Cortisol And How It Affects Your Dog

Many of us in the dog behavior industry are familiar with cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. While it’s true that cortisol plays a role in stress responses, it's also vital for helping animals meet everyday environmental demands. For example, cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning, helping dogs transition from rest to active states like foraging and exploring (Kalsbeek et al., 2012).

Circadian Cortisol Secretion Pattern (Jones & Gwenin, 2021).

Short-term increases in cortisol also boost cognitive functions such as focus, memory, and even the ability to suppress fear (Nakataki et al., 2017). So, while elevated cortisol can indicate stress, it’s not always a sign of a negative emotional state—it can also reflect the body's preparation to overcome challenges. However, prolonged increases in cortisol can negatively impact a dog’s mental and physical well-being. We all know how detrimental chronic stress is. Cortisol is a good stress indicator for dogs and is often used when measuring the welfare of a dog (Haverbeke et al., 2008).

Interestingly, research shows that animals (including dogs) with a history of psychological trauma often have lower-than-normal cortisol levels and a less responsive HPA axis, the system that triggers cortisol release (Yehuda et al., 2002). This doesn’t mean they aren't stressed. In fact, dogs with trauma often struggle to handle even minor stressors. Their reduced cortisol response limits their ability to adapt to challenges, which can lead to avoidance behaviors and difficulty fulfilling their natural needs.

The good news is that with the right support, these dogs can regain balance and learn to better cope with stressors. Through targeted behavior modification and training, it's possible to help them lead happier, more resilient lives.

This understanding can guide us in developing effective strategies to support dogs who have experienced trauma, helping them thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

References:

Haverbeke, A., Diederich, C., Depiereux, E., & Giffroy, J. M. (2008). Cortisol and behavioral responses of working dogs to environmental challenges. Physiology & behavior, 93(1-2), 59-67.

Jones, C., & Gwenin, C. (2021). Cortisol level dysregulation and its prevalence—Is it nature's alarm clock?. Physiological reports, 8(24), e14644.

Kalsbeek, A., Van der Spek, R., Lei, J., Endert, E., Buijs, R. M., & Fliers, E. (2012). Circadian rhythms in the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 349(1), 20-29.

Nakataki, M., Soravia, L. M., Schwab, S., Horn, H., Dierks, T., Strik, W., & Morishima, Y. (2017). Glucocorticoid administration improves aberrant fear-processing networks in spider phobia. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(2), 485-494.

Yehuda, R. (2002). Current status of cortisol findings in post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatric Clinics, 25(2), 341-368.