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Lee GH, Jo W, Kang TK, Oh T, Kim K. Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061095. [PMID: 36978636 PMCID: PMC10044678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal stress is influenced by environmental factors, yet only a few studies have evaluated the effects of environmental stress on captive dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and social enrichment on the stress levels of captive dogs housed in a lab. We assessed stress levels in eight Beagle dogs by measuring their body weight, cortisol levels, a stress hormone, the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum, the number of steps per hour, as well as clinical sign observations in a changed environment for 6 weeks. Four dogs assigned to a control group were raised alone in a relatively narrow place without toys; four dogs assigned to an experimental group were raised together in a relatively large place with toys. The body weight of the control group remained unchanged, while that of the experimental group decreased. Cortisol levels in the control group increased throughout, whereas those in the experimental group increased for up to 2 weeks and decreased thereafter. Consequently, cortisol levels in the experimental group significantly decreased compared to the control group at 6 weeks (p = 0.048). Fighting was observed among the dogs in the experimental group at 3 weeks; thus, one dog was separated from the group. The number of steps per hour was more than twice as high in the experimental than in the control group. Thereby, we determined that social housing, with appropriate companions and environmental enrichment materials, can reduce stress levels in captive dogs more efficiently than in single housing without such materials. Our study provides useful insights for captive animal organizations, such as kenneled dogs' management, to improve animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang-Hoon Lee
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Woori Jo
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Ku Kang
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeho Oh
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - KilSoo Kim
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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Salgirli Demirbas Y, Isparta S, Saral B, Keskin Yılmaz N, Adıay D, Matsui H, Töre-Yargın G, Musa SA, Atilgan D, Öztürk H, Kul BC, Şafak CE, Ocklenburg S, Güntürkün O. Acute and chronic stress alter behavioral laterality in dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4092. [PMID: 36906713 PMCID: PMC10008577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are one of the key animal species in investigating the biological mechanisms of behavioral laterality. Cerebral asymmetries are assumed to be influenced by stress, but this subject has not yet been studied in dogs. This study aims to investigate the effect of stress on laterality in dogs by using two different motor laterality tests: the Kong™ Test and a Food-Reaching Test (FRT). Motor laterality of chronically stressed (n = 28) and emotionally/physically healthy dogs (n = 32) were determined in two different environments, i.e., a home environment and a stressful open field test (OFT) environment. Physiological parameters including salivary cortisol, respiratory rate, and heart rate were measured for each dog, under both conditions. Cortisol results showed that acute stress induction by OFT was successful. A shift towards ambilaterality was detected in dogs after acute stress. Results also showed a significantly lower absolute laterality index in the chronically stressed dogs. Moreover, the direction of the first paw used in FRT was a good predictor of the general paw preference of an animal. Overall, these results provide evidence that both acute and chronic stress exposure can change behavioral asymmetries in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sevim Isparta
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Begum Saral
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nevra Keskin Yılmaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Adıay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hiroshi Matsui
- Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Gülşen Töre-Yargın
- Department of Industrial Design, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Saad Adam Musa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Durmus Atilgan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Öztürk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bengi Cinar Kul
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - C Etkin Şafak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- ICAN Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Boone G, Romaniuk AC, Barnard S, Shreyer T, Croney C. The Effect of Early Neurological Stimulation on Puppy Welfare in Commercial Breeding Kennels. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010071. [PMID: 36611681 PMCID: PMC9818019 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout their lives, dogs may experience various stressful events. Early neurological stimulation (ENS), which was shown to alter stress responses beneficially in some animals, has not been fully explored in dogs. Seventy-six small-breed puppies from one commercial breeding kennel were divided into three treatment groups: ENS, held, and control. Puppies in the ENS group received 30 s of handling exercises for 21 days after birth; puppies in the held group were simply held for the same amount of time. Puppies in the control group were managed as per normal breeder practices (i.e., routine husbandry and physical health checks). Physical health was assessed weekly, and puppies were generally healthy and clean. Behavioral responses to stranger approach and isolation tests were evaluated pre- and post-ground-transportation to a distributor. Puppies were more affiliative toward a stranger post-isolation than pre-isolation (p < 0.001), and post-transport than pre-transport (p < 0.001). At the distributor, puppies in the isolation test spent less time in exploratory locomotion (p < 0.001) and vocalized more than at the breeder’s kennel (p = 0.011). Treatment did not affect these results. Overall, the results suggest that the type of ENS used in this study may not provide the purported benefits to puppies’ stress responses in commercial breeding populations.
