Is he misbehaving or is there something more? The science behind behavior

Pet parents often feel frustrated. Coming home to a destroyed couch, dealing with incessant barking, or discovering that their cat has stopped using its litter box can be exhausting. However, before labeling them as "rebellious," we need to understand what science says about it.

Pet parents are NOT alone: The numbers will surprise you

If, as a pet parent, you feel that your dog's or cat's behavior is a challenge, statistics show that it is a very common reality worldwide:

• In Japan: A study revealed that 86% of dogs and 75.7% of cats show at least one behavioral problem.
• In Denmark: 34% of pet parents identify clear challenges in their dogs' behavior.

This indicates that behavioral problems are, in fact, one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits.

🔴 Important: This so-called "bad behavior" could be normal behavior according to the species and breed of the animal brought for consultation.

What is a "behavioral problem" really?

For us veterinarians, a behavioral problem is not just a "mischief." It is defined by:

For us veterinarians, a behavioral problem is not just a "mischief." It is defined by:

1. Subjectivity: It is something that is annoying or worrying for the family.
2. Risk: It can be dangerous for humans, other animals, or the pet itself.
3. Well-being: It deteriorates the animal's quality of life.
4. Origin: It can be a normal behavior for the species (like marking territory) that doesn't fit in the home, or the symptom of a physical illness.

👉 Promote good behavior 

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The body speaks through behavior

Here is the golden key: Many behavioral changes are actually cries for help due to health problems. If the animal suddenly changes its way of acting, it could be due to:

• Pain: A dog or cat in pain may become aggressive to avoid being touched.
• Sensory problems: Loss of sight or hearing generates insecurity and fear.
• Hormonal alterations: Problems such as hypothyroidism directly affect mood.
• Physical stress: A fracture or internal discomfort prevents them from expressing themselves as they always do.

The "Top 5" reported by pet parents

According to the latest research, these are the most common challenges:

 

👉 Restore harmony in your home

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How to restore harmony at home?

Treatment should always be guided by a professional in Veterinary Clinical Ethology. The plan usually includes:

1. Behavior modification: Positive training techniques.
2. Environmental enrichment: Making their environment more stimulating.
3. Pharmacological and nutraceutical support: The use of specialized medications when the case warrants it and specialized supplements, such as Waggy's Relax (dogs) and Waggy's CBD oil for cats, can help reduce cortisol and anxiety levels, facilitating natural learning and calmness.

Practical recommendations

For the Vet: Faced with reports of behavioral changes, routine review and diagnostic tests are essential to rule out or confirm underlying health problems.

For the pet parent: Do not assume your pet is "bad" or intentional. Each species/breed requires specific physical and mental activity; make sure to cover it to avoid behavioral problems. Visit your local vet to rule out illnesses and follow their instructions for a happy life with your pet.

 

References

• Camps, T., Amat, M., & Manteca, X. (2019). A review of medical conditions and behavioral problems in dogs and cats. Animals: An Open Access Journal From MDPI, 9(12), 1133. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121133
• Meyer, I., Forkman, B., Lund, T. B., & Sandøe, P. (2023). Behavior problems in dogs—An assessment of prevalence and risk factors based on responses from a representative sample of Danish owners. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research: Official Journal of: Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group, International Working Dog Breeding Association, 69–70, 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2023.11.002
• Serpell, J. A., & Powell, L. R. (2026). Prevalence and severity of behavior problems in dogs in the United States: A re-assessment. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research: Official Journal of: Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group, International Working Dog Breeding Association, 83, 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2025.11.005
• Yamada, R., Kuze-Arata, S., Kiyokawa, Y., & Takeuchi, Y. (2019). Prevalence of 25 canine behavioral problems and relevant factors of each behavior in Japan. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 81(8), 1090–1096. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.18-0705
• Yamada, R., Kuze-Arata, S., Kiyokawa, Y., & Takeuchi, Y. (2020). Prevalence of 17 feline behavioral problems and relevant factors of each behavior in Japan. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 82(3), 272–278. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.19-0519