14 Apr 2025

Vagus nerve in both dogs and humans seems to be the hot topic at the moment, and we see it cropping up a lot in trainers’ reels and videos. To explain it simply, vagus nerve in both dogs and humans connects our brain to other important organs, and so can influence heart rate, digestion, and muscle relaxation. When we stimulate the vagus nerve, it sends a signal that helps put our body in a more relaxed state.

What about the scientific evidence? Most studies in dogs to date were focusing on the physical effects in dogs that were unwell, so there’s only a few small studies in healthy dogs. These do show more relaxed behaviour after stimulation of the vagus nerve, and it’s also reflected in studies on people.

How is the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) performed? There are various methods, including some devices being developed, but the easiest method to try at home is a massage. You can gently and slowly massage the base of the skull and down the neck, or give a slow gentle rub around the base of the ears. If your dog likes it, as mine does, you may have to keep at it for a while! You should notice that your dog is relaxing more and more as you do it – their eyes will get softer, their body more relaxed, their breathing may slow down.

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The dogfessor says: I love it, but you need to get the right spot. And the right pressure. And the right speed. And once you’ve got it, keep going!