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Schroers M, Goossens J, Zablotski Y, Meyer-Lindenberg A. Fur Cortisol in French Bulldogs with Different Manifestations of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1060. [PMID: 38612298 PMCID: PMC11011149 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, 33 French bulldogs with varying degrees of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) were evaluated for various parameters to provide evidence of chronic stress in the dogs. For this purpose, an owner interview, a clinical examination, and cortisol concentrations in the fur of the dogs were collected. The median cortisol concentration in the fur of the dogs suffering from BOAS (n = 19) was 0.99 pg/mg (range 0.63-66.18), while that of the control group (n = 14) was 1.13 pg/mg (range 0.3-43.45). However, the statistical analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference; therefore, it is not possible to distinguish between dogs clinically affected with BOAS and those without clinically relevant signs of the disease. There was no statistically significant difference between the age of the animals and the fur cortisol. None of the owners in the examination and control groups indicated that their dog was suffering from chronic stress which shows that the disease is easily underestimated and remains common. Thus, a thorough clinical examination by an experienced veterinarian remains the gold standard in order to diagnose BOAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Schroers
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Berg P, Mappes T, Kujala MV. Olfaction in the canine cognitive and emotional processes: From behavioral and neural viewpoints to measurement possibilities. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105527. [PMID: 38160722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) have excellent olfactory processing capabilities that are utilized widely in human society e.g., working with customs, police, and army; their scent detection is also used in guarding, hunting, mold-sniffing, searching for missing people or animals, and facilitating the life of the disabled. Sniffing and searching for odors is a natural, species-typical behavior and essential for the dog's welfare. While taking advantage of this canine ability widely, we understand its foundations and implications quite poorly. We can improve animal welfare by better understanding their olfactory world. In this review, we outline the olfactory processing of dogs in the nervous system, summarize the current knowledge of scent detection and differentiation; the effect of odors on the dogs' cognitive and emotional processes and the dog-human bond; and consider the methodological advancements that could be developed further to aid in our understanding of the canine world of odors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Berg
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, FI-40014, Finland; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, FI-40014, Finland,.
| | - Tapio Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Miiamaaria V Kujala
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, FI-40014, Finland,; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 57, FI-00014, Finland; Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
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3
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Kujala MV, Imponen N, Pirkkala A, Silfverberg T, Parviainen T, Tiira K, Kiuru N. Modulation of dog-owner relationship and dog social and cognitive behavior by owner temperament and dog breed group. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14739. [PMID: 37679427 PMCID: PMC10484941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As companion dogs spend most of their lives with humans, the human-dog relationship and owner temperament may affect the dog behavior. In this study (n = 440), we investigated the relationship between the dog owner temperament (ATQ-R), owner-perceived dog-owner relationship (MDORS) and the dog behavior in three behavioral tests: the object-choice test, the unsolvable task, and the cylinder test. Dog owner temperament influenced the dog-owner relationship. Owners with high negative affectivity showed higher emotional closeness and perceived costs of their dog, whereas owners with high effortful control showed lower emotional closeness and perceived costs. Higher dog activity during the behavioral tests was also connected with owner-perceived lower emotional closeness. Furthermore, dog breed group modulated the connection between the owner temperament and dog behavior. Owner's high negative affectivity correlated with herding dogs' lower scores in the object choice test, while the behavior of primitive type dogs was unaffected by the owner temperament. Our results confirm that human characteristics are associated with the owner-reported dog-owner relationship, and owner temperament may have a modulatory effect on the dog social and cognitive behavior depending on the dog breed group, which should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miiamaaria V Kujala
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Noora Imponen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Aino Pirkkala
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiia Silfverberg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiina Parviainen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katriina Tiira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- SmartDOG, Pietilänkatu 5, 11130, Riihimäki, Finland
| | - Noona Kiuru
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, PO BOX 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Takagi S, Koyasu H, Hattori M, Nagasawa T, Maejima M, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T, Saito A. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioural Tendencies of Cats and Dogs in Japan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2217. [PMID: 37444015 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental effects stemming from COVID-19 have impacted not only people's lives but also the lives of their pets, which in recent years are often seen as members of the family. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan on pets and their owners. Participants reported changes in physical activity and mental health, as well as working conditions and frequency of interaction with pets, before and after behavioural restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also asked about their pets' behaviours using the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ) and the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). This study showed that most cat and dog owners spent more time at home due to the COVID-19 behavioural restrictions and that the frequency of contact interaction with their pets increased. However, this study showed higher stress-related behaviours (e.g., cats: excessive grooming; dogs: aggression towards owners) among pets whose owners increased contact interaction. Furthermore, owners' low mental health was correlated with high stress-related behaviours (e.g., touch sensitivity) in pets. The results of this study indicate that the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan may have affected not only the lives of owners but also the interaction between owners and their pets, and consequently their pets' behaviours. Therefore, there is also concern that changes in lifestyle patterns caused by pandemics could form a negative feedback loop between the health status of both owners and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saho Takagi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi Business Center Building, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - Hikari Koyasu
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Madoka Hattori
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan
| | - Takumi Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Japan
| | - Michiro Maejima
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Atsuko Saito
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
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Junttila S, Valros A, Mäki K, Väätäjä H, Reunanen E, Tiira K. Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Sci Rep 2022; 12:22529. [PMID: 36581704 PMCID: PMC9800387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26991-5] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The extraordinary genetic and behavioural diversity of dog breeds provides a unique opportunity for investigating the heritability of cognitive traits, such as problem-solving ability, social cognition, inhibitory control, and memory. Previous studies have mainly investigated cognitive differences between breed groups, and information on individual dog breeds is scarce. As a result, findings are often contradictory and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to provide more clarity on between-breed differences of cognitive traits in dogs. We examined the performance of 13 dog breeds (N = 1002 dogs) in a standardized test battery. Significant breed differences were found for understanding of human communicative gestures, following a human's misleading gesture, spatial problem-solving ability in a V-detour task, inhibitory control in a cylinder test, and persistence and human-directed behaviour during an unsolvable task. Breeds also differed significantly in their behaviour towards an unfamiliar person, activity level, and exploration of a novel environment. No significant differences were identified in tasks measuring memory or logical reasoning. Breed differences thus emerged mainly in tasks measuring social cognition, problem-solving, and inhibitory control. Our results suggest that these traits may have come under diversifying artificial selection in different breeds. These results provide a deeper understanding on breed-specific traits in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Junttila
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Valros
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Heli Väätäjä
- grid.448926.50000 0004 4649 1976Digital Solutions, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Jokiväylä 11C, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Elisa Reunanen
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric Languages, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Katriina Tiira
- smartDOG Ltd, 05800 Hyvinkää, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Physiological Indicators of Acute and Chronic Stress in Securely and Insecurely Attached Dogs Undergoing a Strange Situation Procedure (SSP): Preliminary Results. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100519. [PMID: 36288132 PMCID: PMC9610408 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The attachment bond that dogs form towards their owners shares similar features with the bond children form towards their caregivers. Insecurely attached children struggle to find support from their caregivers and therefore to regulate their own emotional response in times of distress. We aimed to investigate whether the quality of dog attachment to the owner may affect their physiological response to stress. We selected ten insecure and ten secure dogs from a sample of individuals who underwent a Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) to assess their attachment pattern towards the owner. The SSP is specifically designed to progressively generate stress. We collected saliva samples before and after the test to measure cortisol concentrations, as an indicator of acute stress, as well as a hair sample to assess chronic stress. We also measured blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature after the completion of the test. The results showed that salivary cortisol concentrations were higher in insecure dogs, particularly after the test. Heart rate also tended to be higher in insecure dogs. No difference in hair cortisol levels were found between secure and insecure dogs. Dogs’ physiological response to acute stress may be affected by the quality of the attachment to the owners. Abstract The quality of the attachment bond towards the caregiver may affect the dog’s physiological responses to stressful stimuli. This study aimed to measure chronic and acute physiological parameters of stress in ten securely and ten insecurely attached dogs. The twenty experimental subjects were selected from a sample of dogs that participated with their owners in the Strange Situation Procedure. Saliva samples were collected before (T0) and after (T1) the test. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured after the test, only. At this time, a hair sample was also collected. RM ANOVA was used to analyse cortisol concentrations between secure and insecure dogs at T0 and T1. Mann–Whitney U test or T test were used for other physiological parameters. Insecure dogs had significant higher salivary cortisol concentrations than secure dogs at T1 (p = 0.024), but only a non-significant trend towards higher cortisol concentrations at T0 (p = 0.099). Post-test heart rate also tended to be higher in insecure compared to secure dogs (p = 0.077). No significant differences in hair cortisol concentration were found. The quality of attachment may affect the dog’s physiological response to acute stress, at least when related to separation from the caregiver. The effect of attachment on chronic stress requires further investigation.
