Toward integrated veterinary care: a national survey on physical and behavioral health in Belgian companion animals

Health has been defined as the overall state of physical, mental, and social well-being. This also applies to companion animals, where both physical and behavioral health must be taken into consideration. Behavioral issues in pets can significantly impact both their welfare and that of their caregivers, creating a psychosocial burden as caregivers manage the challenges of caring for an animal with compromised health. In a national survey, the prevalence of physical and behavioral issues in dogs and cats in Belgian households was examined, with a focus on their effect on caregiver welfare. Responses from 976 dog caregivers and 1793 cat caregivers indicated that 41.4% of dog households and 31.9% of cat households reported physical and/or behavioral health problems. While these rates were lower than those reported in international studies, the caregiver burden was substantial. Caregivers of pets with health issues, especially behavioral health problems, reported significantly higher care efforts. Moreover, the survey revealed that caregivers frequently sought advice from their veterinary general practitioner, highlighting the critical role of veterinary professionals in addressing both physical and behavioral health concerns. In this study, an integrated approach to veterinary care is advocated for, and the need for veterinarians to be knowledgeable about the behavior of their patient species is emphasized. Ghent University’s Clinical Behavioural Team and Ethology and Animal Welfare Research Group developed a position statement outlining key points for giving behavioral advice in veterinary general practice. Ultimately, the authors argue that interdisciplinary collaboration, caregiver education, and a strong understanding of animal behavior are essential for improving the welfare of both animals and their caregivers.