The future of this interdisciplinary field lies in several key areas:
Over-grooming (psychogenic alopecia) in birds or cats often points to underlying dermatological allergies or chronic anxiety.
Several key concepts underpin the intersection of animal behavior and veterinary science. These include:
In addition, animal behavior is closely linked to animal welfare. Animals that exhibit abnormal behavior, such as pacing, self-mutilation, or aggression, may be indicating that they are experiencing stress, pain, or discomfort. By recognizing these behavioral cues, veterinarians and animal care professionals can take steps to improve the welfare of these animals.