Introduction

• Increased aggression (especially in geriatric pets) – often linked to dental pain, arthritis, or brain tumors.
• Excessive grooming or licking – frequently a sign of allergic dermatitis, neuropathic pain, or acral lick dermatitis.
• Nocturnal restlessness – a hallmark of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (dog dementia) or hyperthyroidism in cats.
• Sudden fear of familiar surfaces (stairs, hardwood floors) – typically indicates neuromuscular weakness or joint pain.

Primary Instincts: Essential for survival, these include self-preservation, food acquisition, territory maintenance, and family/mating relations.

Telemedicine & Triage: There is a rising trend in using remote video consultations (e.g., VetTriage) to assess behavioral distress or respiratory issues without the initial stress of a clinic visit.

Animal Physiology: The study of how an animal's body functions, which is critical for identifying health deviations.

Authors: [Your Name/Institution] Date: [Current Date]

Understanding animal behavior is a crucial aspect of veterinary science. Animal behavior is a reflection of an animal's physical and emotional well-being, and changes in behavior can be an early indicator of illness or disease. Veterinary professionals who can recognize and interpret behavioral cues can provide better care for their patients and improve animal welfare.