Avoiding "manhandling" in favor of gentle guiding.

: If you aim to publish, review the Animal Behaviour Guide for Authors for details on double-anonymous peer review.

Animal behavior and veterinary science are two sides of the same coin. As we continue to peel back the layers of animal consciousness, the veterinary profession will continue to move toward a more holistic, "whole-animal" approach. By treating the mind as carefully as we treat the body, we ensure a higher quality of life for the creatures that share our world.

Historically, veterinary curricula focused heavily on anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. Behavior was often delegated to trainers or "dog whisperers"—considered separate from the realm of medical science. This led to a dangerous dichotomy. A dog with separation anxiety who destroyed furniture was sent to a trainer for obedience lessons, while undiagnosed hypothyroidism (which can cause aggression and anxiety) went untreated. A cat urinating outside the box was labeled "spiteful," rather than being evaluated for a painful urinary tract infection.

Animal Behavior and Veterinary Science: Bridging the Gap Between Mind and Medicine

In traditional veterinary curricula, students were taught to measure vital signs: temperature, pulse, and respiration. Yet, for the vast majority of animals, the most critical "vital sign" is their behavioral state.