Review Article

Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders: New Challenges for Behavioral Veterinary Medicine

Table 1

List of the behaviors evaluated in the Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale (adapted from [3]).

BehaviorsScores
015

Running aroundOccasional burst of activityContinuously running around
Drooling salivaDamp around mouthPools of saliva
Hiding (e.g., under furniture and behind owner)RetreatsWill not be removed from hiding area
Destructiveness (e.g., furniture, carpets, …)Small items, e.g., pensExtensive amount, e.g., holes in the wall
Cowering (e.g., tucks tail and flattens ears)UneasyPetrified
Restlessness/pacingSmall amountExtensive amount fixed route continuously traced
Aggression (e.g., growling, snapping, or biting)Occasional growlSevere biting attempts made
“Freezing to the spot”Occurs sporadically within an eventMost of the time
Barking/whining/howlingSmall amountExtensive amount
PantingOccurs sporadically within an eventMost of the time
Vomiting/defecating/urinating/diarrheaNot presentSmall amountExtensive amount
Owner-seeking behaviorSeeks out owner occasionally during the eventWill not leave owner in any circumstance
Vigilance/scanning of the environmentOccurs sporadically within an eventMost of the time
BoltsOccurs occasionally in response to certain noisesOccurs always in response to a wide range of sounds
Self-harmSmall amount, e.g., licking feetExtensive amount e.g., broken teeth or nails
Shaking/tremblingOccurs occasionally in response to certain noisesOccurs always in response to a wide range of sounds