Understanding Prolonged Reactions in Dogs: The Threat That Persists

Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety and stress in response to perceived threats. When faced with a persistent perceived threat, such as a person entering the house and staying for an extended period, a dog’s anxiety reaction may follow a specific pattern over time. This handout aims to shed light on why this occurs and the associated hormonal responses.

The Anxiety Cycle:

• Initial Intensity:
  • Behavioral Response: The dog’s initial reaction to a perceived threat is often intense. This may include barking, pacing, or displaying other signs of distress.
  • Hormonal Response: The body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the dog for a potential threat.
• Brief Calmness:
  • Behavioral Response: After the initial intensity, there may be a brief period of calmness. The dog may assess the situation and, if the threat doesn’t escalate, start to relax.
  • Hormonal Response: Stress hormone levels start to decrease during this period of relative calm.

• Recurrent Intensity:
  • Behavioral Response: As the perceived threat persists, the dog may cycle through repeated episodes of intense reactions, each time potentially decreasing in intensity but with shorter intervals of calmness.
  • Hormonal Response: Hormone levels may experience fluctuations, with a rise during intense reactions and a partial decline during calm periods.

• Decreasing Intensity and Duration:
  • Behavioral Response: Over time, the dog may become somewhat habituated to the presence of the person, resulting in less intense reactions, over a shorter time period.
  • Hormonal Response: The body may still release stress hormones, but in decreasing amounts as the dog adapts to the ongoing situation.

Adaptation or Shutdown:

• • Behavioral Response: The dog may eventually adapt to the constant threat, showing minimal reactions or, in extreme cases, may shut down and withdraw from the situation.
  • Hormonal Response: Prolonged exposure to stress may lead to a state of chronic elevation of stress hormones, contributing to exhaustion and emotional withdrawal.

Understanding Hormonal Responses:

• Cortisol:
  • Role: Released in response to stress, cortisol prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response.
  • Impact: Prolonged elevated levels can contribute to anxiety and other health issues.

• Adrenaline:
  • Role: Provides a rapid energy boost in response to perceived threats.
  • Impact: Frequent releases can contribute to heightened arousal and a persistent state of alertness.

• Serotonin:
  • Role: Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a role in mood regulation.
  • Impact: Chronic stress can lead to imbalances in serotonin levels, affecting the dog’s overall emotional state.