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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. Preliminary validation of a novel tool to assess dog welfare: The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:940017. [PMID: 36187841 PMCID: PMC9523688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.940017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare monitoring is a vital part of veterinary medicine and can be challenging due to a range of factors that contribute to the perception of welfare. Tools can be used, however; there are few validated and objective methods available for veterinary and animal welfare professionals to assess and monitor the welfare of dogs over their lifetime. This study aimed to adapt a framework previously validated for other species, The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), for dogs and to host the tool on an accessible, easy to use online platform. Development of the AWAG for dogs involved using the scientific literature to decide which factors were relevant to score welfare in dogs and to also write the factor descriptors. The primary tool was trialed with veterinary professionals to refine and improve the AWAG. Content validity was assessed by subject matter experts by rating the validity of the factors for assessing dog welfare using the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave). Construct validity was evaluated by users of the tool scoring healthy and sick dogs, as well as healthy dogs undergoing neutering procedures. Mann Whitney tests demonstrate that the tool can differentiate between healthy and sick dogs, and healthy and healthy dogs post elective surgery. Test re-test reliability was tested by users conducting multiple assessments on individual dogs under non-changing conditions. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by two users scoring an individual dog at the same time in veterinary referral practice. Repeated measures ANOVA for test re-test and inter-rater reliability both show no statistical difference between scores and that the scores are highly correlated. This study provides evidence that the AWAG for dogs has good content and construct validity, alongside good test re-test and inter-rater reliability.
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Berteselli GV, Messori S, Arena L, Smith L, Dalla Villa P, de Massis F. Using a Delphi method to estimate the relevance of indicators for the assessment of shelter dog welfare. Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.3.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The European regulatory framework lacks standardisation as regards the minimum requirements for shelter facilities, making defining welfare standards for dogs challenging. Dog (Canis familiaris) welfare assessments should consist of a comprehensive set of measurements that allow
the calculation of an overall 'welfare score.' The Shelter Quality protocol was developed for the purpose of assessing shelter dog welfare. The study aims to establish a standardised system for evaluating shelter dog welfare by obtaining agreement from experts on the weighting of different
measures contributing to an overall welfare score. The Delphi technique is a widely used method for establishing consensus among experts. Two Delphi procedures were implemented and we compared their effectiveness in achieving expert consensus by evaluating rounds' numbers required to reach
consensus and the response and attrition rates. Expert consensus was achieved in Delphi 1 when the standard deviation in the expert weightings was ≤ 5. This was achieved easily for the welfare score weightings of the four principles: 'Good feeding', 'Good housing', 'Good Health', and 'Appropriate
behaviour.' Animal-based measures were found to reach consensus more quickly than resource-based measures. In Delphi 2, we used the coefficient of variation to determine consensus. No statistical differences were found between the two Delphi methods for attrition rate, response rate or number
of participants. Continuing rounds until a consensus is reached is recommended as this method balances time and participant fatigue. A standardised scoring system is provided, using a single overall score of welfare that can be used to compare welfare standards between shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- GV Berteselli
- Departiment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - S Messori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise 'G Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - L Arena
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise 'G Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - L Smith
- aculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - P Dalla Villa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise 'G Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - F de Massis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise 'G Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Tekin K, İnanç ME, Özen D, Cil B, Olğaç KT, Yılmaz B, Taşdemir U, Tuncer PB, Büyükleblebici S, Daşkın A, Uysal O, Stelletta C. Use of Infrared Thermography during Ejaculation Process and Its Link with Semen Quality and Freezability in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113023. [PMID: 34827755 PMCID: PMC8614508 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Scientific attention to infrared technology has grown over the last decade. Remote and non-invasive monitoring techniques are of great importance in discovering ejaculation response and future trends because of their role in vascular flux regulation. However, detailed information about its use in andrology has yet to be fully explained. Therefore, we aimed to reveal information about the amount of sperm to be obtained by observing stress levels with non-invasive eye temperature measurement, and the relationship between various reproductive temperature patterns and parameters of the animal’s various physiological conditions such as age, body condition, total ejaculation time and testicular volume. Abstract This study aimed to describe the thermal variation of external reproductive tracts during ejaculation in relation to sperm quality in dogs. Forty-six adult fertile dogs were monitored using a thermal camera before, during and after the semen collection, taking into account penile and scrotal temperatures as