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Jensen CL, Rodriguez KE, MacLean EL, Abdul Wahab AH, Sabbaghi A, O’Haire ME. Characterizing veteran and PTSD service dog teams: Exploring potential mechanisms of symptom change and canine predictors of efficacy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269186. [PMID: 35895599 PMCID: PMC9328544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric service dogs are an emerging complementary intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Initial evidence suggests that partnership with a service dog may be related to less PTSD symptom severity. However, it remains unclear how or why this might occur. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal investigation of 82 post-9/11 military members or veterans and their PTSD service dogs to (1) evaluate service dog characteristics as potential predictors of efficacy, (2) assess dog and human characteristics as potential predictors of veteran-dog bond, and (3) explore potential mechanisms for mental health outcomes. Aim 1 results demonstrated that most service dog characteristics did not predict veterans’ mental health outcomes, but lower service dog excitability was associated with less PTSD symptom severity at follow-up. Aim 2 results showed that closer dog-veteran relationships were associated with less excitable dog temperament. Aim 3 results indicated that worse mental health at follow-up was associated with greater use of the specifically trained PTSD service dog task to initiate a social greeting (“make a friend”), whereas better mental health was related to less use of dominance-based training methods, lower perceived emotional/logistical costs of service dog partnership, and closer veteran-dog relationships. More frequent use of the trained service dog task to signal when someone approaches from behind (cover/watch back) was associated with greater anxiety, but less PTSD symptom severity. Overall, veterans spent an average of 82% of their time with service dogs (assessed via Bluetooth proximity between dog collar and veteran smartphone), and most frequently asked their service dogs to perform the trained task for calming their anxiety (calm/comfort anxiety). The present study provides subjective and objective metrics of the heterogeneity among veteran-service dog dyads while also suggesting which of the assessed metrics might be potential mechanisms involved in the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L. Jensen
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kerri E. Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Human-Animal Bond in Colorado, School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Evan L. MacLean
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ahmad Hakeem Abdul Wahab
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Arman Sabbaghi
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Grigg EK, Liu S, Dempsey DG, Wong K, Bain M, Sollers JJ, Haddock R, Kogan LR, Barnhard JA, Tringali AA, Thigpen AP, Hart LA. Assessing the Relationship Between Emotional States of Dogs and Their Human Handlers, Using Simultaneous Behavioral and Cardiac Measures. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:897287. [PMID: 35898554 PMCID: PMC9310693 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.897287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative stress due to human handling has been reported for a number of domestic animals, including dogs. Many companion dogs display significant stress during routine care in the veterinary clinic, risking injury to staff and potentially compromising the quality of care that these dogs receive. On the other hand, positive interactions with humans can have a beneficial effect on dogs, particularly in stressful situations such as animal shelters. Research has shown that dogs can detect human emotions through visual, auditory, and chemical channels, and that dogs will exhibit emotional contagion, particularly with familiar humans. This study investigated relationships between emotional states of dogs and unfamiliar human handlers, using simultaneous measures of cardiac activity and behavior, during two sessions of three consecutive routine handling sets. Measures of cardiac activity included mean heart rate (HRmean), and two measures of heart rate variability (HRV): the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD); and the high frequency absolute power component of HRV, log transformed (HFlog). We also assessed human handlers' emotional state during handling sessions following an intervention designed to reduce stress, compared with sessions conducted on a different day and following a control activity. Polar H10 cardiac sensors were used to simultaneously record cardiac activity for both canine and human participants, and behavioral data were collected via digital video. The strongest influence on the dogs' stress levels in our study was found to be increasing familiarity with the setting and the handler; HRmean and SI decreased, and HRV (as RMSSD) increased, significantly from the first to the third handling set. Canine HRV (as HFlog) was also highest in set 3, although the difference was not statistically significant. There were no strong patterns found in the human cardiac data across handling set, session, or by pre-handling activity. We did not find consistent support for emotional contagion between the dogs and their handlers in this study, perhaps due to the brief time that the dogs spent with the handlers. Recommendations for application to dog handling, and limitations of our methods, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K. Grigg
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Emma K. Grigg
| | - Serene Liu
- Graduate Group in Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Kylee Wong
- Animal Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Melissa Bain
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John J. Sollers
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rani Haddock
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lori R. Kogan
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Barnhard
- Bergin University of Canine Studies, Penngrove, CA, United States
- Equine Medical Emergency, Critical Care and Neonatology Service, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ashley A. Tringali
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Abigail P. Thigpen
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lynette A. Hart
