Furthermore, artificial intelligence is being trained to recognize subtle facial expressions in dogs and cats—micro-expressions of pain and fear that humans miss. Wearable tech (heart rate variability monitors, accelerometers) quantifies stress in real-time, allowing vets to adjust treatment plans based on data, not intuition.
Animal behavior is the study of the actions and reactions of animals in response to their environment, social interactions, and learning experiences. By observing and analyzing animal behavior, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of an animal's cognitive, emotional, and social processes. This knowledge is essential for identifying abnormal behaviors, such as stress, anxiety, or aggression, which can be indicative of underlying welfare issues or health problems.