8 Health Factors that can Affect Behaviour

Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often have queries regarding health and it’s relation to behaviour. The vast majority of reputable behavioural professionals will refer you to a vet and or nutrition specialist such as us in the event of behavioural issues. With strong links between nutrition, health and behaviour, your pet’s diet and wellness regime is important to take into consideration when battling a behavioural issue, or preventing them. Read on to find out how health and nutrition affects behaviour.

Microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of various good and bad bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These pathogens can be split into the ‘good guys’ (good bacteria), and ‘bad guys’ (the rest!), however in a healthy gut microbiome, the good guys outweigh the bad guys, which keeps potential disease at bay. When the balance of microorganisms in the gut is off, the bad guys take over and disease occurs, as well as behavioural problems.

The gut is directly linked to behaviour via the gut-brain axis. This is a pathway, which is one of a series of pathways/axis linking parts of the body to the gut, which connects the gut and the brain. If gut health is poor, brain health is poor. A dog with behavioural issues such as anxiety can display gut issues such as diarrhoea. These are the common gut health problems which contribute to behavioural difficulties:

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) happens when the small intestine has too much bad bacteria from the large intestine, which overtakes the good bacteria. This poor balance in the microbiome plays a part in disruption of the endocrine system and can impact the production of neurotransmitters, often leading to anxiety, aggression and the inability to settle.

Dysbiosis is different to SIBO, and is a total imbalance in gut microbes, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. This total imbalance of the gut can be caused through diet, antibiotic usage, stress (a direct link through the gut-brain axis) and other common lifestyle practices. Similarly to those with SIBO, this imbalance causes neurotransmitter disruption such as Serotonin and GABA, as well as increased inflammation throughout the body, and reduced immune system function. Dysbiosis can cause physical discomfort in the gut too which links to behavioural issues which we will discuss later in this blog. Anxiety, mood changes and aggression are commonly seen in dogs with dysbiosis.

Serotonin and Gaba Disruption contributes to many behavioural issues. These hormones are important neurotransmitters. GABA reduces neuronal excitability which has calming effects on the dog when facing a fight-or-flight situation. Serotonin plays a part in mood regulation, circadian rhythm, digestive capabilities and also wound healing. Dogs suffering imbalances in the gut microbiome will often face GABA and Serotonin disruption, leading to various behavioural difficulties including anxiety, low mood, and difficulties regulating a sleep pattern.

Leaky Gut often occurs as a result of a diet high in lectin, the use of pest control medications, vaccinations and other drugs. Leaky Gut is when small channels appear between the cells in the gut wall, which enables pathogens and food particles to leak from the gut. Oftentimes, those with leaky gut experience food intolerances as the body recognises leaked particles as foreign bodies, initiating a histamine response. As microbiota from the gut also leaks, the gut microbiome is affected, which in turn affects behaviour.

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Genetic Mutations

Behavioural issues can very much be linked back to your pet’s lineage. A great way to look at this concept, is by looking at a working dog’s ‘job’. Generations of border collie partaking in shepherding work for example, or dachshunds going down rabbit holes on their walks; these are behaviours passed on through genetics. Undesirable behaviours can also pass on through generations via genetics.

While behaviours are often passed on genetically, even in those bred without a history of behavioural issues, offspring may have genetically derived behavioural issues due to single gene mutations which affect nervous system and brain development. These dogs typically display anxiety, low mood and aggression. Owners of those affected by genetic mutations should focus on correct socialisation, invest in professional help (learn how to find your ideal trainers here!)  and exposure to negative experiences should be limited.

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Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency

Some behavioural problems can be associated with certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When it comes to vitamin deficiencies, the most common vitamin deficiency seen in those with behavioural problems is the B vitamins. The main B vitamins in question when looking at behaviour, are B1, B6 and B12; these play crucial roles in neurotransmitter production, and also contribute to brain health. Due to a reduction in neurotransmitter production, a negative change in mood, increased anxiety, and increased general irritability can often be as a result of low B vitamins.

Vitamin D is heavily involved in the health of neurotransmitter pathways; so naturally without a healthy pathway for neurotransmitters to travel, behavioural issues can occur. This vitamin can also have an effect on behaviour due to a deficiency causing muscle weakness and bone pain which consequently causes general restlessness and often a depressive state.

When looking at mineral deficiencies, there are three standout minerals commonly seen in those with behavioural issues; zinc, magnesium, and iron. Both zinc and magnesium deficiencies present behaviourally as general restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as behavioural concerns as a result of skin problems often seen in dogs lacking these minerals. Zinc is essential for the balance of neurotransmitters, and all around brain function. Magnesium is involved in neurotransmitter regulation. Iron can cause dogs to become lethargic and display associated behaviours.

