Questions tagged [autonomic nervous system]
How does a fearful dog's breathing pattern change?
Category: Posture
A fearful dog's breathing pattern can change significantly due to the physiological and emotional responses triggered by fear. When a dog experiences fear, its body enters a state of heightened arousal, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response is governed by the autonomic n...
Why do some dogs drool excessively when they are nervous?
Category: Facial Expressions
Excessive drooling in dogs, particularly when they are nervous, is a common physiological response that can be attributed to several factors. Understanding why this happens requires a look at both the biological mechanisms involved and the emotional triggers that cause this reaction. 1. Biological ...
What does it mean when a dog raises its hackles?
Category: Communication and Body Language
When a dog raises its hackles, it is a physical response that involves the involuntary erection of the hair along the dog's back, neck, and sometimes tail. This phenomenon is scientifically referred to as piloerection, which is similar to what humans experience as "goosebumps." The hackles are the s...
What does a dog's raised hackles indicate?
Category: Communication
A dog's raised hackles, also known as piloerection, is a physiological response where the hair along the dog's back, neck, and sometimes tail stands up. This reaction is caused by the contraction of tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle, which is triggered by the autonomic nervous system. W...
Why do some dogs drool excessively when nervous?
Category: Facial Expressions
Excessive drooling in dogs, particularly when they are nervous, is a common behavior that can be attributed to a combination of physiological and psychological factors. Understanding why this happens requires a look into the dog's autonomic nervous system, emotional responses, and individual differe...
How do service dogs assist individuals with dysautonomia?
Category: Working and Service Dogs
Service dogs play a vital role in assisting individuals with dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, irregular heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and fatigue. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that...
What does a dog’s raised hackles indicate?
Category: Communication
A dog’s raised hackles, also known as piloerection, is a physiological response where the hair along the dog’s back, neck, and sometimes tail stands up. This reaction is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which means it is involuntary and not something the dog consciously controls. Rais...