Stress Test – Cortisol 

Cortisol 

Cortisol – Dogs & Cats

Testing Cortisol can help identify, IF your pet is stressed and HOW stressed your pet is. Cortisol is a steroid hormone (glucocorticoid) that is produced in response to physical or psychological challenges. It is a driver of the “flight, flight or freeze” response. There are some breeds that may have higher cortisol levels than others. Pets who have had traumatic or stressful histories also often have increased anxiety and higher cortisol levels. 

Cortisol has been studied in relation to temperament and emotional reactivity. Pets with lower cortisol had more inhibitory control.  Domestic pets have been shown to have lower plasma and fecal cortisol, than stray animals. A  decrease in cortisol shows a decrease in the “fight, flight or freeze” response. Nervousness is a short-term stress reaction while anxiety is more chronic and pervasive, and disrupts a pet’s everyday life, resulting in anxious behaviors.  A low cortisol can mean that your pet is not stressed and has adapted well to their lifestyle. Ideally it is best to collect a baseline level and follow over time. Lifestyle support, along with targeted supplements have been shown to decrease anxiety, stress and cortisol levels. 

Dogs:

• High: >7.5 – Indicates an increased long-term stress response and should be seen by a veterinarian professional.
• Borderline: 6.0-7.5 – Identifies some stress, but it is less severe, or the pet has better coping mechanisms.
• Normal: <6.0 Low levels are a normal result, indicating manageable overall stress levels. 

Cats:

• High: > 7.85 µg/g – Indicates an increased long-term stress response and should be seen by a veterinarian professional.
• Borderline: 4.0-7.85 µg/g – Identifies some stress, but it is less severe, or the pet has better coping mechanisms.
• Normal: < 4.0 µg/g – Low levels are a normal result, indicating manageable overall stress levels.