Comparison of serum trace elements and antioxidant levels in terrier dogs with or without behavior problems

The aim of the present study was to investigate the amounts of serum trace elements (copper, iron and zinc) and antioxidants (malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and thiol group) in terrier dogs with six common behavior problems, namely, excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, destructiveness, aggression towards people, and aggression towards dogs. Information was collected from successfully completed questionnaires and two groups of dogs were selected: control group (dogs without any behavior problem, n = 14) and test group (dogs with at least one common behavior problem, n = 16). Serum total antioxidant capacity and zinc concentration in terrier dogs with behavior problem was significantly lesser than those in the control dogs (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for malondialdehyde, thiol group, copper and iron concentration between the two groups. The present study showed different amounts of serum antioxidants and zinc in terrier dogs with behavior problems compared to the healthy dogs. This finding support the hypothesis that improved zinc and antioxidant status with food supplements may favor the prevention and resolution of behavioral problems in dogs.