Changes of Serum Cortisol and Vital Signs by Clipper Grooming in Companion Dogs

Abstract

The present study purposed to investigate the degree of stress on companion dogs after grooming service. For this purpose, we analyzed the effect of skin service on changes in the concentration of serum cortisol, the body weight, body temperature, heart rate and skin lesions, and obtained results as follows. Compared to the control group or the ordinary grooming group, the stress grooming group showed high concentration of serum cortisol, and their recovery was slow but they were recovered to the normal state in 24 hours. Body temperature increased in the ordinary grooming group and the stress grooming group compared to the control group. Body temperature after 4 hours from grooming service was lower than that just after the service, and the temperature before the grooming service was restored in 24 hours from the grooming service. The results of this experiment showed that grooming service to pet dogs causes stress and increases the rise of body temperature, heart rate and the concentration of serum cortisol. However, these symptoms disappeared within 24 hours from the experiment, and skin inflammation was observed in a dog but not serious.