Anxiety In Dogs Research Articles

PSVIII-17 In-Home Validation of a Canine Supplement Containing a Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product

Abstract Controlled, evidence-based research studies are essential to ensure functional pet food, treat and supplement ingredients are efficacious. However, understanding how nutritional technologies influence pet health and well-being in the pet's home environment is an additional way to derive further insight on performance and effectiveness. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of supplemental Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) using subjective pet owner insights coupled with an analysis of fecal metagenomic characteristics in dogs using an in-home testing approach. Healthy adult dogs (n = 348; 170 males and 178 females; mean age = 6.0 y; mean BW = 18.2 kg) were recruited from across the U.S. and randomly allotted to one of two treatment groups blocked by breed, gender, age and BW. Owners were asked to feed their dogs their usual food, treats and supplements throughout the 60-d study. The SCFP was delivered in a daily chew. The control was a placebo chew void of SCFP (CON), and the treatment chew (EPI) was formulated to deliver 7 mg· kg BW-1· d-1 SCFP (EpiCor postbiotic, Ankeny, IA). Surveys were fielded on d 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 to obtain pet owner subjective ratings of supplement performance across key health attributes. Fecal sample collection kits were provided to respondents on d 0, 30 and 60 for shotgun metagenomic analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted in R v.4.1.2. Ordinal logistic regression using the package ordinal in R was conducted on the survey data to understand relationships between the predictor variables and the ranked outcomes. Metagenomic data were analyzed using phyloseq, vegan, lme4, LinDA and emmeans packages in R. Differences P < 0.05 were considered significant and P ≤ 0.10 as trends after FDR correction. Dogs receiving the EPI chew received numerically higher immunity ratings throughout the study and overall tended to be 95% more likely (P = 0.10) to receive a higher immune health rating versus CON. By d 60, EPI dogs were more likely (211% greater odds; P = 0.007) to exhibit less breath odor and 165% more likely to be less anxious (P = 0.02) than CON dogs. An increased relative abundance in butyrate producing taxa Anaerostipes hadrus (P = 0.002) and Megamonas (P = 0.001) and Fusobacteria (P = 0.004) were observed in EPI dogs emerging at d 30. Under the conditions of this study, daily supplementation of a SCFP supplement provided a spectrum of positive health outcomes in healthy adult dogs. Moreover, there was consistency in physiological benefits noted in previous controlled studies in healthy dogs fed SCFP to the owner-perceived changes in several health attributes in this study. Our data also suggest that SCFP may beneficially affect key indicators of breath odor and anxiety in dogs.

PSIX-1 Impact of a Botanical Blend on Training Kennel Induced Stress in Dogs

Abstract Fear and anxiety in dogs can be elevated during transportation or visits to the veterinarian, groomer, and boarding or training kennels. The stress-related behaviors exhibited during these times can be a welfare concern to both pet, handler, and owner. In the case of training or grooming, the productivity of the session may be reduced due to unwanted stress related behaviors. Pet owners want to reduce stress during these events and are seeking natural botanical alternatives to medications. The botanical extracts in Cani-Calm (Probiotech International, Inc.) successfully decreased stress-related behaviors when fed to beagles for 11 days before a novel 1-hr car ride stress test. There has not been any investigation into the impact of these botanicals during a prolonged stress event similar to a boarding or training kennel. The objective was to evaluate Cani-Calm when offered during a 3-week training program at a boarding kennel. Fifty-one dogs of various ages, breed, and history were randomly assigned to either Control (no Cani-Calm; n = 26) or Cani-Calm (CC: 0.6 mL· kg BWT-1· day-1; n = 25). Cani-Calm was top-dressed on the morning meal daily. Trainers, blinded to treatment, assessed dog behavior and provided training timelines for each dog. Statistical analysis was performed using a Genmod analysis and Poisson distribution in SAS v9.3. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and statistical trends were considered at 0.05 < P < 0.10. Length of the acclimation period before the onset of training due to stress-related behaviors was reduced (P = 0.001) in treated dogs compared with the control (Control: 1.57± 0.16 d; CC: 0.08 ± 0.71 d). There was no impact of treatment (P = 0.15) on percentage of dogs per group that required additional days of training beyond the planned program. However, there was an impact of treatment (P = 0.04; Control: 75%; CC: 96.3%) on the percentage of dogs that completed training earlier than the scheduled 3-week program. The results indicate a benefit of Cani-Calm during stressful events to decrease the display of behaviors that reduce training productivity and are a welfare concern for both animal and handler. Unlike the previous trial, during the current trial, there was no exposure to the botanicals before the stressful event; however, alterations in stress-related behaviors were demonstrated in both trials. Further research is warranted to evaluate time of exposure to the botanicals before the stress-event, and in larger populations.

