The next decade promises dramatic advances at this intersection:
Veterinary science, on the other hand, is the study of the health and diseases of animals, with a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Veterinary scientists use their knowledge of animal behavior to: The next decade promises dramatic advances at this
The marriage of behavior and veterinary science has given rise to practical, life-saving protocols. The most prominent is the , founded by Dr. Marty Becker. This initiative trains veterinary staff to identify subtle signs of fear (tail tucking, whale eye, lip licking) and modify the environment to reduce anxiety. Marty Becker
Recent studies in veterinary science have quantified what behaviorists have long suspected: psychological stress causes measurable physiological change. Dogs anxious about a vet visit can experience a rise in core body temperature (stress hyperthermia) of up to 1.5°C. If a veterinarian doesn’t account for this behavioral state, they might erroneously diagnose an infection and prescribe unnecessary antibiotics. By allowing the dog to acclimate in a quiet, pheromone-diffused room, the vet can obtain a true baseline reading—saving the owner money and sparing the animal from side effects. Dogs anxious about a vet visit can experience
An animal in pain or high stress has a compromised immune system and heals slower.