: The physical or internal stimuli that trigger the behavior. Ontogeny (Development)
Understanding animal behavior isn't just for researchers; it’s a critical component of animal welfare . By decoding their signals, we can:
| Behavioral Sign | Potential Medical Causes | | :--- | :--- | | Sudden aggression | Brain tumor, pain (dental/orthopedic), rabies, hyperadrenocorticism, seizures | | House-soiling | UTI, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, spinal degeneration | | Compulsive circling | Canine distemper, liver shunt, forebrain lesion, ear infection | | Pica (eating non-food) | Anemia, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, lead poisoning, malnutrition | | Night-time restlessness | Canine/feline cognitive dysfunction, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, pain |
Animal Behavior: Stories of Instinct, Intelligence, and Adaptation