One of the fastest-growing specialties in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the . These are veterinarians who have completed a residency in behavioral medicine. They are not "trainers"—they are medical specialists.

Do not wait for a problem. At your annual wellness exam, ask: "Based on my pet's behavior today, do you see any signs of pain, fear, or cognitive decline?"

But beyond safety, fear has physiological consequences: