: In every physical exam, note the animal’s body language as part of the medical record. Use terms like “fearful, ears back, tail tucked” with the same precision as “3/6 lameness.”
Initiatives by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and Fear Free Pets have trained over 40,000 veterinary professionals in low-stress handling. Early data show that Fear Free-certified clinics have higher client compliance and lower staff turnover.
About the author : This article draws on consensus positions from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, and the Fear Free initiative. For further reading, see Decoding Your Dog (ACVB, 2014) and Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians (Lindell, 2017).
As humans, we have always been fascinated by the behavior of animals. From the complex social structures of elephants to the playful antics of dolphins, animal behavior is a rich and diverse field of study. When combined with veterinary science, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between animal behavior, health, and welfare. In this article, we'll explore the exciting world of animal behavior and veterinary science, and discuss the latest research and advancements in the field.
Traditionally, veterinary science focused on the physiological aspects of health: pathogens, fractures, organ failure, and nutrition. However, the last three decades have witnessed a paradigm shift. Today, understanding why an animal behaves as it does is considered as critical as understanding its cellular biology. The synthesis of animal behavior and veterinary medicine has given rise to behavioral veterinary medicine, a field that improves welfare, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment efficacy.
Behavioral changes are often the first, cheapest, and most non-invasive diagnostic tool available. A thorough veterinary history now includes behavioral questions: