The effects of Solliquin administration on the activity and fecal cortisol production of shelter dogs

Abstract

Animal shelters are often associated with high levels of stressors that can compromise welfare. Mitigating stressors or the associated distress is a priority for shelters. Given restricted time and financial resources it's important that shelters use evidence-based interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Solliquin (Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Science, Inc., Lancaster, SC, USA), a behavioral nutraceutical, to mitigate stress responses of dogs entering a shelter. Stress responses were quantified using fecal cortisol and activity tracking with triaxial accelerometers. For all the conditions analyzed, the Solliquin treated group had an increase in only the light rest category (P = 0.050) compared to control dogs. There were no effects on other parameters measured including deep rest.