Post by Adrianne on Dec 11, 2013 9:27:40 GMT
Dogs don't all start off in life on a level playing field when it comes to stress..
a mother suffering from extreme anxiety puts her unborn offspring at high risk of being anxious and fearful, even as an adult. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol produced by the mother result in fewer cortisol receptor cells in the pup. This low number of receptor cells means that the pup's brain is unable to perceive and respond to high levels of cortisol in his own body until the system is overloaded with it. Then the brain goes on red alert, sending the emotions into full panic mode, even in situations that would be only mildly stressful for an average individual.
''A permanently raised level of cortisol in the blood weakens the immune system. Further consequences are diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach ulcers and chronic diarrhea, it can damage the adrenal gland, alterations to the cardiovascular and circulatory system such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and others can result from long term stress.''
a mother suffering from extreme anxiety puts her unborn offspring at high risk of being anxious and fearful, even as an adult. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol produced by the mother result in fewer cortisol receptor cells in the pup. This low number of receptor cells means that the pup's brain is unable to perceive and respond to high levels of cortisol in his own body until the system is overloaded with it. Then the brain goes on red alert, sending the emotions into full panic mode, even in situations that would be only mildly stressful for an average individual.
''A permanently raised level of cortisol in the blood weakens the immune system. Further consequences are diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach ulcers and chronic diarrhea, it can damage the adrenal gland, alterations to the cardiovascular and circulatory system such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and others can result from long term stress.''