As emphasized in Wise Woofs curricula, a holistic approach to training can help facilitate successful learning outcomes and foster an understanding between pet and owner. We may attribute issues in training as reflections of our dog’s character or mistakes on our part as instructors. Although these things may factor into how our dogs learn and behave, underlying neurophysiological correlates also influence a dog’s ability to receive and execute instruction by affecting mood regulation. Stable mood patterns are critical to maintaining a productive learning standard, and destabilization can alter not only how our pets learn but how they perceive social cues and their environment.
The main hormone responsible for mood stabilization and contentedness is serotonin. Serotonin affects pain, appetite and sleep. Low levels of this hormone are associated with depression, learning impairment, anxiety, reduced impulse control and aggression in dogs. In a study of 80 canine test subjects, scientists found that blood samples of those subjects deemed aggressive demonstrated lower levels of serotonin compared to those deemed non-aggressive. These findings imply that dogs may not be misbehaving intentionally, but as a result of biological factors beyond their control. As pet parents it is important to recognize other parts of the emotional equation. These behaviors or lack of impulse control may also suggest a larger health issue. It is imperative to notice these signs early on and seek advice from a veterinarian or certified behavioral expert who can make informed decisions about treatment plans.
As discussed, low levels of serotonin can lead to adverse health effects, but high levels can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions. Serotonin syndrome is caused by an overload of serotonin in the body, brought about by inappropriate antidepressant medication usage. This increase can lead to the over-stimulation of serotonin stimulators, which can cause mental changes, neuromuscular abnormalities, and altered body function. The syndrome is excruciating and can occur if the dosage of a medication containing serotonin is too high, if it interacts poorly with certain foods, or is taken with other medications that have negative interactions. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Muscle tremors or muscle rigidity
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Pacing
- Disorientation or confusion
Because serotonin is vitally important to bodily functions, awareness of its effects is an important tool to help dog parents help pups live their best lives. While we can’t see a visual measurement of serotonin, there are indicators that point to an imbalance and a necessity for further investigation and a request for bloodwork to determine if abnormal serotonin levels are a contributor to undesirable life experiences and behaviors for out dogs. In doing this we give ourselves the tools to best help them.
