General practice veterinarians sit at a unique crossroads. They are often the first to hear a behavioral complaint, yet they rarely have the time for a full behavioral consultation. This is where triage skills become essential.
A modern veterinary curriculum includes behavioral screening questions during every annual exam:
Based on the answers, the veterinarian triages the case into one of three streams: General practice veterinarians sit at a unique crossroads
When the case is truly behavioral, the veterinarian may prescribe psychopharmacological interventions—such as SSRIs (fluoxetine) or benzodiazepines—but only in conjunction with a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) or a veterinary behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).
The separation of animal behavior and veterinary science is an artificial one. In the body of an animal, there is no distinction between the arthritic joint and the fearful brain; they are connected by nerves, blood, and biochemistry. A holistic veterinarian does not just listen to the heart and lungs; they listen to the history of the behavior. Based on the answers, the veterinarian triages the
As we move forward, the most successful veterinary practices will be those that hire behavior technicians alongside veterinary technicians. The most effective treatments will be those that combine a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for the hips with a behavioral modification plan for the resulting fear of stairs. And the happiest pets will be those whose owners—guided by science—recognize that every behavior is a form of communication.
By finally bridging the gap, we are not just extending the lifespan of our animals; we are improving their quality of life. And that, ultimately, is the highest purpose of both animal behavior and veterinary science. When the case is truly behavioral, the veterinarian
Veterinarians must write behavior "prescriptions" as concretely as drug scripts.
One of the most critical applications of behavior in practice is the detection of subclinical illness.