Trazodone may reduce propofol induction dose and anxiety in dogs

Trazodone may reduce propofol induction dose and anxiety in dogs

Development of a Device for Assessing the Emotional State of Companion Dogs Based on the Analysis of Vocalizations Associated with Anxiety and Barking

Introduction. Canine behaviour, socialization and interaction of dogs with humans are the key factors to be assessed among the risks inducing the increase of incidents related with development of anxiety in dogs. First of all, the lack of knowledge about the reasons of problem behaviour in animals and the high individual variability of behavioural patterns explain the relevance of this work. Moreover, the different methods used by the practitioners and absence of traceability of the owneranimal interaction record lead to the incorrect accumulation of diverse information about the identification and correction of companion dogs’ problem behaviour. The authors of this article aimed to develop a device for registering anxious and aggressive behaviour in dogs by analysing the intervalograms and spectrograms of vocalizations.Materials and Methods. The recordings of canine vocalizations (250 recordings) were obtained as a result of authors' observations carried out in Rostov-on-Don in the period from spring to autumn 2021. The growth of signal intensity was detected by a noise sensor or microphone. The amplitude and duration of the signal were determined by a microcontroller. The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) was used for writing a programme and flashing the microcontroller. The timers calculating the number of milliseconds from the beginning to the end of an event were implemented in the programme, also, the counters measuring the number of the events within a certain period of time were used.Results. A flowchart of the device for registering and classifying canine vocalizations, which are considered to be the behavioural anxiety markers, has been developed and described. The algorithm for assessing the type of animal activity during vocalization has been suggested. The device prototype has been developed, which enables determination and sending to a Telegram chat bot the data on dog’s anxiety and activity, as well as on the ambient temperature, based on the calculation and analysis of the vocalizations intervalograms.Discussion and Conclusion. The significance of the present development lies in creation of the hardware and software complex prototype that provides the unbiased analysis of the information about changes in canine behaviour in the real time. The implementation of this complex makes it possible to assess the canine behaviour and provides the opportunity to obtain the new data on probability of behavioural disorders in animals caused by a high level of anxiety. The complex can serve as a prototype for creating the systems for tracking and identifying other animal species’ behaviour (including in the urban settings).

Adverse effects of trazodone in dogs on primary hemostasis and electrocardiogram: A single-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study.

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor medication commonly used for anxiety in dogs. Therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in humans is associated with bleeding disorders and increased arrhythmogenesis. To evaluate markers of primary hemostasis and corrected QT (cQT) interval in dogs before and after oral administration of standard dosages of trazodone or placebo. Fifteen apparently healthy, client-owned dogs. A single-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. Dogs were administered trazodone (5 to 7.5 mg/kg PO Q12h) or placebo. [Correction added after first online publication on 14 October 2023. In the abstract (methods) section (57.5 mg/kg PO Q12h) changed as (5 to 7.5 mg/kg PO Q12h).] Buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), platelet count, platelet aggregation via Plateletworks, PFA-100 closure time and cQT interval were measured. A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed followed by either a paired t test or a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. No significant difference was detected in the BMBT, PFA-100 closure times, platelet counts, and cQT interval between trazodone or placebo. However, using Plateletworks, there was a significant decrease in platelet aggregation after administration of trazodone (95%; 81-97 vs 62%; 39-89, P = .002) and not placebo (95%; 81-97 vs 91%; 81-96, P = .21). It is unknown if this represents a clinically relevant change or if dogs with preexisting impairment in primary hemostasis or receiving higher dosages or longer durations of trazodone could have a more substantial change in hemostatic variables.

Evaluation of different methods of environmental enrichment to control anxiety in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy after acute intervertebral disc extrusion: a randomized double-blinded study.

The goal of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment (EE) on post-operative pain and anxiety in dogs following hemilaminectomy for acute intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). Twenty healthy client-owned dogs undergoing a hemilaminectomy for IVDE with the same immediate post-operative analgesia protocol were randomly assigned to either the EE or standard environment (SE) group post-operatively. Recovery was achieved in an intensive care room (SE) or a separate quiet room (EE) equipped with white noise and classical music. EE dogs were also exposed to dog-appeasing pheromones, essential oil scents, and positive human interactions and were provided meals through food toys. A blinded evaluator assessed all dogs using the modified Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (mGCPS) on presentation and at several time points post-operatively. A rescue injection of the opioid methadone was given to the dogs with an mGCPS score of ≥5/20. Dogs received the antidepressant trazodone when anxious behaviors (5 mg/kg) were observed. The mGCPS scores, the latencies to receive the first methadone and trazodone doses and to eat the first meal, the number of methadone and trazodone doses, and the number of meals ingested in the first 24 and 48 h post-surgery were compared using Wilcoxon tests, and Benjamini-Hochberg correction for false discovery rate was applied. Although median mGCPS scores did not differ between the groups, compared to SE dogs (n = 10), EE dogs (n = 6) received trazodone earlier (p = 0.019), were administered fewer methadone injections at 24 h (p = 0.043), and ate more at 48 h post-surgery (p = 0.007). Therefore, EE and anti-anxiety medications could be beneficial in improving the wellbeing of dogs post-operatively.

Network analysis reveals abnormal functional brain circuitry in anxious dogs.

Anxiety is a common disease within human psychiatric disorders and has also been described as a frequently neuropsychiatric problem in dogs. Human neuroimaging studies showed abnormal functional brain networks might be involved in anxiety. In this study, we expected similar changes in network topology are also present in dogs. We performed resting-state functional MRI on 25 healthy dogs and 13 patients. The generic Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire was used to evaluate anxiety symptoms. We constructed functional brain networks and used graph theory to compare the differences between two groups. No significant differences in global network topology were found. However, focusing on the anxiety circuit, global efficiency and local efficiency were significantly higher, and characteristic path length was significantly lower in the amygdala in patients. We detected higher connectivity between amygdala-hippocampus, amygdala-mesencephalon, amygdala-thalamus, frontal lobe-hippocampus, frontal lobe-thalamus, and hippocampus-thalamus, all part of the anxiety circuit. Moreover, correlations between network metrics and anxiety symptoms were significant. Altered network measures in the amygdala were correlated with stranger-directed fear and excitability; altered degree in the hippocampus was related to attachment/attention seeking, trainability, and touch sensitivity; abnormal frontal lobe function was related to chasing and familiar dog aggression; attachment/attention seeking was correlated with functional connectivity between amygdala-hippocampus and amygdala-thalamus; familiar dog aggression was related to global network topology change. These findings may shed light on the aberrant topological organization of functional brain networks underlying anxiety in dogs.

Tasipimidine, a novel orally administered alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, alleviates canine acute anxiety associated with owner departure—A pilot study

Separation anxiety in dogs is a problematic behavior characterized by anxiety that occurs exclusively in the owner's absence or virtual absence, resulting in owner complaints of destructiveness, excessive vocalization, and elimination in the home. The consequences of separation anxiety may include that the owners surrender their dog to a shelter, or even have the dog euthanized. Adrenergic alpha-2 agonists have been shown to be effective in alleviating acute canine fear-based behavior problems at subsedative doses. In this study, the objective was to assess the efficacy of tasipimidine, a novel orally administered adrenergic alpha-2 agonist, in alleviating acute anxiety associated with owner departure in dogs. Twelve clinically healthy privately-owned dogs with a history of separation anxiety were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical field study consisting of three 4-day treatment periods in randomized order each followed by a 3-day washout. In each treatment period a different treatment was administered. The three treatments were: placebo, tasipidimine 10ug/kg and tasipidimine 30 ug/kg, all prepared as an oral solution using the same base. At each of the 4-day treatment period study treatment was administered once daily one hour before owner´s departure. Effects of treatment on signs of separation anxiety were assessed by the owner using video recordings. Owner departure related acute anxiety severity score, dog's alertness, usability of the product and adverse events were recorded. Overall, the results showed a statistically significant treatment effect favoring tasipimidine (P= 0.001). When the doses were separately compared to placebo, the dog owners rated the effect of the study treatment more often positively after administering tasipimidine 30 µg/kg compared to placebo (OR 5.40; 95% CI 1.15-25.2; P = 0.032). A statistically significant reduction with the 30 µg/kg dose was seen in destructive/rearranging behavior (P = 0.006) and vocalization (P = 0.036). Most of the dogs were scored to be fully responsive at all time points (66.7%) and able to stand up and walk normally (91.7%), and none of the dogs was scored to be unresponsive or unable to walk. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of the owners found the product very easy (75.0%) or easy (15.7%) to use. This was a small, cross-over study with one target to select the clinically most suitable dose. Tasipimidine should be further studied in a larger parallel group study to further evaluate its effect as a treatment option for dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

Effects of trazodone administration on the neurologic examination in healthy dogs.

Trazodone is an anxiolytic used PO to decrease anxiety in dogs. Whether or not trazodone affects the neurologic examination in dogs has not been previously reported. Investigate whether trazodone administration is associated with changes in the neurologic examination in healthy dogs. Thirty-two healthy dogs between 1 and 6 years old with no previously diagnosed medical conditions and perceived by their owners as neurologically normal. Baseline sedation and anxiety assessments and neurologic examination were performed on each dog, followed by trazodone administration (6.25-8.60 mg/kg PO). The sedation and anxiety assessments and neurologic examination were repeated 2.5hours after trazodone administration. The examinations were performed by a single board-certified veterinary neurologist and were video-recorded. The videos were randomized and reviewed by a different neurologist, blinded to the previous evaluations, who scored the examinations. Seven of 32 (22%) dogs had worse scores on their neurologic examination after receiving trazodone, manifesting as new or progressive PR deficits. Although not clinically relevant, 18.7% of the dogs had consciousness levels that changed from bright, alert, responsive to quiet, alert, responsive after trazodone administration. No other changes were observed on neurologic examination. Sedation and anxiety scores were significantly different after trazodone administration compared to before (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Most dogs did not have changes on neurologic examination after trazodone administration. However, approximately 20% of dogs had new or worsening PR deficits after receiving trazodone. Ideally, trazodone should not be given before neurologic examination in dogs.

Signs of Anxiety and Salivary Copeptin Levels in Dogs Diagnosed with Separation-Related Problems in a Short Separation Test

Simple SummaryUp to 56% of the general dog population show signs of separation-related problems, a group of problems characterized by highly variable phenotypes on which research, to date, has mostly provided contradictory findings. In the present study, we analyzed the behavior and salivary concentrations of copeptin, a biologically stable biomarker of stress, in dogs with separation distress and in dogs with no problems. The animals were tested before, during and after three-minute separation from the owner, in a new environment. Dogs in the two groups differed significantly in their activity levels and stress-relief activities during the three observation phases. In addition, a different tendency in the two groups was found in salivary copeptin concentration behavior.The need for faster diagnosis and more accurate treatment decisions in separation-related problems (SRPs) in dogs is urgent, and a more precise behavioral phenotyping and the development of biomarkers may be of great value. Vasopressin could be a potential non-invasive biomarker of anxiety in dogs with SRPs, but reliable measurement of its concentration is challenging. Here, we compared the behavior and salivary concentrations of copeptin, an arginine vasopressin surrogate, in dogs with SRPs (Case group, n = 13) and with no problems (Control group, n = 15) as they were introduced to a novel environment and subjected to a short episode of separation and reunion with the owner. Dogs in the Case group had greater odds of showing locomotory or oral behaviors during the pre- and post-separation than Controls, while the odds were significantly lower during separation. They also had greater odds of being persistent in seeking attention and proximity from the stranger during reunion. Overall, dogs with SRPs were more likely to express an anxiety-like state during the entire test than Controls, with separation from the owner, and even its anticipation, possibly accounting for this group difference. Although salivary copeptin concentrations did not differ between the two groups, a different trend was detected in Cases and Controls that is worth exploring in further validation studies involving a larger sample.

