Published in Veterinary Sciences, this study by Ning Sun, Liuwei Xie, and colleagues addresses an urgent welfare and public safety concern: the rising frequency of dog attacks, many involving children. The researchers conducted an exploratory analysis of working dogs to investigate how gut microbial communities and neurotransmitter profiles differ between aggressive and non-aggressive behavioral phenotypes.
The study identified clear alterations in gut microbiome composition linked to aggression. Dogs characterized by aggressive behavioral profiles showed microbial signatures distinct from those of non-aggressive dogs, suggesting that the gut microbiome may contribute to—or reflect—behavioral dysregulation. These findings support the emerging concept of a gut–brain axis influencing canine emotional and behavioral responses.
A key discovery was the potential role of serotonin (5-HT) as a biomarker. Variations in serum 5-HT aligned with aggression-related behavioral patterns, indicating its promise as a measurable indicator for monitoring, early diagnosis, and preventive intervention. Combined with microbial profiling, serotonin measurements may help identify at-risk dogs before overt aggression develops.
The authors emphasize that these insights could inform management strategies, socialization practices, and public safety protocols, particularly for working dogs operating in high-stakes environments. This integrative physiological–behavioral approach highlights new avenues for understanding and mitigating canine aggression.
Source: Sun, N., Xie, L., & colleagues. (2025). Study on the Correlation Between Aggressive Behavior and Gut Microbiota and Serum Serotonin (5-HT) in Working Dogs. Veterinary Sciences. Published May 28, 2025.
