The aim of the present study was to investigate the amounts of serum trace elements (copper, ironand zinc) and antioxidants (malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and thiol group) in terrier dogswith six common behavior problems, namely, excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness,destructiveness, aggression towards people, and aggression towards dogs. Information was collectedfrom successfully completed questionnaires and two groups of dogs were selected: control group (dogswithout any behavior problem, n = 14) and test group (dogs with at least one common behavior problem,n = 16). Serum total antioxidant capacity and zinc concentration in terrier dogs with behavior problemwas significantly lesser than those in the control dogs (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observedfor malondialdehyde, thiol group, copper and iron concentration between the two groups. The presentstudy showed different amounts of serum antioxidants and zinc in terrier dogs with behavior problemscompared to the healthy dogs. This finding support the hypothesis that improved zinc and antioxidantstatus with food supplements may favor the prevention and resolution of behavioral problems in dogs.

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