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Ramos D, Yazbek KVB, Brito AC, Georgetti B, Dutra LML, Leme FOP, Vasconcellos AS. Is It Possible to Mitigate Fear of Fireworks in Dogs? A Study on the Behavioural and Physiological Effects of a Psychoactive Supplement. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1025. [PMID: 38612264 PMCID: PMC11010855 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine fear of fireworks is a common problem worldwide, with serious implications for the welfare of both dogs and their owners. Therapies for the problem are available, and herbal and nutraceutical agents are increasingly suggested by professionals; nonetheless, studies on their real efficacy in reducing firework fear are lacking. In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 44 dogs (25 in the "supplement" group and 19 in the "placebo" group) completed a long-term continuous treatment with either a supplement made of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora or a placebo, including two real exposures to fireworks (on 2020 Christmas and 2021 New Years' Eve, after 42 and 48 days of treatment, respectively). Owners of both groups received the same general environmental management and food/toy offering recommendations for trying with their dogs on those nights. Behavioural (measured by LSSS-Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale and PANAS-Positive and Negative Activation scale, as rated by the owners) and stress (measured via salivary cortisol measures) reactions were evaluated. Significantly greater fear decrease (LSSS) was recorded in the "supplement" dogs, as compared to the "placebo" group. Cortisol dosages on New Year's Eve ("noisy" night) were in line with behavioural results; "supplement" dogs showed a smaller increase in the stress response from 22:30 to 00:30 h on New Year's Eve and a greater decrease in their stress response from 02:30 h to 10:30 h on New Year's Day compared to "placebo" dogs. Smaller cortisol levels were also shown by "supplement" dogs than "placebo" dogs on a controlled "quiet night" (27th December). Owners' rates on PANAS remained stable during the whole period of therapy for both groups. The evaluated supplement, a combination of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora, showed satisfactory results and rare side effects when treating dogs fearful of fireworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ramos
- Psicovet–Medicina Veterinária Comportamental, Jundiaí 13202-242, Brazil;
| | - Karina V. B. Yazbek
- Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica Ltda, São Paulo 04545-042, Brazil; (K.V.B.Y.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Amanda C. Brito
- Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica Ltda, São Paulo 04545-042, Brazil; (K.V.B.Y.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Barbara Georgetti
- Psicovet–Medicina Veterinária Comportamental, Jundiaí 13202-242, Brazil;
| | - Luisa M. L. Dutra
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30535-901, Brazil; (L.M.L.D.); (A.S.V.)
| | - Fabiola O. P. Leme
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Angélica S. Vasconcellos
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30535-901, Brazil; (L.M.L.D.); (A.S.V.)
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Jahn K, DePorter T. Feline Stress Management During air Travel: A Multimodal Approach. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221145521. [PMID: 36622769 PMCID: PMC10812047 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221145521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE More cats are travelling by air every year; however, air travel involves several common causes of stress for cats, such as environmental changes and a lack of control and predictability. The use of a multimodal stress management protocol for all stages of the relocation process, including appropriate and effective anxiolytic medication where necessary, is therefore important in order to safeguard the cat's welfare while travelling. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Cats may be presented to veterinarians for the purpose of preparing them and/or their documentation for air travel. Maintaining and protecting a cat's physical, mental and emotional health in a stressful environment, while subjected to likely unfamiliar sights, noises, smells and the movement of the aircraft, and additionally dealing with international legislation, regulations and documents, can pose a complex challenge to veterinarians. AIMS This review describes the importance of stress management during air travel for cats, aims to raise awareness about the often poorly understood challenges involved, and outlines effective and airline-compliant stress management modalities. While the discussion is focused on air travel specifically, the stress management methods described can be applied to all types of longer distance travel, such as a long road trip or a ferry crossing, as well as a stay in a holiday home. EVIDENCE BASE There are currently no studies specifically on air travel in cats and, similarly, there are also limited data on air travel in other species. Many of the recommendations made in this review are therefore based on the authors' extensive experience of preparing pets for travel, supported by published data when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Jahn
- DrMedVet, CertVA, MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), MRCVS* German Veterinary Clinic, Villa 112, 39th Street, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Theresa DePorter
- BSc, DVM, MRCVS, DECAWBM, DACVB, MRCVS Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, 1400 S Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA
