Revista de salud animal y ciencias del comportamiento

Impact of Auditory and Olfactory Enhancement on Heart Rate Variability in Shelter Dogs

Abstract

Mike Helshen

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a valuable indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and overall well-being in dogs, particularly those in shelter environments. The stress experienced by shelter dogs can have significant negative impacts on their physical and emotional health, making it crucial to explore interventions that can alleviate this stress. This article examines the impact of auditory and olfactory enhancement on HRV in shelter dogs. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of recent studies, we aim to understand how sensory enrichment, specifically auditory and olfactory stimuli, can influence HRV and thereby improve the well-being of shelter dogs. Our findings suggest that both auditory and olfactory enhancements can positively affect HRV, indicating reduced stress levels and improved welfare.