REGURGITATION IN RELATION TO WEANING IN THE DOMESTIC DOG - A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

Regurgitation is the disgorging of partially digested food, usually carried out to feed pups and young animals. It seems to be an important step in weaning in some canids, facilitating the transfer from suckling to eating solid food. The aim of this study was to estimate, on a population basis, how common regurgitation is in domestic dog breeds, the circumstances of the behaviour and effects of breed and environment. This was achieved by a questionnaire answered by 263 Swedish dog breeders. More than 60% of the breeders had observed regurgitation among their dogs and some of the breeders had also observed that dogs other than the mothers regurgitated. Although not significant, data indicated that differences between breeds existed. No environmental influence was found, except for an effect of supplying pups early with complementary food, which increased the frequency of regurgitation. There was a strong connection between regurgitation and begging behaviour from the pups. The age of the pups when they first received regurgitated food, around 4 weeks, was consistent between breeds. Pups had to beg more to get others than the mother to regurgitate. The results show that regurgitation is widespread among domestic dogs and constitutes a normal behaviour. The timing of behaviour during lactation and the interaction between pups and regurgitating animals may suggest that regurgitation is an important element in the weaning process.