, 6].