A Diet Supplemented with Polyphenols, Prebiotics and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Modulates the Intestinal Microbiota and Improves the Profile of Metabolites Linked with Anxiety in Dogs.

Simple SummaryThis study used a nutrition-based approach to examine the effects of foods supplemented with fish oil and a polyphenol blend (citrus pulp, carrot, and spinach) with or without added tomato pomace on anxiety-related biomarkers in dogs. First, all dogs consumed the same initial food, then either the control or test (with tomato pomace) foods, then the washout food, then switched over to the test or control foods, each for 30-day periods. Many more changes in plasma and fecal metabolites were observed when comparing the washout food with the control or test foods than when the control and test foods were compared. Plasma levels of several metabolites that were previously associated with anxiety disorders, including 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, were decreased with the control or test foods compared with the washout food. In addition, bacterial genera that are decreased in the feces of those with anxiety-like disorders were increased following the consumption of the control or test foods. Overall, these data indicate that foods supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and selected fiber and polyphenol sources lead to beneficial changes in anxiety-related metabolites and gut bacteria.A nutrition-based approach was utilized to examine the effects of fish oil and a polyphenol blend (with or without tomato pomace) on the fecal microbiota and plasma/fecal metabolomes. Forty dogs, aged 5–14 years, were fed a washout food, then randomized to consume a control (fish oil and polyphenol blend without tomato pomace) or test (fish oil and polyphenol blend with tomato pomace) food, then the washout food, and crossed over to consume the test or control food; each for 30 days. Several metabolites differed when comparing consumption of the washout with either the control or test foods, but few changed significantly between the test and control foods. Plasma levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), a metabolite associated with anxiety disorders, demonstrated the largest decrease between the washout food and the control/test foods. Plasma 4-EPS levels were also significantly lower after dogs ate the test food compared with the control food. Other plasma metabolites linked with anxiety disorders were decreased following consumption of the control/test foods. Significant increases in Blautia, Parabacteroides, and Odoribacter in the fecal microbiota correlated with decreases in 4-EPS when dogs ate the control/test foods. These data indicate that foods supplemented with polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can modulate the gut microbiota to improve the profile of anxiety-linked metabolites.

Effects of a Nutritional Supplement (DìRelaxTM) on Anxiety in Dogs in a Randomized Control Trial Design.

Simple SummaryThe effects of a nutraceutical product, DìRelaxTM, were tested in a cohort of anxious dogs by the C-BARQ questionnaire to assess the presence of problematic behaviors, and by the impossible task paradigm, an experimental procedure to explore dogs’ cognitive performance following an expectancy frustration. Hematological and biochemical analyses showed no adverse effects. The treatment with DìRelaxTM showed a positive effect on the dog’s performances, with some of the behaviors appearing improved. The results suggested that DiRelaxTM may have some ameliorative effect on the cognitive performances of anxious dogs.This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DìRelaxTM, a nutraceutical formulated to reduce anxiety in dogs, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The C-BARQ questionnaire, some clinical investigations, and the impossible task test were performed in dogs before and after treatment. The C-BARQ questionnaire is particularly useful for assessing the frequency and severity of problematic behaviors. The impossible task paradigm provides insight into the decision-making processes in the realm of expectancy frustration. Results showed an ameliorative effect on the performances of treated dogs during the solvable phases, with a significant decrease in the time needed to solve the task. No behavioral difference was found between treated and untreated anxious dogs during the unsolvable phase. According to the results from the C-BARQ questionnaire, some of the behaviors appeared to improve. Clinical investigations, including a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry, showed no difference between groups, thus suggesting the safety of the product. In general, this study suggests that DìRelaxTM can be safely administered with no adverse effects and can exercise a beneficial effect on anxious dogs by enhancing their cognitive abilities, but further studies should investigate the best method of administration.

