The ethical line is clear: Using medication to sedate a bored dog is malpractice. Using medication to treat a sick brain is standard of care.
Animal behavior and veterinary science are two sides of the same coin. As we continue to peel back the layers of animal consciousness, the veterinary profession will continue to move toward a more holistic, "whole-animal" approach. By treating the mind as carefully as we treat the body, we ensure a higher quality of life for the creatures that share our world.
The easy diagnosis is often a label: "Anxiety," "Aggression," "Behavioral issues."