In a 2024 study published in Developmental Psychobiology, Samantha L. Awalt and colleagues investigated how early life adversity shapes long-term physiological and behavioral outcomes in domestic dogs. The research examined 47 owner-dog pairs, including individuals rescued from neglectful or abusive backgrounds and matched control dogs with stable early care.
Scientists measured DNA methylation patterns in two key genes: the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), which regulates the stress response, and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which influences social bonding. Dogs with adverse life histories showed distinct NR3C1 methylation changes depending on age, and generally lower OXTR methylation than controls. Notably, higher OXTR methylation was linked to an increased likelihood of insecure attachment styles.
Although there were no group differences in cortisol change from baseline to post-stressor, cortisol variation correlated with NR3C1 methylation, suggesting that genetic modifications may subtly influence stress hormone dynamics. These results highlight that epigenetic changes caused by early deprivation can affect both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the formation of secure relationships with humans.
The findings underscore the importance of early welfare and suggest targeted interventions to promote secure attachment and improve physiological stress regulation in rescued dogs.
Source: Awalt, S. L., Boghean, L., Klinkebiel, D., & Strasser, R. (2024). A dog’s life: Early life histories influence methylation of glucocorticoid (NR3C1) and oxytocin (OXTR) receptor genes, cortisol levels, and attachment styles. Developmental Psychobiology, 66(3), e22482.
