Cortisol Level And Behavioral Response To Exercise In Dogs Kenneled In A Humane Society: Model For Stress Relief

Abstract

Stress causes a major effect on several systems of the body, including cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems. Behavioral signs also reflect stressful condition. Exercise and a good social network are believed to lower stress. We used dogs kenneled in a humane society as a model to study the effect of exercise and socialization on stress‐related symptoms. We measured behavioral signs of stress including but not limited to scratching, distress whining and exaggerated grooming Research shows a relationship between stress and elevated cortisol levels. We measured salivary cortisol as a biochemical measure of stress. Dogs were allowed to acclimatize to shelter conditions. The experiment was conducted over four days with 40 dogs. The experimental group consisting of 20 dogs, were allowed to play and socialize for 30 minutes, whereas control dogs stayed in their kennels. Salivary cortisol and behavioral indices were measured before and after exercise play session. Dogs that played and had social contact showed less stressful behaviors as well as lower cortisol levels. Our studies suggest that physical activity and social contact alleviates stress.

Effects of single- or pair-housing on the welfare of shelter dogs: Behavioral and physiological indicators

“…We also observed play initiation and dog-dog play in pair-housed dogs, with 14 pair-housed dogs engaging in dog-dog play. Providing dogs with opportunities to play have been associated with lower stress behaviors [ 16 ]. Of course, we urge judiciousness when pair-housing dogs; we assessed all the dogs using the Match Up II dog-dog subtest, matched enrolled dogs, and staff monitored them throughout the day, especially during the first days of cohousing.…”

“…Despite being a social species [ 14 ], dogs are often housed alone in shelters with an aim to reduce disease transmission and possible injury from inter-dog conflict [ 15 ]. However, this social isolation has been identified as a potential stressor; supporting this possibility, shelter dogs that were given 30 min of access to social interaction and play with other dogs had lower cortisol levels and showed fewer stress-related behaviors [ 16 ] compared to dogs that stayed in their kennels. As such, pair-housing might be a useful intervention for improving shelter dog welfare.…”

Understanding Canine ‘Reactivity’: Species-Specific Behaviour or Human Inconvenience?

“…As such, it is behavior viewed as demonstrating some level of emotional difficulty being experienced by the dog that means they require 'reassurance'. Such an understanding is unsurprising given consistent research surrounding increased aggressive displays among fearful dogs (Hydbring-Sandberg et al, 2004;Kimo, 2011), in part due to hormonal and stress-responses (Belpedio et al, 2010;Bradshaw, 2011;Carrier et al, 2013). Whilst natural, then, reactive displays are deemed concerning in relation to the human ability to 'understand' and manage such behaviors (Diesel et al, 2008;Grigg et al, 2021;Salman et al, 2000;Wells & Hepper, 2000;Kwan & Bain, 2013;O'Connor et al, 2017;Weng et al, 2006).…”

“…'Reactivity' typically includes an array of threatening and distance increasing behaviors such as barking, lunging, snarling and biting, and is thought to result from a variety of factors, including a lack of socialization, fear, trauma and insecurities (Tiira et al, 2016). More specifically, reactivity can occur as a result of arousal related to increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol due to exposure to uncomfortable or overly excitable situations (Belpedio et al, 2010;Bradshaw, 2011;Carrier et al, 2013). This overarousal initiates the stressresponse and, in turn, increases the likelihood for aggressive and/or reactive behaviors (Fishburn, 2014).…”

Understanding Canine ‘Reactivity’: Species-Specific Behaviour or Human Inconvenience?

“…These, often distance-increasing behaviors (barking, lunging etc. ), can occur as a result of arousal related to increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol due to exposure to uncomfortable or overly excitable stimuli (Belpedio et al, 2010;Bradshaw, 2011;Carrier, Cyre, Anderson, & Walsh, 2013).That is, a dog is reacting to something within the environment due to a neurobiological response (Lindsay, 2001). However, such reactivity is often cited as the reason for canine surrender/euthanasia (Yu, Wilson, Masters, van Rooy, & McGreevy, 2021).…”