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Are Hair Cortisol Levels of Humans, Cats, and Dogs from the Same Household Correlated? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111472. [PMID: 35681936 PMCID: PMC9179579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs and cats are animals that have been accompanying humans for many years. There is no doubt that they are emotionally connected with people, although each of them in their own way. The study attempts to assess the emotional relationship between humans, dogs, and cats living in one household on the basis of the correlations between the hair cortisol level. The study involved 25 women who had at least one dog and at least one cat at home. Based on the study conducted, no significant correlation was found between the level of cortisol in the hair of the owners and their pets. There were, however, some interesting differences depending on the degree of emotional connection and the frequency of interactions. Abstract Human–animal interactions and the emotional relationship of the owner with the pet are the subjects of many scientific studies and the constant interest of not only scientists but also pet owners. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the hair cortisol levels of dogs, cats, and their owners living in the same household. The owners were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning the frequency of their interactions with pets and emotional relationship with each of their cats and each of their dogs. The study involved 25 women who owned at least one dog and at least one cat. In total, 45 dogs and 55 cats from 25 households participated in the study. The average level of hair cortisol of the owners was 4.62 ng/mL, of the dogs 0.26 ng/mL, and in the hair of cats 0.45 ng/mL. There was no significant correlation between the hair cortisol level of the owner and dog or the owner and the cat and between dogs and cats living together. A significant positive correlation was observed between the hair cortisol level in the owner and the pet, for dogs in which the owner performs grooming treatments once a week and for cats which are never kissed. Although our study did not find many significant correlations, studies using other stress markers might have yielded different results.
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Somppi S, Törnqvist H, Koskela A, Vehkaoja A, Tiira K, Väätäjä H, Surakka V, Vainio O, Kujala MV. Dog–Owner Relationship, Owner Interpretations and Dog Personality Are Connected with the Emotional Reactivity of Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111338. [PMID: 35681804 PMCID: PMC9179432 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The relationship between owner and the dog affects the dog’s attachment behaviors and stress coping. In turn, the quality of the relationship may affect owner’s interpretations about their dog’s behavior. Here, we assessed dogs’ emotional responses from heart rate variability and behavioral changes during five different situations. Dog owners evaluated the emotion (valence and arousal) of their dog after each situation. We found that both negative and positive incidents provoked signs of emotional arousal in dogs. Owners detected the dog’s arousal especially during fear- and stress-evoking situations. The dog–owner relationship did not affect owners’ interpretation of dogs’ emotion. However, the dog–owner relationship was reflected in the dog’s emotional reactions. Close emotional bond with the owner appeared to decrease the arousal of the dogs. Dog owners’ frequent caregiving of their dog was associated with increased attachment behaviors and heightened arousal of dogs. Owners rated the disadvantages of the dog relationship higher for the dogs that were less owner-oriented and less arousable. Dog’s arousal may provoke dog’s need to seek human attention, which in turn may promote the development of emotional bond. Abstract We evaluated the effect of the dog–owner relationship on dogs’ emotional reactivity, quantified with heart rate variability (HRV), behavioral changes, physical activity and dog owner interpretations. Twenty nine adult dogs encountered five different emotional situations (i.e., stroking, a feeding toy, separation from the owner, reunion with the owner, a sudden appearance of a novel object). The results showed that both negative and positive situations provoked signs of heightened arousal in dogs. During negative situations, owners’ ratings about the heightened emotional arousal correlated with lower HRV, higher physical activity and more behaviors that typically index arousal and fear. The three factors of The Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) were reflected in the dogs’ heart rate variability and behaviors: the Emotional Closeness factor was related to increased HRV (p = 0.009), suggesting this aspect is associated with the secure base effect, and the Shared Activities factor showed a trend toward lower HRV (p = 0.067) along with more owner-directed behaviors reflecting attachment related arousal. In contrast, the Perceived Costs factor was related to higher HRV (p = 0.009) along with less fear and less owner-directed behaviors, which may reflect the dog’s more independent personality. In conclusion, dogs’ emotional reactivity and the dog–owner relationship modulate each other, depending on the aspect of the relationship and dogs’ individual responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanni Somppi
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Heini Törnqvist
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Aija Koskela
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
| | - Antti Vehkaoja
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, P.O. Box 692, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Katriina Tiira
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
| | - Heli Väätäjä
- Research Group for Emotions, Sociality, and Computing, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 100, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland;
- Master School, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Jokiväylä 11 B, FI-96300 Rovaniemi, Finland;
| | - Veikko Surakka
- Master School, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Jokiväylä 11 B, FI-96300 Rovaniemi, Finland;
| | - Outi Vainio
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
| | - Miiamaaria V. Kujala
