Furthermore, understanding behavior helps veterinarians navigate end-of-life decisions. Quality of life assessments are fundamentally behavioral. Is the animal still eating? Does it still seek interaction? Does it show interest in walks or play? When the behaviors that define an animal’s personality disappear, veterinary science must shift from curative to compassionate palliative care.
Animal behavior is the study of the actions and reactions of animals in response to their environment, social interactions, and internal states. Understanding animal behavior is crucial in veterinary science, as it helps veterinarians and animal care professionals: