What type of behaviors can stress elicit in animals?

Stress in animals can lead to aggressive behaviors as a response to a perceived threat or discomfort. When animals experience stress, their instinctive reactions can revolve around self-preservation. This may manifest as aggression to avoid or fend off what they perceive as a danger.

Stress can trigger the fight-or-flight response, where the animal may choose to fight back rather than flee from the threat. The physical and emotional strain experienced can contribute to heightened arousal and sensitivity, making the animal more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies in situations that trigger their stress response.

While calm, curious, and passive behaviors might be seen in some scenarios, they are generally not direct consequences of stress. Instead, those behaviors often reflect a state of comfort or safety rather than the anxiety and discomfort associated with stress. Understanding how stress manifests, particularly in aggressive behavior, is crucial for effectively managing and interacting with animals in veterinary and other settings, ensuring their well-being and reducing the likelihood of negative encounters.