Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Rosemary Strasser

Abstract

Previous research suggests dogs with adverse life experiences (e.g., abuse, neglect) have altered HPA-axis activity and attachment styles. Although research on stress biomarkers in dogs has primarily focused on the HPA-axis and cortisol, human research suggests the sympathoadrenal medullary (SAM) pathway is also altered by acute stress and associated with changes in salivary α-amylase. Though α-amylase has been identified in canine saliva, it has yet to be studied as a biomarker for acute stress. Furthermore, limited research exists on the influence of life adversity on dogs’ attachment styles. This study investigated salivary α-amylase as a biomarker of acute stress in dogs and its relationship with previous life adversity. The relationship between early life adversity and attachment styles was also investigated. It was hypothesized that salivary α-amylase would increase following an acute psychosocial stressor and be greater in dogs with a history of adversity. It was also hypothesized that dogs with adverse histories would be more likely to display insecure attachment styles. Dog-owner dyads took part in a modified Situation Task (SST), and saliva was collected three times and assayed for α-amylase and cortisol. Interactions with owners during the SST were video-recoded, and attachment styles were categorized as secure or insecure. Owners completed questionnaires on their dog’s life history, personality, behaviors, and perceived levels of attachment. Results revealed that α-amylase significantly decreased over the study, but there was no significant difference by life history. Meanwhile, salivary cortisol concentrations did not change and did not differ by life history. However, dogs with a history of adversity were marginally more likely to have insecure attachment styles. Although the directionality of α-amylase changes was opposite to what was hypothesized, the presence of a change over time suggests that α-amylase responds to the environment and supports further investigation into the SAM-pathway stress response and α-amylase in dogs. This study contributes to understanding the canine stress response and long-term effects of early life adversity.

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