reproductive thermal patterns while eye and perianal temperatures were recorded as complementary thermal patterns of behavioral response. The parameters were classified depending on age (≤4 years and >4 years), body weight (BW) (≤75 kg and >75 kg), sperm concentration (CON) (≤300 million and >300 million), total testicular volume (TTV) (≤600 cm3 and >600 cm3) and total ejaculation time (TET) (≤800 s and >800 s) of the animals from which semen was collected successfully. Heavier males (p < 0.05) that have more consistent testicles (p < 0.01) as well as quicker ejaculate responders (p < 0.001) and lower scrotal temperature had better semen (Δ motility) freezability. The lower eye temperature prior to the ejaculation (p < 0.01), lower scrotal temperature following ejaculation (p < 0.01), and conversely, higher penile temperature during the ejaculation (p < 0.001) had a higher sperm concentration. Furthermore, the sperm freezability was negatively correlated with total ejaculation time (r = −0.39, p < 0.05) and sperm abnormalities were lower in the ejaculate of dogs having a higher temperature of the scrotum, bulbus and penis. In conclusion, infrared monitoring throughout semen collection in dogs can provide information on behavioral reactions during human manipulation, as well as semen quality and testicular functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Tekin
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Muhammed Enes İnanç
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Turkey;
| | - Doğukan Özen
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06560, Turkey;
| | - Beste Cil
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Kemal Tuna Olğaç
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Burak Yılmaz
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Umut Taşdemir
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray 68100, Turkey;
| | - Pürhan Barbaros Tuncer
- Technical Sciences Vocational School, Mersin University, Mersin 33110, Turkey; (P.B.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Serhat Büyükleblebici
- Technical Sciences Vocational School, Mersin University, Mersin 33110, Turkey; (P.B.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Ali Daşkın
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Ongun Uysal
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
| | - Calogero Stelletta
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 68100, Turkey; (K.T.); (B.C.); (K.T.O.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (O.U.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Saeki K, Kutara K, Iwata E, Miyabe M, Shimizu Y, Wada Y, Ohnishi A, Matsuda A, Miyama TS, Asanuma T. Noninvasive Thermographic Photographing as an Assessment of the State of Discomfort in a Dog Receiving Radiation Therapy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092496. [PMID: 34573462 PMCID: PMC8467807 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In humans, radiation induces dilation of the capillaries and inflammatory reactions, which raise skin temperature; and thermography is used to detect abnormalities after radiation therapy. However, in the field of veterinary nursing, there are no reports objectively evaluating the condition of dogs after radiation therapy using thermography. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the nasal irradiation temperature, behavioral changes, and post-irradiation pain scores in a dog receiving radiation therapy for intranasal tumors. There were no differences in behavior before and after irradiation, and pain scores were low, but the nasal planum temperature increased significantly after irradiation. Since there are individual differences in stress-related behaviors, such as pain and discomfort, assessing a dog’s pain using only subjective assessment methods, such as appearance and behavioral evaluation, is limited. In this study, we used thermography to understand changes in conditions that could not be detected by routine monitoring alone. This method is non-invasive, objective, and indispensable for proposing appropriate care. Abstract In humans, radiation induces dilation of capillaries and inflammatory reactions to raise skin temperature. Thermography is used to detect abnormalities after radiation therapy (RT). However, in veterinary nursing, objective evaluation of the condition of dogs after RT using thermography has not been reported. We investigated the nasal irradiation temperature, behavioral changes, and post-irradiation pain scores in a dog receiving RT for intranasal tumors. The temperature of the nasal planum gradually increased after irradiation, reaching a significantly higher value at 120–240 min. The highest temperature was 42.3 °C and the average temperature increased by 4.4 °C. Behavioral analysis pre- and post-RT did not vary significantly. Post-RT pain levels evaluated by the pain scale ranged from 0 to 1 throughout. No veterinary treatment was provided. In humans, increased skin temperature after radiation causes psychological stress, i.e., pain and discomfort, but no such behavioral changes were observed in this case. Given individual differences in stress-related behaviors, such as pain and discomfort, assessing a dog’s painfulness using only subjective methods, such as appearance and behavioral evaluation, is limited. We used thermography to assess changes in conditions not detectable by routine monitoring alone. This method is non-invasive, objective, and indispensable for providing appropriate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Saeki
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Kenji Kutara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Eri Iwata
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Masahiro Miyabe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Yuki Shimizu
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (Y.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yuko Wada
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (Y.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Akihiro Ohnishi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Akira Matsuda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Takako Shimokawa Miyama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
| | - Taketoshi Asanuma
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8555, Japan; (K.S.); (K.K.); (M.M.); (A.O.); (A.M.); (T.S.M.); (T.A.)
