Baseline and postprandial concentrations of cortisol and ghrelin in companion dogs with chronic stress-related behavioural problems: A preliminary study

Abstract Ghrelin has been proposed as an essential element regulating the stress response in both humans and rodents. The aim of this work was to study the relation between cortisol and ghrelin in companion dogs showing chronic stress-related behaviour problems and the effect of the administration of high energy palatable food on these hormones. Baseline and post-prandial serum concentrations of both hormones were analyzed in a group of stressed companion dogs (n = 16) showing social conflict-related aggression (SCA, n = 10) or separation anxiety (SA, n = 6), and in a group of non-stressed control companion dogs (n = 16). Significant differences ( p