Does distress always cause immediate observable changes in animals?

Distress in animals does not always result in immediate observable changes because the physiological and behavioral responses to distress can vary widely among individuals and may depend on several factors, including the nature of the distress, the environment, and the overall health of the animal. Some animals may exhibit subtle or delayed signs of distress, rather than immediate and obvious changes.

For example, an animal may experience physiological stress responses without showing clear behavioral changes right away. This can include hormonal fluctuations, changes in heart rate, or other internal processes that may only become apparent through monitoring or after a certain period. Additionally, different species may have varying coping mechanisms or thresholds for stress, meaning their responses might be less obvious initially.

Recognizing that observable changes are not always immediate emphasizes the importance of monitoring animals closely over time and understanding their normal behavior patterns to detect underlying distress that may not be visually apparent at first glance.