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Nogueira LB, Palme R, Mendonça-Furtado O. Give Them a Toy or Increase Time out of Kennel at Lawn Areas: What Is the Influence of These Interventions on Police Dogs' Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082264. [PMID: 34438722 PMCID: PMC8388378 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Poor environments such as kennels can lead to compromised welfare, as they usually lack many kinds of stimuli. Working dogs are not only kept in kennels, but they are also often housed without any kind of environmental enrichment, allegedly due to motivational reasons, which is conducive to all kinds of behavioural issues. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of two interventions, a toy and going out to a lawn area, on a group of police dogs. Behavioural and physiological data were used to evaluate the animals’ responses to treatments. We identified a large variety of behavioural profiles amongst the animals that presented different levels of stereotypies, which is an abnormal behaviour pattern that can be associated with stress. A tendency to a reduction in these behaviours in high-stereotyping individuals was observed after dogs were able to go to the lawn area, indicating beneficial effects of this intervention. The physiological data indicated that the cumulative effect of interventions can also have a beneficial impact and that environmental enrichment plays an important role in kennelled police dogs’ welfare. Abstract This work was aimed at identifying the effectiveness of two interventions applied to a group of eight kennelled police dogs. Interventions consisted of access to a lawn area (350 m2) and “toy” (a 30 cm jute rag roll, hanging from the kennel ceiling), both available for 15 min a day, for four days in a row. We collected behavioural data and faecal samples for cortisol metabolites evaluation before, during and after interventions. Faecal cortisol metabolites levels were significantly reduced (Friedman, X2(3) = 12.450; p = 0.006) during the second round of intervention, regardless of the type of intervention, indicating that the interventions can have a beneficial cumulative effect. Regarding the frequency of stereotyped behaviour, cluster analysis identified two groups of individuals: (1) high-stereotyping individuals (n = 3) that had a tendency to reduce stereotyping behaviours in the lawn intervention when compared to toy intervention (Friedman, X2(3) = 2.530; p = 0.068), and (2) low-stereotyping animals (n = 5) that did not present significant behavioural changes during the experiment. The variety of behavioural and endocrine parameters evaluated highlights the need to account for the individual in behaviour and welfare research. Overall, our results suggest that even simple environmental enrichment can be an effective method to mitigate behaviour and physiological signs of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Bicudo Nogueira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Olívia Mendonça-Furtado
- Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil;
- National Institute for the Atlantic Forest, Santa Teresa, ES 29650-000, Brazil
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The Influence of Breed, Sex, Origin and Housing Conditions on Undesirable Behaviors in Ancient Dog Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051435. [PMID: 34067911 PMCID: PMC8156398 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Abnormal, repetitive behaviors often pose a problem for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in the ancient dog breeds Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors were analyzed based on the results of a survey involving dog owners. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds. Abstract Abnormal repetitive behaviors often pose problems for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. Ancient dog breeds are intelligent, sociable, active, boisterous and need regular outdoor exercise, but are also independent and reluctant to follow commands. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors in dogs were analyzed based on the results of 897 questionnaires. Breed influenced aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, and excessive vocalization. Aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females than in males. Housing conditions were linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression at mealtime, and excessive vocalization. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds.
