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Physiological And Behavioral Stress-Induced Responses Of Dogs During Veterinary Examinations, Jessica Ellen Vester

Honors Projects

This study investigated whether stress responsiveness in dogs is more significant when the owner is present or absent during a veterinary examination. The study consisted of two experimental groups: "owner absent" and "owner present." Both groups consisted of 25 dogs each, totaling 50 dogs observed. A veterinarian and veterinary assistant recorded the dog's behavioral and physiological stress responses. Each group's behavioral and physiological stress-induced responses were compared using a Fischer Exact test and an Analysis of Covariance. The findings showed that dogs whose owners are present during the veterinary examination display fewer stress responses than dogs whose owners are absent …