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (H.T.); (A.K.); (K.T.); (O.V.); (M.V.K.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University School of Science, P.O. Box 12200, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
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11
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van der Laan JE, Vinke CM, Arndt SS. Evaluation of hair cortisol as an indicator of long-term stress responses in dogs in an animal shelter and after subsequent adoption. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5117. [PMID: 35449215 PMCID: PMC9023568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Shelter dogs are exposed to a variety of stressors. Among non-invasive techniques, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is suggested an easy to collect biomarker for giving insight into long-term stress responses. We evaluated HCC as an indicator of long-term cortisol responses in dogs in an animal shelter over different chronological time points during sheltering and after adoption. Hair samples were collected from the neck region following a shave/re-shave protocol of shelter dogs (total n = 52) at four different time periods: T1 intake at shelter (pre-shelter period, n = 51); T2 after 6 weeks in the shelter (n = 23); T3 6 weeks after adoption (n = 24); T4 6 months after adoption (n = 22). HCC at T2 was significantly higher than HCC at T1, T3 and T4 (effect of sample collection moment: F3,41 = 12.78, p < 0.0001). The dog’s weight class, age class, sex, reason for admission, kennel history and melanin type also explained HCC variability. No significant difference in HCC was found between shelter dogs T1 and control pet dogs in their own homes (n = 20, one sample, t = − 1.24, p = 0.219). A significant but moderate positive correlation between HCC and urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios was found (т = 0.3, p < 0.001). As HCC increased in the shelter, the use of this non-invasive parameter appears a useful additional tool in dog welfare research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Elisabeth van der Laan
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Population Health Sciences - Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Claudia Maureen Vinke
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Population Health Sciences - Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Stefanie Arndt
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Population Health Sciences - Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Breed group differences in the unsolvable problem task: herding dogs prefer their owner, while solitary hunting dogs seek stranger proximity. Anim Cogn 2021; 25:597-603. [PMID: 34792653 PMCID: PMC9107394 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01582-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The communicating skills of dogs are well documented and especially their contact-seeking behaviours towards humans. The aim of this study was to use the unsolvable problem paradigm to investigate differences between breed groups in their contact-seeking behaviours towards their owner and a stranger. Twenty-four dogs of ancient breeds, 58 herding dogs, and 17 solitary hunting dogs were included in the study, and their behaviour when presented with an unsolvable problem task (UPT) was recorded for 3 min. All breed groups interacted with the test apparatus the same amount of time, but the herding dogs showed a longer gaze duration towards their owner compared to the other groups and they also preferred to interact with their owner instead of a stranger. Interestingly, the solitary hunting dogs were more in stranger proximity than the other groups, and they also showed a preference to make contact with a stranger instead of their owner. Hence, we found differences in contact-seeking behaviours, reflecting the dog–human relationship, between breed groups that might not only be related to their genetic similarity to wolves, but also due to the specific breeding history of the dogs.
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13
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Riggio G, Piotti P, Diverio S, Borrelli C, Di Iacovo F, Gazzano A, Howell TJ, Pirrone F, Mariti C. The Dog-Owner Relationship: Refinement and Validation of the Italian C/DORS for Dog Owners and Correlation with the LAPS. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082166. [PMID: 34438624 PMCID: PMC8388506 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cat/Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (C/DORS) can be administered to both dog and cat owners. However, the scale as a whole has never been validated on a sample of dog owners. Furthermore, it has never been translated into Italian. The aim of this study was to translate the C/DORS into Italian, modify its response scale in order to improve the degree of response variability, and test its validity and reliability on a sample of dog-owners. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the same three-factor structure (Perceived Emotional Closeness = PEC, Pet-Owner Interactions = POI, Perceived Costs = PC) as the original English version, although some items had to be removed because of low- or cross-loadings. The validity of the construct was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, by the correlations between each of the subscales and the C/DORS total score, and by the correlations with the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Cronbach's α values for each subscale were above acceptable levels. Student owners scored higher on PEC and POI than owners with other occupations. Owners of dogs with behavioural problems scored lower on PEC and higher on PC. Keeping the dog outdoor was associated with lower POI. Finally, pet dog owners scored higher on PEC than AAI dog owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Riggio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (F.D.I.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Silvana Diverio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Carmen Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (F.D.I.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Di Iacovo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (F.D.I.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (F.D.I.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Tiffani Josey Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia;
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (F.D.I.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
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