In this study, researchers investigated factors that may contribute to poor welfare among dogs participating in animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). Salivary cortisol was used to measure the stress response associated with activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, and the response of the sympathetic–adrenal–medullary axis was assessed using respiratory rate and heart rate. Dogs (n = 19) were predominantly spayed, with a median age of 6 years. Six different breeds, including crossbreed dogs, were represented in the convenience sample.
Saliva samples were collected, and heart and respiratory rate were monitored both at home and immediately after an AAI session. Handlers filled out an extensive demographic questionnaire about themselves and their dog. All data were analyzed, and the following parameters were found to be significant: heart rate at home and after an AAI session, respiratory rate at home and after an AAI session, and dogs subjected to ≥50 minutes of transportation time.
Although all dogs had heart rates in the normal range (ie, 60-120 bpm) and most dogs had respiratory rates within normal limits (range, 10-30 breaths per minute), dogs with the most elevated heart rates had longer transportation times and participated in AAI in rooms with higher ambient temperatures. Only 4 of the 19 dogs had significantly elevated postsession salivary cortisol levels.