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Protein Deficiency

There are two key nutrients involved in the link between behaviour and protein deficiency; Tryptophan and Tyrosine. These are both essential Amino Acids that are sought through the protein component of the diet. In those lacking enough protein, or that have poor quality protein in their diet, tryptophan and tyrosine supplies will be low.

But how are these important amino acids linked to behaviour? Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin which is ultimately responsible for mood regulation. A lack of tyrosine has been known to be associated with owner-targeted aggression.

Feeding a high quality diet with a good amount of protein ensures your dog gets plenty of essential amino acids. We always advocate a fresh diet here at My Pet Nutritionist, whether that’s raw or cooked! You can find our cooked recipe selection here.


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Omega 3 Deficiency

Omega 3 fatty acids are a very important part of the diet. Our carnivorous pets’ meat based diet is naturally high in omega 6 fatty acids, which are inflammatory in the body. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which help balance out inflammation in the body. Having plenty of omega 3 in the diet is essential for the healthy functioning of so many things, one being the brain. If there is inflammation on or around the brain, it cannot function correctly.

Two types of omega 3 are especially beneficial for brain health; DHA and EPA. Not only do these nutrients reduce inflammation and improve brain health, but they also act as neurotransmitters which in turn affects behaviour. Their role as neurotransmitters is to regulate dopamine and serotonin which are both responsible for mood and calmness.

DHA is actually an important component of a brain cell, which means that a deficiency of it can lead to poor brain function.

Behavioural symptoms often displayed in those lacking in omega 3 include aggression, low mood, increased irritability, increased cognitive decline, and anxiety.

To find out more about sources of omega 3, read our blog here.

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Pain

Pain is one of the biggest silent causes of behavioural change. Many owners and even some trainers overlook the need for a full veterinary examination at the first change of behaviour. When a pet displays negative changes to their behaviour, a full vet check is absolutely essential! we need to rule out underlying illness, and pain.

Pain can affect both physical and emotional behaviour in dogs. Emotionally, pain can increase anxiety and reactivity (often due to increase irritability and the fear of being hurt by the other dog or human). Pain can also cause a withdrawal where the pet decides to take him or herself to a quiet area away from other pets and humans, or the pet may become more ‘clingy’ and wish to be with their owner constantly, looking for comfort.

Physically, you may spot some other behavioural changes such as excessive licking in areas of pain, reluctance to move in a normal capacity or play with peers or toys, a change in gait due to favouring a less painful area, or an altered posture in an attempt to gain relief from pain. A pet in pain may also lose their appetite, experience sleep disruption, and appear to forget basic training like toilet training.

As their guardians, we need to remember our pets can’t talk, so they communicate in other ways. Behavioural changes and body language are their way of communicating, and we must listen to these patterns, and act on it as soon as we can!

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Inflammation

Inflammation in the body can contribute to behavioural changes in pets, and us too! Inflammation is often a sign of trauma in the body, whether its an acute illness, chronic or underlying illness, specialised of generalised pain.

Inflammation in any part of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord etc) will cause a reduction in brain function, which in turn causes behavioural changes. Inflammation elsewhere in the body could suggest disease or pain, which both culminate in a pain response and subsequent changes to behaviour.

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Disease

Much like pain, disease can also cause noticeable behavioural differences. When we are unwell, we often become lethargic or more irritable, and we may seek the comfort of our loved ones; this is no different for our pets! When they are experiencing disease within the body, their behaviour is often the first tell tale sign. Disease anywhere in the body can almost always be attributed to pain, inflammation and altered brain function.

Typically, there are three main reasons disease will contribute to behavioural changes:

• Pain: conditions like arthritis, periodontal disease, and cancer can often lead to aggression, excessive licking and general irritability.
• Neurological: conditions like brain tumours, epilepsy, and canine cognitive dysfunction often presents behaviourally as confusion, disorientation and changes to the circadian rhythm.
• Endocrine: conditions such as hormonal imbalance, hypo/hyperthyroid, and other diseases affecting hormones including systemic illness and infection often result in fear behaviours, reduced responsiveness and reactivity.

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In conclusion, if your dog has behavioural issues, it is well worth looking into the 8 health factors discussed in this blog post! A full pain analysis and veterinary check up is very important before embarking on any training venture – a good behaviour professional will want to see the whole picture to be able to provide the best help possible for your individual pet. Book in with one of our team if you feel your pet’s diet and lifestyle could benefit from some changes with a view to better behaviour.



Team MPN x