It controls many rest and recovery functions, such as heartbeat and digestion, and connects the gut and the brain.
The Vagus Nerve: Your Dog’s Rest Nerve
The rest nerve and what it controls in your dog’s body.
At a glance
- What is it?
- The main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest nerve”, running from the brain to the abdomen.
- Good to know
- Abnormalities such as fainting or a very slow heartbeat have many causes and need to be seen by a vet.
- Is it a disease?
- No, the vagus nerve is part of the nervous system. Symptoms usually have a different cause.
- Functions
- Influences heartbeat, digestion and relaxation, and connects the gut and the brain.
Vagus Nerve & Stress Check
The vagus nerve is the "resting nerve" (parasympathetic). It controls relaxation, digestion, and heart rate. Select symptoms for an assessment.
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When should you see a vet?
The following signs have many possible causes and need to be checked by a vet straight away:
- your dog collapses, faints or has episodes of weakness,
- their heartbeat is noticeably slow, fast or irregular,
- they are short of breath, retch without bringing anything up or have a bloated belly.
The vagus nerve is the most important nerve of the so-called rest-and-digest nervous system. It influences heartbeat, breathing and digestion and connects the gut and the brain. The vagus nerve is not a disease. But if you understand what it does, you can help your dog calm down again after excitement.
What is the vagus nerve?
The nervous system has two opposing parts: the sympathetic nervous system gets the body ready for activity and stress, the parasympathetic nervous system takes care of rest, recovery and digestion. The vagus nerve (nervus vagus) is the main nerve of the parasympathetic system. It runs from the brain through the neck and chest into the abdomen.
What does the vagus nerve control?
- Heart and breathing: It slows the heartbeat during rest phases.
- Digestion: It promotes the movement of the stomach and intestines.
- Gut and brain: The gut and brain exchange information through it.
Stress and relaxation in everyday life
After excitement, the body ideally switches back to rest. Some dogs find this hard: they pant during rest phases, can’t settle after a walk or quickly become overstimulated. What helps most then are fixed routines and real breaks.
How to help your dog calm down
- Fixed routines: Regular times for meals, walks and sleep give a sense of security.
- A place to retreat: A quiet spot where your dog is not disturbed.
- Calm attention: Gentle, slow stroking does many dogs good, if they like it.
- Sniffing: Calm sniffing on walks has a relaxing effect on many dogs.
- Enough sleep: Adult dogs need many hours of rest a day.
When should you see the vet?
If restlessness lasts a long time, have physical causes such as pain checked by a vet. Your dog needs to go to the vet immediately if it collapses, faints, its heartbeat is noticeably slow or irregular, or it retches without bringing anything up and its belly is bloated. These signs have many possible causes.
Frequently asked questions about Vagus nerve
What does the vagus nerve do?
Can the vagus nerve become diseased?
Like other nerves, it can be affected by injuries, inflammation or other diseases. Your vet will find out what is behind it.
How can I tell if my dog is stressed?
For example by restlessness, panting during rest periods or finding it hard to settle. If this continues, have physical causes checked by your vet.
How can I help my dog relax?
Fixed routines, a quiet retreat and calm attention give a sense of security. Gentle touch does many dogs good, if they like it.
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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team
Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.
