Adolescence in Dogs - What's going on?

Originally Published on the website Animal Behaviour Kent.

Adolescence is a distinct phase of development that has been identified in many mammals, and as many dog owners know, it can be a tough time for both the dog and their owner. Characterised by increased risk taking, increased social interaction, and increased emotional responsiveness the adolescent period is often considered an important time for animal’s to become more independent of their caregiver. The exact timing of adolescence can vary between dogs; however, most dogs reach social maturity at some point between 12 and 24 months of age (Harvey, 2021). 

On an evolutionary level, this increased independence would make sense as it would be smart for offspring to push away from their parents as this would allow them to leave the family group and spread their genes further (and prevent inbreeding). 

Adolescence is also distinct from puberty. Puberty is the period of sexual maturation triggered primarily by hormonal changes. In male dogs this occurs between 6 and 9 months of age, and in female dogs this occurs between 6 and 16 months (Harvey, 2021). However, adolescence still occurs in neutered dogs despite the absence of sexual hormones indicating these are very much separate processes.  

We also know that the relationship owners have with their dog impacts their dog’s behaviour during adolescence. Asher et al. (2020) that dogs that had insecure attachments to their owners were more likely to ignore cues during adolescence than dogs with secure attachments. Similarly, they also identified that dogs with insecure attachments reached puberty more quickly than securely attached dogs. 

How can we support our dogs during adolescence?

Given what we know about the importance of the relationship between dogs and their owners for responsiveness during adolescence, building a strong attachment with your dog during puppyhood is key. This can be done by being sensitive to your puppy’s needs especially if they are distressed, avoiding aversive training methods, and by introducing your puppy to lots of positive experiences.

It is also important to consider that adolescent dogs are likely to be far less tolerant of frustration. Galvan et al. (2006) identified that in the face of getting a less-than-expected reward, the levels of activity in a reward centre of the brain called the nucleus accumbens drop below normal levels, meaning it can actually have a punishing effect. This is not something experienced by adults and children.

This may explain why adolescent dogs are so susceptible to frustration-based problems when they are not allowed to play with a dog they have seen in the park, or if they do not get as long playing as they expect, or if someone tries to take away their food (don’t try it)! To manage this, we may be better off setting up our adolescent dogs for disappointment free situations, perhaps planning activity times and locations more carefully. Similarly, if social play is highly rewarding for your adolescent dog, rather than preventing it, you may be able to use it to reward a behaviour you want such as recall, if you have other dogs, you can walk socially with.  

We are also challenged further by the maturity of the striatum, a brain region strongly linked to a number of emotional systems including pathways involving reward and fear (Casey & Jones, 2010). This is paired with the immaturity of another brain region, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) which is involved in more “logical” thinking and the regulation of emotional response pathways (Casey & Jones, 2010). This means, that adolescents experience strong emotions without always having the brain capacity to regulate them.

This has a number of effects. Firstly, adolescents take much longer to recover from a stressful experience than adults and it takes more energy for them to control their emotions. This means they need more recovery time after stressful experiences and more relaxation breaks during the day to avoid becoming stressed. 

Secondly, this particularly seems to affect the social cognition of adolescents. With Orobio de Castro et al. (2002) suggesting that children were more likely to judge other’s intentions as hostile during early childhood and early adolescence. This may go a long way to explaining the seemingly sporadic “fear periods” often identified in dogs and is again something we can manage by setting up carefully monitored social opportunities with regular friends during these periods to prevent incidents. 

Clearly, there is much more to learn about adolescence in dogs. However, with the tips above, we hope that you find navigating this difficult period a bit easier!

By Daniel Shaw CDBC

Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Originally published: August 23, 2021

Article Borrowed from Veterinary Teaching Hospital website

As temperatures climb during the summer months, conditions can become ripe in waterways to produce toxic blue-green algae – or cyanobacterial – blooms that can be deadly to pets, with animals often dying within 15-20 minutes after exposure.

Animals can be exposed to blue-green algae and its toxins by simply contacting any affected water body, including ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, or even residential decorative ponds and neglected swimming pools.

What are blue-green algae?

Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms that live in fresh bodies of water that usually multiply and bloom when water is warm, stagnant, and rich in nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from sources such as fertilizer runoff.

The toxins that cyanobacteria produce come in four types and can be very deadly. The toxins can specifically affect the liver, the kidneys and liver together, the nervous system, or the skin.

How do I know if water is contaminated with blue-green algae?

It is impossible to tell whether a given body of water has a toxic bloom currently without sophisticated testing. During warmer months, it is best to assume all surface waters are potentially contaminated.

Sometimes, blooms will present as thick, gooey, green slime on and in surface waters and eddies of running waters. Blooms can also be red or brown.

Often, concentrations will occur in just one part of a waterway.

Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals around a water source may indicate the presence of blue-green algae.

What are the symptoms for an animal exposed to blue-green algae?

Signs of poisoning usually occur within 15-20 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms can include:

• Skin rashes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
• Weakness
• Pale mucous membranes
• Jaundice
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Shock
• Difficulty breathing

What should I do if I think my pet may have been exposed?

Immediately contact your vet or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.

The time from exposure to death can be mere minutes to hours without aggressive and experienced veterinary intervention.

How can I protect my pet from blue-green algae?

To reduce the chance of your pet being exposed to blue-green algae:

• A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out!
• Don’t let animals swim or drink where there is noticeable algae in the water or scum on the shore.
• If pets swam in water that could have harmful algae, rinse them off with fresh water immediately. Don’t let them lick their fur.
• If your pet experiences any symptoms after exposure to algae, contact your veterinarian immediately.

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.

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