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van Houtert EAE, Endenburg N, Rodenburg TB, Vermetten E. Do Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Mount a Cortisol Response in Response to Training? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030650. [PMID: 33804470 PMCID: PMC7998945 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A growing number of people are supported by specialized service dogs. These dogs are highly trained to improve human welfare, yet not much is known about their own welfare. One of the ways in which welfare can be measured is through the expression of stress via the hormone cortisol. In this study, we investigated the level of cortisol in saliva, a measure for physiological stress, in 19 service dogs. We measured cortisol in the dogs’ saliva 15 min after arrival at a training ground, before partaking in a training session for service dogs, after participation in the training session, and after a 45-min free play period. We found no elevated levels of cortisol after the training session. Instead, we found that cortisol had lowered when compared to before the training. Additionally, we found that cortisol was highest 15 min after arriving at the training round and after 45 min of free play. This led to the conclusion that dogs in our study did not seem to have a stress response in response to participation in the training. Abstract Only a few studies have investigated the welfare of animals participating in animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). Most of these studies focus on dogs in therapeutic settings. There are, however, also dogs—service dogs—that are employed to continuously support a single human. Because the welfare of these service dogs is important for the sustainability of their role, the aim of this study was to investigate their stress response to service dog training sessions. To do this, we took repeated salivary cortisol samples from dogs who participated in a training session (n = 19). Samples were taken just after arrival at the training ground, before training, after training, and after a period of free play. Our results showed that mean cortisol levels in all samples were relatively low (between 1.55 ± 1.10 and 2.73 ± 1.47 nmol/L) compared to similar studies. Analysis further showed that samples taken before and after participation in the training’s session did not differ from one another. Mean cortisol levels in both situations were additionally lower than those upon arrival at the training site and after a period of free play. This led to the conclusion that the dogs in our study did not seem to experience training as stressful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmy A. E. van Houtert
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.E.); (T.B.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nienke Endenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.E.); (T.B.R.)
| | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.E.); (T.B.R.)
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands;
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, 1112 XE Diemen, The Netherlands
- Department of MGGZ, Ministry of Defence, 3584 EZ Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Dog Tethering in Slovakia: Legal, Ethical and Behavioral Aspects and Dog Welfare Implications. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030594. [PMID: 33668273 PMCID: PMC7996153 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary On the basis of legislative provisions and the behavioral needs of dogs, the authors describe the potential consequences and negative impacts of the long-term tethering of dogs. Dogs should be kept under conditions that allow them, with respect to their size, temperament, stage of their development, and degree of adaptation, to maintain good health and meet their physiological, ethological, and social needs. Despite the adoption of new legislative provisions, this issue has not yet been resolved and we are still coming across various cases involving cruelty to animals of various character and intensity. The current situation can be changed by adopting legislative regulations that explicitly define the responsibilities of owners/keepers including a ban on the tethering of dogs in order to prevent potential circumvention of the legislative rules. Abstract Long-term tethering of dogs, or their keeping under unsuitable conditions can result in issues related to changes in their behavior as they may not satisfy their basic needs of life. These needs are discussed in this paper, along with cases when dogs unnecessarily have to endure cruelty and pain. The unavoidable tethering of a dog must not cause trauma and must be arranged in a way that it guarantees physical comfort. Failure to meet the basic needs of an animal may result in manifestation of fear and subsequent aggressiveness. Owners of animals are responsible for their life and health, and their obligations include eliminating the possibility of them hurting themselves or other beings. The relevant adopted legislative provisions should provide protection to animals and be enforceable, which currently appears rather difficult. Controlling and observation of the legislative provisions related to the tethering of dogs raises some difficulties for animal protection inspectors. It is necessary to focus on the specificities of keeping conditions of various dog breeds and on their individual features. Based on research and the relevant Slovak legislative provisions, this paper discusses various views on the practice of tethering dogs from the point of view of public safety and the ethical consequences of permanent dog tethering. Data on dog tethering in Slovakia were evaluated based on a survey and Slovak legal rules governing this issue were analyzed along with various views of public safety and the ethical consequences of permanent dog tethering.
