: Behavior is defined as an animal's reaction to a change in the environment (stimulus), which can be a simple reflex (involuntary) or a complex learned action. The Four "Fs"
Behavior is a window into health. Every behavioral complaint deserves a medical workup, and every medical condition has behavioral consequences.
| If you see this... | Consider this... | |-------------------|------------------| | Sudden aggression in an old dog | Pain (joints, teeth) or cognitive decline | | House soiling in a cat | Urinary tract disease, kidney disease, or litter box aversion | | Night waking/pacing in a senior pet | Canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) | | Fear of vet visits | Previous painful or frightening experiences; need for low-stress protocols |
: Behavior is defined as an animal's reaction to a change in the environment (stimulus), which can be a simple reflex (involuntary) or a complex learned action. The Four "Fs"
Behavior is a window into health. Every behavioral complaint deserves a medical workup, and every medical condition has behavioral consequences.
| If you see this... | Consider this... | |-------------------|------------------| | Sudden aggression in an old dog | Pain (joints, teeth) or cognitive decline | | House soiling in a cat | Urinary tract disease, kidney disease, or litter box aversion | | Night waking/pacing in a senior pet | Canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) | | Fear of vet visits | Previous painful or frightening experiences; need for low-stress protocols |