Behavioural Suppression and Autonomic Stress Responses in Dogs During Routine Grooming Procedures

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Main Authors: Hart, Dean Stuart, Hart, Sara Jane
Format: Recurso digital
Language:English
Published: Zenodo 2026
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author Hart, Dean Stuart
Hart, Sara Jane
author_facet Hart, Dean Stuart
Hart, Sara Jane
contents <p>This study examines autonomic and behavioural stress responses in dogs during routine grooming, using heart rate variability (RMSSD) and structured behavioural indicators (CASRI, GSI). Across seven grooming phases, drying, restraint, and nail trimming produced the strongest sympathetic activation and the highest frequencies of behavioural suppression, including freezing, gaze aversion, and reduced sequencing. Dogs with trauma histories, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds showed lower RMSSD values and slower recovery, indicating reduced regulatory resilience. Findings highlight that passive stillness may mask underlying distress and support the integration of physiological and behavioural measures to inform more welfare‑led grooming practices.</p>
format Recurso digital
id zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_19652807
institution Zenodo
language eng
publishDate 2026
publisher Zenodo
record_format zenodo
spellingShingle Behavioural Suppression and Autonomic Stress Responses in Dogs During Routine Grooming Procedures
Hart, Dean Stuart
Hart, Sara Jane
heart rate variability
RMSSD
canine stress
behavioural suppression
autonomic regulation
dog groomiing
animal welfare science
animal welfare assessment
trauma history
sensory stressors
dog grooming stress
autonomic stress in dogs
grooming restraint stress
dog welfare assessment
dog behaviour assessment
canine behaviour assessment
senior dogs stress responses
trauma history in dogs
brachycephalic breed stress
<p>This study examines autonomic and behavioural stress responses in dogs during routine grooming, using heart rate variability (RMSSD) and structured behavioural indicators (CASRI, GSI). Across seven grooming phases, drying, restraint, and nail trimming produced the strongest sympathetic activation and the highest frequencies of behavioural suppression, including freezing, gaze aversion, and reduced sequencing. Dogs with trauma histories, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds showed lower RMSSD values and slower recovery, indicating reduced regulatory resilience. Findings highlight that passive stillness may mask underlying distress and support the integration of physiological and behavioural measures to inform more welfare‑led grooming practices.</p>
title Behavioural Suppression and Autonomic Stress Responses in Dogs During Routine Grooming Procedures
topic heart rate variability
RMSSD
canine stress
behavioural suppression
autonomic regulation
dog groomiing
animal welfare science
animal welfare assessment
trauma history
sensory stressors
dog grooming stress
autonomic stress in dogs
grooming restraint stress
dog welfare assessment
dog behaviour assessment
canine behaviour assessment
senior dogs stress responses
trauma history in dogs
brachycephalic breed stress
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19652807