Since quality of life is not only about physical health, we are also concerned about mental health. Ethology is the branch of medicine that studies and diagnoses alterations in animal behaviour, divided into feline and canine ethology.
In many cases, behavioural problems are the effect of different factors, including the dog’s or cat’s environment and learning. Examples are changes in routine, the arrival of a new member in the household (another dog or cat, a baby, etc.), moving house or the loss of a family member.
Genetics is also a factor that can predispose certain behaviours, although it is generally related to early socialisation and training received during growth and adulthood.
In this branch of medicine, the veterinarian will work closely with the family in order to diagnose the problem, so that the necessary changes can be made to restore the dog’s or cat’s peace of mind at home.
Some of the reasons why it is necessary to visit the vet:
- Aggression towards people (family members or others)
- Generalised anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Noise phobia
- Firecracker anxiety
- Compulsive behaviours
- Inappropriate littering in felines (urinating in the wrong place)
- Cat aggression
- Aggression between dogs