In this thought-provoking review, ML Cobb and colleagues call for a paradigm shift in how canine welfare is measured and interpreted. The authors argue that while physiological biomarkers are valuable tools, their application in isolation—particularly the widespread use of cortisol—often fails to capture the full spectrum of dogs’ emotional and physical experiences.
The paper highlights a persistent problem in animal welfare science: construct validity. Many commonly used indicators do not necessarily reflect what they claim to measure. For example, elevated cortisol is typically associated with stress, yet it can also rise during positive arousal, exercise, or excitement, making interpretation highly context-dependent. Cobb et al. emphasize that relying solely on cortisol as an indicator of welfare is scientifically insufficient and can lead to misleading conclusions.
To address these limitations, the authors advocate for a systems-based approach that integrates multiple physiological measures. They recommend exploring alternative or complementary biomarkers such as heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects autonomic nervous system balance, and oxidative stress markers, which provide insight into chronic strain on the body. These indicators, when combined with behavioral and environmental data, could offer a more holistic picture of a dog’s well-being.
The study also underscores the importance of individual variability—factors such as age, sex, breed, and body weight can influence biomarker readings. The authors argue that without accounting for these variables, welfare assessments risk overgeneralization and bias. Moreover, they stress the value of non-invasive collection methods, which minimize additional stress and make welfare monitoring more practical and ethical.
Cobb et al. conclude with a call for greater scientific rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration in canine welfare research. They advocate refining terminology, expanding physiological datasets, and adopting evidence-based approaches to ensure that welfare indicators truly represent dogs’ experiences. Their work not only exposes the shortcomings of traditional welfare metrics but also lays the groundwork for a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of animal well-being.
Source: Cobb, M., Jimenez, A., & Dreschel, N. (2025). Beyond Cortisol! Physiological Indicators of Welfare for Dogs: Deficits, Misunderstandings and Opportunities. Published February 17, 2025.
