Stress in dogs leads to premature graying hair, according to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science. And the amount of gray hair is determined through the levels of anxiety and impulsivity exhibited by dogs.
Based on the observation that American presidents experience premature graying hair due to stress on the job, a group of experts were intrigued to perform a similar research on dogs.
Research
Camille King and Thomas Smith from Northern Illinois University, renowned author and scientist Temple Grandin, and animal behaviorist Peter Borchelt, examined 400 dogs in dog parks, dog shows, veterinary clinics, and other venues across the front range of Colorado. Dog behavior questionnaires were administered to the respective dog owners, and dog pictures taken on-site were rated on the extent of muzzle grayness by independent raters.
Results
Dogs between one to four years of age who were reported by their owners to exhibit severe symptoms of anxiety and impulsivity manifested extensive gray muzzles compared to their laid-back dog peers. In addition, female dogs showed higher levels of grayness than male dogs.
However, dog size, medical condition, and neuter or spay status, did not predict with significance the extent of muzzle grayness.
Discussion
According to Smith, who provided methodological and statistical expertise, the results after analysis are striking. Grandin considers the study to be original and unique, with implications on dog welfare.
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