Is it more stressful for dogs to be examined on a table versus the floor–A randomized crossover study

Abstract

Studies have stated that dogs are more stressed undergoing a physical examination on a table. Although it is recommended to examine dogs on the floor to minimize stress, it has yet to be empirically explored whether dogs experience less stress when on the floor compared to the examination table. The aim of this study was to assess the stress levels of family-owned dogs (Canis familiaris) (N=37) when examined on a table compared to the floor. We also assessed whether the dogs’ previous hospital experience affected their stress levels. The dogs underwent a standardized physical examination on the floor or table and were examined again on the opposite surface after a two-week washout period. Body stress scores and physiological parameters indicative of stress were recorded during the examinations. Two veterinary behavior specialists, blinded to the purpose of the study, assessed the body language of each dog during the examination. Physiological and behavioral data were analyzed using mixed regression models and ANOVAs. The results showed no significant difference in body language, heart rate and respiratory rate, but the temperature of male dogs was significantly higher when examined on the table than on the floor (p = 0.005). Contrary to dogs that had already been hospitalized, dogs that had never been hospitalized previously had a higher temperature when examined on the examination table than on the floor (p = 0.015). We concluded that no major differences were detected in response to being examined on the table versus the floor, suggesting that the location of the examination may not significantly impact dogs' stress levels as previously thought.