Several specific syndromes highlight why a veterinarian must be a behaviorist, and a behaviorist must be a veterinarian.

Every species has hardwired, evolutionary behaviors. A failure to provide outlets for these natural behaviors leads to chronic stress and behavioral disorders.

In veterinary science, stress is not just an emotion; it is a vital sign. When an animal experiences fear or anxiety, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline. While this "fight or flight" response is life-saving in the wild, chronic activation in a domestic setting leads to immunosuppression, gastrointestinal ulcers, and dermatologic conditions.

The formal integration of behavior into veterinary science is relatively recent. Historically, problematic animal behavior was viewed as a training issue rather than a medical concern. If a dog showed aggression or a cat stopped using its litter box, owners turned to trainers or, unfortunately, surrendered the animal.

By educating owners on behavioral development (like the critical socialization period for puppies), vets prevent the #1 cause of pet abandonment: behavioral issues. The modern consensus is that health is holistic.