Recent advances in animal behavior research have led to a greater understanding of the complex social structures and communication patterns of animals. For example, studies have shown that:
Veterinary curricula now mandate courses in ethology (animal behavior) and behavioral medicine. More clinics employ certified veterinary behaviorists—veterinarians with specialized residency training in psychiatry and behavior.
While closely related, these two fields focus on different aspects of animal care:
: These are highly adaptive strategies retained from wild ancestors; monitoring them is a reliable way to evaluate welfare. The Diagnostic Gap