Homeopathic preparations and separation anxiety in dogs: a pilot study

Separation Anxiety (SA) is a behavioral syndrome that may affect dogs of different ages and that is characterized by intense clinical signs. Traditional veterinary clinic efforts rely on harmful side effect drugs. Overall, homeopathy handles individual idiosyncrasies and susceptibilities and deal with them using a single medicine through the law of similarity. This study aimed to determine whether individualized homeopathic medicines have a greater effect than placebo for dogs suffering from SA or not, assessing its relation to behavioral settings, cortisol levels, and blood cells count before and after therapy. It also focused on setting a demographic profile of these dogs. Owners filled out a score questionnaire. Twenty-one dogs were recruited and repertorized in accordance to classical homeopathy. A pharmacist was responsible to randomize and dispense verum medicine or placebo. On the 30th day, reappraisal of owners were allowed altering the dispensed medicine. The final assessment occurred on the 60th day. In verum group, destructive behavior analysis had a significant statistical difference intra-group over the trial compared to the placebo group. The mean of cortisol levels in the placebo group was significantly higher on the 60th day of the trial when compared to the verum group, whose levels were sustained over the same period. Although evidenced behavioral improvements could be related to homeopathic preparations, it was not feasible to set any connection between homeopathic interventions, behavioral issues, and plasma components

Can dog appeasing pheromone ameliorate stress behaviours associated with anxiety in mature domestic dogs?

PICO question&#x0D; Does use of dog-appeasing pheromone reduce the frequency and/or severity of non-specific stress behaviours associated with anxiety in domestic dogs, older than 6 months, when compared with no treatment?&#x0D; &#x0D; Clinical bottom line&#x0D; Category of research question&#x0D; Treatment&#x0D; The number and type of study designs reviewed&#x0D; Eight controlled trials were appraised. Four were randomised and four were either non-randomised or did not clearly describe the method of allocating subjects into treatment groups.&#x0D; Strength of evidence&#x0D; Weak&#x0D; Outcomes reported&#x0D; There was no evidence that any dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) formulation (spray, diffuser, or collar) was superior. There was moderate evidence that DAP could reduce some behavioural manifestations of fear and/or anxiety stemming from thunderstorm noise and weak evidence that it could ameliorate some non-specific stress behaviours in hospitalised patients. In shelter dogs, there was mild evidence that DAP could reduce barking intensity and increase some behaviours associated with relaxation. When behavioural changes occurred, most were observed during exposure to DAP and there were minimal residual effects post-treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The evidence for using DAP to manage stress behaviours associated with anxiety in dogs over six months of age remains weak. Until there is a stronger evidentiary basis, clinicians should be aware that a true clinical benefit is undetermined. Nevertheless, DAP is unlikely to cause harm and may still provide some therapeutic benefit. Therefore, DAP may still be employed in a multimodal management plan for some behaviour cases and may exert a placebo effect. However, if an owner’s financial resources are restrictive, clinicians should not prioritise pheromone therapy at the omission of other therapies that have established clinical effects&#x0D; &#x0D; How to apply this evidence in practice&#x0D; The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.&#x0D; Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Review of epidemiological, pathological, genetic, and epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of separation anxiety in dogs.

"Review of epidemiological, pathological, genetic, and epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of separation anxiety in dogs" published on 15 Nov 2021 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

Development of and pharmacological treatment options and future research opportunities for separation anxiety in dogs.

