Behavior should never be assessed in a vacuum. A sudden change in behavior is often the first symptom of a medical issue.
In shelters, the is as important as the physical exam. A dog that fails a "kennel behavior evaluation" (e.g., barrier frustration, fear of strangers) is not a bad dog; it is a dog in a pathological environment. Shelter veterinarians now use behavioral psychopharmacology (trazodone, fluoxetine) to lower the animal's arousal threshold, making them adoptable. Behavior should never be assessed in a vacuum
Using a combination of psychopharmacology and desensitization. Behavior should never be assessed in a vacuum
Behavioral changes are often the first indicators of underlying medical issues. A pet showing sudden aggression, lethargy, or anxiety may be responding to pain or discomfort that requires clinical attention. Veterinary Behaviorists Behavior should never be assessed in a vacuum