Unleashing Calm: Tackling Stress in Dogs

 How Long-Term Stress Affects Dogs: A Comprehensive Overview 

Understanding that stress impacts not only humans but also our canine companions is crucial for responsible pet ownership. Chronic stress in dogs can manifest in various physical and behavioural symptoms, which can have significant health implications. 

 Symptoms of Long-Term Stress in Dogs 

Long-term stress can present itself through a range of physical symptoms in dogs, including hair loss, thinning fur, gastrointestinal issues, and even respiratory and cardiac problems. Chronic diarrhoea, characterized by persistent diarrhoea lasting more than two weeks or intermittent episodes over an extended period, is a notable sign (Batchelor and Hall, 2024). Dogs suffering from chronic diarrhoea may also exhibit dull, thin fur, weight loss, and increased water intake. 

 The Brain-Gut Axis 

The brain-gut axis (BGA) refers to the complex communication network between the brain and the gut, involving various nervous systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Stress disrupts this communication, leading to dysregulation of the gut. When dogs experience stress, their bodies enter fight, flight, or freeze states, driven by increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol. This response deactivates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for "rest and digest" functions and activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). 

 Impact on Gastrointestinal Health 

Under stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing factor, which prompts the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels adversely affect neuropeptides that protect the gastric mucosa, alter gastric secretion, aid in mucosal regeneration, and affect blood flow within the mucosa (Konturek, Brzozowski, and Konturek, 2011). Increased gut permeability due to stress allows toxins and other harmful substances to penetrate the gut lining, exacerbating inflammation and further increasing permeability. 

 Hair Loss and Stress 

High cortisol levels are also linked to hair loss and thinning. Hair growth occurs in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (degeneration), and telogen (rest). Cortisol inhibits the GAS6 gene, which plays a crucial role in hair growth and retention (Choi et al., 2021). Consequently, stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding and hair thinning. 

Managing Stress in Dogs 

Recognizing the signs of stress in dogs and addressing the underlying causes is essential for their well-being. Consulting a veterinarian can help identify specific stressors and provide strategies to alleviate stress, promoting a healthier and happier life for your pet. By understanding and mitigating the effects of stress, we can ensure our dogs remain healthy, both mentally and physically. 

References 

Batchelor, D. and Hall, E. (2024) ‘Diarrhea: overview’. In: Vetlexicon canis, vetstream ltd. UK 

Choi, S., et al. (2021) ‘Corticosterone inhibits GAS6 to govern hair follicle stem-cell quiescence’ in Nature 592, pp. 428-432 

Konturek, P., Brzozowski, T. and Konturek, S., (2011) ‘Stress and the gut: Pathophysiology, clinical consequence, diagnostic approach and treatment options’, Journal of physiology and pharmacology,J physiol and pharmacol, 62(6) pp. 591-9