Development of and pharmacological treatment options and future research opportunities for separation anxiety in dogs.

Once‐a‐day tablet for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs

Veterinary RecordVolume 189, Issue 10 p. 392-392 Business & Innovation Once-a-day tablet for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs First published: 19 November 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1189Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume189, Issue1020/27 November 2021Pages 392-392 RelatedInformation

Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel reduces fear and anxiety in dogs during veterinary visits: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical pilot study.

Many dogs are anxious and/or fearful in veterinary clinics and exhibit avoidant and/or defensive behaviour. The purpose of pharmacological interventions is to reduce anxiety and to enable patient-friendly, low stress physical examination and procedures. This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre, clinical-field study. The eligible dogs (n=76) were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 0.1mg/g oromucosal gel at a dose of 125μg/m2 (n=27) or 250μg/m2 (n=24), or an equivalent volume of placebo gel (n=23). The investigator's ability to perform the intended procedure (physical examination and 1 short minor veterinary or husbandry procedure) was excellent for 40.7% of the dogs that received dexmedetomidine 125 μg/m2 and 33.3% of those that received dexmedetomidine 250 μg/m2 compared to only 4.3% of the placebo dogs. The overall treatment effect was statistically significant (p=0.03). In addition, the investigators subjective stress level assessments revealed that dexmedetomidine treated dogs showed significantly more commonly relaxed body posture (p<0.01) and more relaxed behaviour when entering the examination room (p=0.02). There were very few adverse events, and treated animals were not sedated. This study indicated a beneficial treatment effect of dexmedetomidine gel in alleviation of canine fear and anxiety during minor veterinary or husbandry procedures in the clinic environment in dogs previously reported to suffer from fear and anxiety during veterinary visits. Both dexmedetomidine gel doses studied were effective, and no clinical safety concerns were noticed for either dose.

Effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on storm phobia in dogs: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Storm phobia in companion dogs is a common disorder that significantly impacts dogs' welfare. Gabapentin, the action of which is only partially understood, is widely used for its antiepileptic and analgesic properties. Only recently, the veterinary community began to use gabapentin to address phobia and anxiety in dogs. This study tested gabapentin to lower fear responses of dogs during a thunderstorm event. Eighteen dogs suffering from storm phobia completed our double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Each dog's behaviour was evaluated twice by his owner: once under placebo, once under gabapentin. The treatment was orally administered at least 90 min before the exposure. Gabapentin was given at a dose ranging from 25 to 30 mg/kg. Our results indicate a significant reduction of the fear responses of dogs under gabapentin. The adverse effects were rare, and the most frequent amongst them was ataxia. In this trial, gabapentin appears to be an efficient and safe molecule that should be considered as part of the treatment plan of storm phobia in dogs.

Efficacy of Souroubea-Platanus Dietary Supplement Containing Triterpenes in Beagle Dogs Using a Thunderstorm Noise-Induced Model of Fear and Anxiety.

A novel botanical dietary supplement, formulated as a chewable tablet containing a defined mixture of Souroubea spp. vine and Platanus spp. Bark, was tested as a canine anxiolytic for thunderstorm noise-induced stress (noise aversion). The tablet contained five highly stable triterpenes and delivered 10 mg of the active ingredient betulinic acid (BA) for an intended 1 mg/kg dose in a 10 kg dog. BA in tablets was stable for 30 months in storage at 23 °C. Efficacy of the tablets in reducing anxiety in dogs was assessed in a blinded, placebo-controlled study by recording changes in blood cortisol levels and measures of behavioral activity in response to recorded intermittent thunder. Sixty beagles were assigned into groups receiving: placebo, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, and 4× dose, or the positive control (diazepam), for five days. Reduction in anxiety measures was partially dose-dependent and the 1× dose was effective in reducing inactivity time (p = 0.0111) or increased activity time (p = 0.0299) compared with placebo, indicating a decrease in anxiety response. Cortisol measures also showed a dose-dependent reduction in cortisol in dogs treated with the test tablet.