Researchers from the University of Ghent have identified distinct brain patterns in anxious dogs that align with what is seen in people who experience anxiety disorders. The findings were reported in PLOS One and add to the growing evidence that canine anxiety shares neurobiological features with human anxiety.
Human anxiety disorders vary widely but are commonly marked by heightened fear, emotional sensitivity, and negative expectations about the future. In dogs, anxiety presents as fearfulness, restlessness, and occasional agitation. In the study, scientists examined brain activity in two groups of dogs—those considered healthy and those exhibiting higher anxiety—using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Across the data, significant differences emerged between anxious and calm dogs. Importantly, the magnitude of these brain differences tended to correlate with the severity of anxious behaviors. In many cases, anxious dogs showed increased activity in brain regions tied to fear processing, suggesting that their neural circuits are tuned to perceive potential threats more readily. Dog owners observed more frequent fearful responses to strangers and unfamiliar dogs in animals with these neural patterns, consistent with the imaging results. [Source: University of Ghent study via PLOS One]
Another key observation was that anxious dogs demonstrated weaker functional connections between brain regions responsible for learning and information processing. This disrupted connectivity could help explain why some anxious pets show slower learning or less flexibility in adapting to new situations, as reported by owners and veterinarians. The pattern echoes findings in human anxiety research, where information processing and cognitive control can be affected by similar neural networks. [Source: University of Ghent study via PLOS One]
The researchers caution that the sample size was not large or diverse enough to generalize the results to all dogs. Nevertheless, the study provides robust evidence of measurable neural differences associated with anxiety in canines. This work lays a foundation for developing more effective interventions, including behavioral strategies and targeted therapies, to help dogs that struggle with anxiety. Ongoing work is expected to expand on these findings, exploring how environmental factors, training approaches, and medications may influence brain networks in anxious dogs. [Source: University of Ghent study via PLOS One]