With the development of the society，the importance of pets in human life continues to increase，and more and more pet owners consult veterinarians because they are concerned about the behavioral problems of their pets. However，due to the lack of systematic understanding of dog and cat behavior by most veterinarians and clinical staff，it is difficult to convey the scientific concepts of dog and cat behavior. Meanwhile，inappropriate clinical operations and stressful environments can be one of the important factors that induce behavioral problems in dogs and cats. This article focused on the basic behavioral characteristics，learning，and the stress response in dogs and cats， and summarized the application of behavioral concepts in clinical diagnosis and treatment. We aim to increase the awareness in veterinarians and staff members of the stress in their dog and cat patients. Preliminary grading of dog and cat stress level and tailored schemes for management should be implemented. At the same time，learning of dogs and cats can be incorporated to encourage positive behaviors and reduce their stress during clinical visits.