The convergence of animal behavior and veterinary science has shifted from a niche interest to a core clinical competency. Understanding behavior is no longer optional; it is essential for accurate diagnosis, safe handling, treatment compliance, and long-term wellness. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how behavioral principles inform veterinary practice, from the examination room to chronic disease management.
Clinical ethology—the study of animal behavior in a veterinary context—has shifted from a niche interest to a core component of general practice. This change is driven by the understanding that a "healthy" animal is not merely one free of disease, but one that is mentally stimulated and emotionally stable.