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Stillo T, Norgard RJ, Stefanovski D, Siracusa C, Reinhard CL, Watson B. The effects of Solliquin administration on the activity and fecal cortisol production of shelter dogs. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Overall KL. Pharmacotherapeutics in clinical ethology: treatment efficacy, clinical pathology and outcome. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The use of psychopharmaceutical agents is a core aspect of treatment in veterinary behavioural medicine. Psychotropic medication use has shifted the focus of treatment from purely behavioural and environmental interventions to a multi-modal approach. Objective measures of efficacy are required for the licensing of medication. Pharmacotherapeutics have come to encompass supplements and diets, in addition to prescription medications. The first part of this paper examines the efficacy of medications, supplements and diets used in behavioural medicine. Foci include the role of evolution in the types of behavioural concerns reported, the importance of defining abnormal or pathological behaviour, use of terminology that supports stratified mechanistic diagnoses aid in understanding presentation and response clusters, and rational use of medication to relieve emotional, mental and behavioural suffering, given these diagnoses and clusters. The second part of this paper examines the extent to which variation in patient response to medication can enlighten us about mechanisms and outcomes of distress using a series of 3 patient populations who are the focus of studies on separation anxiety and noise reactivity. This response surface approach can be useful for understanding differences in populations in susceptibility to behavioural pathology and in medication response, and may suggest new avenues for drug development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Overall
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3
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Perdew I, Emke C, Johnson B, Dixit V, Song Y, Griffith EH, Watson P, Gruen ME. Evaluation of Pexion ® (imepitoin) for treatment of storm anxiety in dogs: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e18. [PMID: 33960445 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While often grouped with other noise aversions, fearful behaviour during storms is considered more complex than noise aversion alone. The objective here was to assess the effect of imepitoin for the treatment of storm anxiety in dogs. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study, eligible dogs completed a baseline then were randomised to receive either imepitoin (n = 30; 30 mg/kg BID) or placebo (n = 15) for 28 days. During storms, owners rated their dog's intensity for 16 behaviours using a Likert scale. Weekly, owners rated intensity and frequency of these behaviours. Summary scores were compared to baseline and between groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Imepitoin was significantly superior to placebo in storm logs and weekly surveys for weeks 2 and 4, and in the end-of-study survey. Mild/moderate adverse events were reported in 26 patients (24 active: two placebo); the most frequent adverse event was ataxia. Owners of dogs in the imepitoin group, compared to placebo, were significantly more likely to report that treatment reduced their dogs fear and anxiety during storms (p < 0.001) and other noise events (p < 0.001). Twice daily administration of imepitoin decreased anxiety scores in dogs with storm anxiety. Future work may evaluate optimal dosage regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Perdew
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carrie Emke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brianna Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vaidehi Dixit
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yukun Song
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily H Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Philip Watson
- Ingelheim am Rhein, Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Polo G, Calderón N, Clothier S, Garcia RDCM. Understanding dog aggression: Epidemiologic aspects. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Assessment of noise-induced fear and anxiety in dogs: Modification by a novel fish hydrolysate supplemented diet. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Landsberg GM, Beck A, Lopez A, Deniaud M, Araujo JA, Milgram NW. Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo-controlled study. Vet Rec 2015; 177:260. [PMID: 26311736 PMCID: PMC4602264 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty-four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video-assessed by a trained observer on a 6-point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across ‘during’ and ‘post’ thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise-related increased reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Landsberg
- North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic, 99 Henderson Ave., Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L3T2K9 CanCog Technologies, 120 Carlton St., Suite 204, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 4K2
| | - A Beck
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 Avenue La Ballastiere, Libourne 33500, France
| | - A Lopez
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 Avenue La Ballastiere, Libourne 33500, France
| | - M Deniaud
- MDStat Consulting, 11 rue damonville, Melun 77000, France
| | - J A Araujo
- InterVivo Solutions, 120 Carlton St., Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 4K2
| | - N W Milgram
- CanCog Technologies, 120 Carlton St., Suite 204, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 4K2
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An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Liang Y, Cui G, Wang X, Zhang W, An Q, Lin Z, Wang H, Chen S. Pharmacokinetics of honokiol after intravenous guttae in beagle dogs assessed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2014; 28:1378-83. [PMID: 24652775 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A simple, rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of honokiol in beagle dog plasma after intravenous guttae. With addition of the internal standard magnolol, plasma samples were precipitated with methanol and separated on a Shim-pack XR-ODS II (2.0 × 100 mm, 2.2 µm) with isocratic elution of methanol and water (80:20) solution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. A good separation of honokiol was achieved within 3.5 min. Quantification was performed on a Waters Quattro Premier XE triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization inlet in the negative multiple reaction monitoring mode. Good linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 5.12-15580 ng/mL (r(2) > 0.998). Intra- and inter-day precisions were <13.10%, and accuracy ranged from 89.21 to 99.92%. The lower limit of quantification for honokiol was 5.12 ng/mL, and honokiol was stable under various conditions (three freeze-thaw cycles, short-term temperature, post-preparative and long-term temperature conditions.). This validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of honokiol in dogs by intravenous guttae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Araujo JA, de Rivera C, Landsberg GM, Adams PE, Milgram NW. Development and validation of a novel laboratory model of sound-induced fear and anxiety in Beagle dogs. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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