Cortisol Level And Behavioral Response To Exercise In Dogs Kenneled In A Humane Society: Model For Stress Relief

Stress causes a major effect on several systems of the body, including cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems. Behavioral signs also reflect stressful condition. Exercise and a good social network are believed to lower stress. We used dogs kenneled in a humane society as a model to study the effect of exercise and socialization on stress‐related symptoms. We measured behavioral signs of stress including but not limited to scratching, distress whining and exaggerated grooming Research shows a relationship between stress and elevated cortisol levels. We measured salivary cortisol as a biochemical measure of stress. Dogs were allowed to acclimatize to shelter conditions. The experiment was conducted over four days with 40 dogs. The experimental group consisting of 20 dogs, were allowed to play and socialize for 30 minutes, whereas control dogs stayed in their kennels. Salivary cortisol and behavioral indices were measured before and after exercise play session. Dogs that played and had social contact showed less stressful behaviors as well as lower cortisol levels. Our studies suggest that physical activity and social contact alleviates stress.