Indicators of Stress
Definition of the term “stress”
A specific response by the body to a stimulus, that has an negative effect and disturbs or interferes with normal physiological balance of the animal's body.
Low levels of stress are present in everyday activities and a stress response can be a beneficial response (i.e moving away from a dangerous situation) however prolonged exposure to stressors can be detrimental to a dogs health and should be avoided wherever possible.
Some of the signs of stress in a dog can be difficult to detect, while others may appear obvious.
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Displacement activity – any activity which takes place in the wrong context
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Yawning, lip licking, blinking
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Ears back/tail tucked under
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Avoiding eye contact
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Panting
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Pupil dilation
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‘Body shake’
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Sweating paws
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Vocalisation – can range from submissive whines and whimpers to aggressive growls, snarls and barks
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Trembling/shaking
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Coughing/hacking
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Showing hackles
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Closing mouth
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Showing teeth
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Lunging
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Displaced tail
In highly stressful situations, in particular those which are dangerous and the dog feels threatened, a rush of the hormone adrenaline is produced and activates the fight, flight or freeze response. As fighting is a dangerous option, animals who choose this response are generally either confident in their ability to win or are enclosed / restrained and do not have the option to run away. There are some breeds of dog which were historically bred for fighting and therefore have a stronger fight instinct. Due to the rush of adrenaline physiological changes occur; increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, increased muscle tension, heightened senses and piloerection.
Some indicators of stress may occur in situations which are not stressful; dogs may yawn when waking up and may shake off having stood up after a period of rest.
Due to the fact that dogs tend to avoid conflict and stress in order to preserve and protect themselves they have developed a number of calming signals (appeasement gestures) which they carry out to try and diffuse any stressful or aggressive situations.
Appeasement gestures include:
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Yawning
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Lip licking
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Moving slowly
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Moving in an arc away from the source of conflict
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Avoiding eye contact, this can be amplified by turning the whole head
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Shaking off
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Panting
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Urinating
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Blinking
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Lying down
When appeasement gestures fail to work and the source of the stress remains and the dog is unable to move away dogs are often left with no option but to become aggressive. This may start with growling and snarling but can quickly escalate into snapping, lunging and biting. Even a friendly, placid dog can become aggressive in response to prolonged exposure to a stressor.
All dogs are different, something that causes a stress response in one dog may not bother another. A dog’s sensitivity and response to stress may be affected by breed, health status and previous experience.
During grooming, if a dog starts to show indicators of high levels of stress the groom should be halted, the dog allowed some time to recover and, if possible the groom then recommenced.
Factors Affecting Stress
Previous experience
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Dogs which have been abused may have particular triggers which are associated with negative memories and as a result cause a stress response.
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Experiences and objects which are new to a dog may be stressful. Puppies experience a critical period at around 8 -10 weeks where they learn about the world. Anything which they do not experience at this time may provoke a stress / fear response when encountered.
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Dogs may find it stressful being in close proximity to other dogs
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The grooming salon is an unusual environment to dogs – it smells different, it sounds different and there are different people present, all of these things may be difficult for a dog to cope with.
Separation
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Dogs which are particularly attached to their owners or other dogs from the family may suffer anxiety related issues when being separated from them.
Medical history
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Depending on the medical condition present the dog may find it uncomfortable being handled or having prolonged periods of standing.
Stages of oestrus
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The oestrus cycle is the hormonal changes that occur to bring about ovarian (reproductive) cycle. These hormonal changes influence the body and behaviour of the female
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Bitches reach sexual maturity between 6 and 18 months and will come into heat approximately every 6 months
Stage of Cycle
Events
Proestrus
Development of follicles in the ovaries. The vulvla swells and bloody discharge may be apparent. While the bitch may attract the attention of dogs she is not ready for mating.
Proestrus lasts approximately 9 days.
Oestrus
Ovulation occurs and eggs are released and travel down the fallopian tube. Bitch is receptive and ready for mating.
Oestrus lasts approximately 9 days.
Dioestrus
The period of time where the hormone progesterone remains high and the eostrogen levels low. The bitch can not become pregnant.
Dioestrus in non-pregnant bitches lasts up to 90 days but only 65 days in pregnant bitches.
Anoestrus
The dog is not in heat and the body is preparing for the next proestrus.
Anoestrus last approximately 4 months
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As a bitch comes into season she may become restless and begin licking herself.
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When in oestrus and receptive to mating the bitch may whine and want to move away from busy areas.
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Entire males in the presence of bitches in season may become highly focused on the bitch.
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Grooming consideration – it is recommended that bitches which are in season are not brought in from grooming due to the impact it has on male dogs and the changes it can cause in the bitches behaviour.
Breed specifics
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Historically some breeds have been selected for fighting, as a result these breeds may respond more aggressively to stressful situations.
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Some breeds (i.e. Boarder Collie) are naturally more “highly strung” or nervous and hyper aware of their surroundings.
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Breeds such as Bassett Hounds are generally very relaxed and are not phased by stressors.