Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

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.

Evaluating Disease Patterns of Military Working Dogs in the Republic of Korea: A Retrospective Study

“…While most of the living conditions for Korean MWDs are spacious, comfortable, and well-managed, this may not be the case for all units. Previous studies have shown that human interaction and environmental enrichment can reduce stress in dogs living in kennels, such as laboratory dogs, shelter dogs, and working dogs [ 43 , 46 , 47 ]. Maintaining a positive relationship with handlers and improving the kennel environment may help prevent eating behavioral disorders.…”

Validation of the shortened version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) using participants from the Dog Aging Project

“…Five individual questions in the C-BARQ (S) were generated by combining two separate questions in the long questionnaire into a single question. Examples that follow are five individual questions in the C-BARQ (S) with modified words in italics and original words in italics and parentheses: [ 1 ] “Aggressive when approached directly by an unfamiliar person while being walked/exercised on a leash” (one question for adult and one for child in the C-BARQ); [ 2 ] “Aggressive when approached directly by an unfamiliar dog while being walked/exercised on a leash” (one question for male and one for female identifiers placed before “dog” in the C-BARQ); [ 3 ] “Afraid or anxious when approached directly by an unfamiliar person while away from your home” (one question for adult and one for child in the C-BARQ); [ 4 ] “Afraid or anxious when approached directly by an unfamiliar dog” (one question for same or larger size and one for smaller size identifiers placed before “dog” in the C-BARQ); and [ 5 ] “ Barking/whining when left alone for any period of time” (one question for barking and one for whining in the C-BARQ).…”

“…Behavioral profiles of companion animals are often determined via direct observation by researchers, trainers, veterinarians and pet owners [ 1 , 2 ]. However, direct observation of animals like dogs can be complicated by various factors including the presence of a human observer [ 3 ] or restricted environments such as a veterinary setting [ 4 ] or laboratory kennels [ 5 ], which can elicit unintended responses from animals under observation [ 6 ]. Because of these factors, questionnaires, such as the frequently used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), that ask dog owners about their dog’s responses to everyday stimuli or situations are increasingly used to obtain information about the behavior and temperament of pet dogs [ 7 ].…”

Desarrollo y evaluación de mascarillas de oxigenación en 3D diseñadas para caninos en recuperación post quirúrgica

“…Otro aspecto relevante es la reducción del estrés oxidativo, la cirugía y el estrés asociado pueden incrementarlo de forma significativa en el organismo del perro, caracterizado por una producción excesiva de radicales libres que pueden causar daño celular (Fan et al, 2023). Al mantener una adecuada oxigenación, se contribuye a reducirlo promoviendo un equilibrio redox saludable, lo que favorece la recuperación y disminuye el riesgo de complicaciones postoperatorias (Lee et al, 2023).…”