| Presenting Behavior | Potential Underlying Medical Cause | |-------------------|-------------------------------------| | Sudden aggression (especially in older dogs/cats) | Pain (arthritis, dental disease), brain tumor, hypothyroidism, cognitive dysfunction | | House soiling (cats) | Lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus | | Nocturnal vocalization/pacing (senior pets) | Canine/Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) | | Compulsive circling/licking | GI disease (nausea, reflux), seizure activity, neuropathy | | Fear of being touched | Musculoskeletal pain, hyperesthesia syndrome |

Utilizing species-specific pheromones (like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs) in waiting rooms, alongside dim lighting and calming music.