Course Title: Nutrition and Canine Behavior - 309
Instructor: Susan Dillon, Dip.NS., Dip. C.N., Dip.ACBS., Dip.CFNA.
Course Description:
This course discusses how nutrition can affect behavior. From different types of feeding behavior to the influences on neurotransmitters, nutrition can play important role in behavior. It also explores the behavioral signs related to allergic responses and the influences of low blood sugar. Although medical issues are addressed, this course does not instruct in the diagnosis or treatment of medical disorders or diseases.
Students should emerge from this course with able to analyze and discuss the following topic areas:
- How diet can influence aggressive behavior
- Allergic reactions
- Amino acids and neurotransmitters
- How neurotransmitters influence behavior
- Blood-brain barrier
- How diet can influence neurotransmitters
Recommended Reading:
- DeNapoli, J. S., Dodman, Nicholas H., Shuster, Louis, Rand, William, Gross, Kathy. (2000). Effects of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. Journal of the American Medical Association, 217(4), 504-508. Click here for info.
- Dodman, N. H., Reisner, I., Shuster, L., Rand, W., Luescher, U. A., Robinson, I., and Houpt, K. A. (1996). Effects of dietary protein content on behavior in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 208(3), 376-379. Click here for info.
Required Resources:
Course notes provided.
Prerequisites:
Canine Nutrition Certificate, or special permission of the Nutrition and Fitness Department Head.