Ignoring the link between animal behavior and veterinary science is expensive and unethical.
When a true behavioral disorder exists (e.g., separation anxiety, compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety), veterinary science provides pharmacological solutions. Fluoxetine, clomipramine, and trazodone are no longer taboo. They are recognized as essential tools to lower an animal’s anxiety threshold so that behavior modification can work. Ignoring the link between animal behavior and veterinary
However, the responsible veterinarian knows that you cannot medicate a behavioral problem without ruling out a medical one. Hypothyroidism in dogs, for example, can mimic anxiety or aggression. Hyperthyroidism in cats can present as hyper-vocalization and restlessness. The diagnostic workup is the bridge between the two disciplines. If a general veterinarian says, "Your dog is
Many owners dismiss behavioral changes in senior pets as "just getting old." But cognitive dysfunction syndrome (dog dementia) is a medical condition with behavioral symptoms—pacing, staring at walls, forgetting housetraining. It is treatable with medication, diet, and environmental modification. Never accept aging as the sole explanation for a sudden behavioral change. Neurological Disorders:
The ultimate marriage of animal behavior and veterinary science is the Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Dip ACVB). These are veterinarians who complete a residency in behavior medicine. They are distinct from trainers or dog psychologists because they can:
If a general veterinarian says, "Your dog is healthy, the problem is behavioral," a veterinary behaviorist asks, "What underlying internal state is driving this behavior?"
The veterinary clinic is a sensory minefield for animals: