Anxious dogs have measurable brain differences that are similar to ours.

Dog ownership entails a great deal of furry company, tail wags, chasing balls, and plenty of unconditional affection. However, some dog owners are also dealing with canine companions who are suffering from mental disease.

A new PLOS One research examined brain scans of anxious and non-anxious dogs and correlated them with behavior.

The researchers at Ghent University in Belgium discovered that our anxious canine companions not only have measurable differences in their brains that are linked to their anxiety, but that these differences are also comparable to those found in humans with anxiety disorders.

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Anxious friends

Human anxiety disorders are diverse and can be classified into several major kinds. They are characterized by elevated amounts of fear, emotional sensitivity, and negative expectations. Because of how varied and complicated anxiety is, these disorders can be difficult to live with and sometimes difficult to treat.

Anxiety research in animals can help us understand what causes it and better treatment for both humans and animals. The new research aimed to investigate possible brain pathways associated with anxiety in dogs. Understanding this could improve anxiety therapy in veterinary medicine while also revealing similarities to what we know about human anxiety.

Dogs with and without anxiety were selected for brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Dogs have previously participated in awake fMRI studies, but for this one, with dogs who are readily stressed, the dogs were sedated.

Dog owners also completed questionnaires on their pets' behavior. The researchers analyzed data and modeled brain function, concentrating on regions of the brain that were likely to exhibit differences related to anxiety. The team dubbed these brain regions the "anxiety circuit" based on earlier research on animal and human anxiety.

They then investigated whether there were differences in brain function between anxious and non-anxious dogs, and whether those differences were linked to anxious behaviors.

Different brains

There were substantial differences between anxious and non-anxious dogs, according to the researchers. The major differences were in the "anxiety circuit's" communication pathways and connection strength. These differences were also associated with better survey ratings for specific behaviors.

Anxious dogs, for example, had especially efficient amygdalas (a region of the brain associated with fear processing), indicating a great deal of experience with fear. (This is similar to findings from human studies.) Owners of anxious dogs reported greater fear of unfamiliar persons and dogs in behavior surveys.

The researchers also discovered less efficient connections between two areas of the brain essential for learning and information processing in anxious dogs. This could explain why the owners of the anxious dogs in the research reported that their dog was less trainable.

A challenging period

Our knowledge of brains, which are exquisitely complex biological computers, is far from complete. As a result, this research should be interpreted with caution.

The sample size was insufficient to reflect the entire canine population, and the manner in which the dogs were raised, housed, and cared for could have had an impact. They were also not awake during the scans, which may have influenced some of the findings.

The research does, however, demonstrate strong evidence for measurable differences in the way anxious and non-anxious dog brains are wired. This study cannot tell us whether changes in the brain triggered the anxiety or vice versa, but anxiety in dogs is undeniably real.

It's in our best friend's best interests to recognize that they may be impacted by a brain that processes everything around them differently than "normal" dogs. This may make learning to alter their behavior difficult, and they may be excessively fearful or easily aroused.

Fortunately, these signs are treatable with medication. This type of research could lead to more precise drug administration in anxious dogs, allowing them to live happier and more balanced lives.

If you suspect your canine is anxious, you should consult a veterinarian who specializes in behavior.

America's top professional dog trainer reveal how you can QUICKLY eliminate any behavioral problem… no matter how badly you think it's ingrained… no matter what kind of dog you have. (Click Here To Watch The FULL GUIDE)