Changes in behavior are frequently the earliest—and sometimes the only—indicators of illness. A normally stoic Labrador who suddenly snaps at children may not be "dominant" or "bad"; he may be suffering from osteoarthritis or a thyroid tumor. A house-soiling cat is rarely spiteful; she is far more likely to have feline interstitial cystitis or chronic kidney disease.

Veterinary science plays a critical role in understanding animal behavior. By combining insights from biology, psychology, and neuroscience, veterinarians can:

So, what can veterinary professionals do to integrate animal behavior into their practice?