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Polgár Z, Blackwell EJ, Rooney NJ. Assessing the welfare of kennelled dogs-A review of animal-based measures. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019; 213:1-13. [PMID: 32287573 PMCID: PMC7126575 DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of dogs are housed in kennels worldwide, yet there are no standard protocols for assessing the welfare of dogs in these environments. Animal science is focusing increasingly on the importance of animal-based measures for determining welfare states, and those measures that have been used with kennelled dogs are reviewed in this paper with particular focus on their validity and practicality. From a physiological standpoint, studies using cortisol, heart rate and heart rate variability, temperature changes, and immune function are discussed. Behavioural measures are also of great relevance when addressing canine welfare, thus studies on fear and anxiety behaviours, abnormal behaviours like stereotypies, as well as responses to strangers and novel objects are reviewed. Finally, a limited number of studies attempting to use cognitive bias and learning ability are also mentioned as cognitive measures. The literature to date provides a strong background for which measures may be useful in determining the welfare of kennelled canines, however more research is needed to further assess the value of using these methods, particularly in regard to the large degree of individual differences that exist between dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Polgár
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J Blackwell
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Rooney
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
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13
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Interobserver agreement and sensitivity to climatic conditions in sheltered dogs' welfare evaluation performed with welfare assessment protocol (Shelter Quality protocol). J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Vitulli V, Zanin L, Trentini R, Lucidi P. Anthrozoology in Action: Performing Cognitive Training Paths in a Garden Shelter to Make Dogs More Suitable as Pets. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 23:29-40. [PMID: 30475066 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1550722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The overpopulation of shelters and the increase of homeless dogs have become serious problems in many countries. One contributor to the number of both sheltered and homeless dogs is the abandonment and relinquishment of pet dogs by their owners for different reasons - in many cases depending on dogs' undesirable or problematic behaviors. Luckily, the behavioral characteristics of a dog are, to some extent, modifiable parameters. The aim of this study was to train the dogs housed in a garden shelter in Italy to become suitable as pets by becoming familiar to different tools and situations that they could encounter in a domestic setting through a customized educational path based on social and environmental enrichment. Shelters can hardly afford the expenses for administering training to dogs. The problem could be overcome by engaging the best graduating students attending referenced training schools, whose mission is to train professionals with high theoretical and practical skills. Shelters' administrators should choose referenced schools only, that teach positive training methods respectful of animals and that support the human-animal bond.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Zanin
- Freelance, Code in Libertà ASD, Guardialfiera (CB), Italy
| | - Roberto Trentini
- National Reference Centre for Veterinary Urban Hygiene and Non-Epidemic Emergencies (IUVENE), IZS Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Pia Lucidi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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15
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An exploratory study about the association between serum serotonin concentrations and canine-human social interactions in shelter dogs (Canis familiaris). J Vet Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Qualitative Behaviour Assessment of dogs in the shelter and home environment and relationship with quantitative behaviour assessment and physiological responses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Burman OHP. Can Sleep and Resting Behaviours Be Used as Indicators of Welfare in Shelter Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163620. [PMID: 27732667 PMCID: PMC5061428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research on humans and animals suggests that the analysis of sleep patterns may reliably inform us about welfare status, but little research of this kind has been carried out for non-human animals in an applied context. This study explored the use of sleep and resting behaviour as indicators of welfare by describing the activity patterns of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) housed in rescue shelters, and comparing their sleep patterns to other behavioural and cognitive measures of welfare. Sleep and activity patterns were observed over five non-consecutive days in a population of 15 dogs. Subsequently, the characteristics of sleep and resting behaviour were described and the impact of activity on patterns of sleep and resting behaviour analysed. Shelter dogs slept for 2.8% of the day, 14.3% less than previously reported and experienced less sleep fragmentation at night (32 sleep bouts). There were no statistically significant relationships between behaviours exhibited during the day and sleep behaviour. A higher proportion of daytime resting behaviour was significantly associated with a positive judgement bias, less repetitive behaviour and increased time spent coded as ‘relaxed’ across days by shelter staff. These results suggest that, in the context of a busy shelter environment, the ability to rest more during the day could be a sign of improved welfare. Considering the non-linear relationship between sleep and welfare in humans, the relationship between sleep and behavioural indicators of welfare, including judgement bias, in shelter dogs may be more complex than this study could detect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Owczarczak-Garstecka
- Institute for Risk and Uncertainty, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- School of Life Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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18
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Protopopova A. Effects of sheltering on physiology, immune function, behavior, and the welfare of dogs. Physiol Behav 2016; 159:95-103. [PMID: 26996275 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 4 million dogs live in animal shelters each year. However, understanding and measuring the welfare of these kenneled dogs presents a challenge. One way to determine welfare is by assessing how stay at the shelter influences physiology, immune function, and behavior of the dogs. Prior research, from all of these domains, has not resulted in clear conclusions on how the animal shelter influences the well-being of dogs. One robust finding is that, when placed into a kennel environment, dogs experience a spike in cortisol levels followed by a decrease to original at-home levels. Current evidence cannot differentiate between several proposed hypotheses that may be responsible for this pattern. In addition, very few studies have assessed the effects of kenneling on immune function of dogs, and of these, no consistent findings have emerged. However, this line of inquiry can have a large impact as infectious diseases are rampant in animal shelters. The ability of behavioral measures to inform us about the welfare of dogs is discussed by reviewing published and new data on the effects of kenneling on dog behavior. Prior research has suffered from a lack of consistent operational definitions when defining abnormal behavior in dogs, resulting in difficult to interpret results. Research on the well-being of individual dogs, rather than on group averages, may be a fruitful next step in determining and improving the welfare of dogs housed in shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Protopopova
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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19
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Barnard S, Pedernera C, Candeloro L, Ferri N, Velarde A, Dalla Villa P. Development of a new welfare assessment protocol for practical application in long-term dog shelters. Vet Rec 2015; 178:18. [PMID: 26612859 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In many European shelters, dogs may spend many years confined. A poor environment and inappropriate management may lead to a low quality of life. The absence of harmonised European regulatory frameworks defining the minimum requirements for shelter facilities makes the definition of welfare standards for kennelled dogs challenging. Here, a new protocol was developed and tested to help identify the main welfare issues for shelter dogs. Twenty-six indicators were identified including management, resource and animal based measures. Accuracy and interobserver reliability were checked between four assessors. The protocol was applied in 29 shelters (n=1308 dogs) in six European countries. Overall prevalence of poor health conditions was below 10%. Test-retest reliability and validity of the protocol were investigated with encouraging results. A logistic regression was carried out to assess the potential of the protocol as a tool to identify welfare hazards in shelter environments. Inappropriate space allowance, for example, was found to be a risk factor potentially affecting the animal's cleanliness, skin condition and body condition. The protocol was designed to be concise and easy to implement. Systematic data collection could help identify welfare problems that are likely to arise in certain shelter designs and thus determine improvement in animal care standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Barnard
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - C Pedernera
- Animal Welfare Subprogram, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries, Veïnat de Sies s/n, Monells, Girona E17121, Spain
| | - L Candeloro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - N Ferri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - A Velarde
- Animal Welfare Subprogram, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries, Veïnat de Sies s/n, Monells, Girona E17121, Spain
| | - P Dalla Villa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
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21
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Travain T, Colombo ES, Heinzl E, Bellucci D, Prato Previde E, Valsecchi P. Hot dogs: Thermography in the assessment of stress in dogs (Canis familiaris)—A pilot study. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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22
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Hecht J, Spicer Rice E. Citizen science: a new direction in canine behavior research. Behav Processes 2014; 110:125-32. [PMID: 25444773 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Researchers increasingly rely on members of the public to contribute to scientific projects-from collecting or identifying, to analyzing and disseminating data. The "citizen science" model proves useful to many thematically distinctive fields, like ornithology, astronomy, and phenology. The recent formalization of citizen science projects addresses technical issues related to volunteer participation--like data quality--so that citizen scientists can make longstanding, meaningful contributions to scientific projects. Since the late 1990s, canine science research has relied with greater frequency on the participation of the general public, particularly dog owners. These researchers do not typically consider the methods and technical issues that those conducting citizen science projects embrace and continue to investigate. As more canine science studies rely on public input, an in-depth knowledge of the benefits and challenges of citizen science can help produce relevant, high-quality data while increasing the general public's understanding of canine behavior and cognition as well as the scientific process. We examine the benefits and challenges of current citizen science models in an effort to enhance canine citizen science project preparation, execution, and dissemination. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Canine Behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hecht
- Julie Hecht, Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Eleanor Spicer Rice
- Eleanor Spicer Rice, Verdant Word, 304 Brooks Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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