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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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Wilson SM, Oba PM, Applegate CC, Koziol SA, Panasevich MR, Norton SA, Swanson KS. Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product-supplemented diet on fecal characteristics, oxidative stress, and blood gene expression of adult dogs undergoing transport stress. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac378. [PMID: 36373401 PMCID: PMC9838799 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac378] [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] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) was shown to positively alter fecal microbiota, fecal metabolites, oxidative stress, and circulating immune cell function of adult dogs. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of SCFP on fecal characteristics, serum oxidative stress biomarkers, and whole blood gene expression of dogs undergoing transport stress. Sixteen adult pointer dogs [8M, 8F; mean age = 6.7 ± 2.1 yr; mean body weight (BW) = 25.5 ± 3.9 kg] were used in a randomized crossover design study. All dogs were fed a control diet for 4 wk, then randomly assigned to a control or SCFP-supplemented diet (formulated to include approximately 0.13% of the active SCFP ingredient) and fed to maintain BW for 11 wk. A 6-wk washout preceded the second 11-wk experimental period with dogs receiving opposite treatments. After 11 wk, fresh fecal and blood samples were collected before and after transport in a van for 45 min. Change from baseline data (i.e., before and after transport) were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P < 0.05 being significant and P < 0.10 being trends. Change in serum malondialdehyde concentrations increased (P < 0.05) and serum 8-isoprostane concentrations tended to increase (P < 0.10) in dogs fed SCFP, but decreased (P < 0.05) in control dogs after transport. Other serum markers were unaffected by diet during transport stress. Fecal dry matter percentage tended to be affected (P < 0.10) by diet during transport stress, being reduced in control dogs, but stable in dogs fed SCFP. Other fecal characteristics were unaffected by diet during transport stress. Genes associated with activation of innate immunity were impacted by diet in response to transport stress, with blood cyclooxygenase-2 and malondialdehyde mRNA expression being increased (P < 0.05) in control dogs, but stable or decreased in dogs fed SCFP. Expression of other genes was unaffected by diet during transport stress. These data suggest that the benefits of feeding a SCFP during transport stress may be mediated through suppression of innate immune cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Wilson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Patricia M Oba
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Catherine C Applegate
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- The Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Samantha A Koziol
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly S Swanson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, 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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A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, assessing the effect of a nutraceutical tablet in the management of stress in pet dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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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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Corsetti S, Borruso S, Malandrucco L, Spallucci V, Maragliano L, Perino R, D'Agostino P, Natoli E. Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2773. [PMID: 33531559 PMCID: PMC7854708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the phytocomplex components of Cannabis sativa L., cannabidiol (CBD) has a recognised therapeutic effect on chronic pain. Little is known about the veterinary use of CBD in dogs. Even less is known on the effects of CBD on dog behaviour, especially in shelters. The purpose of this study was to determine if CBD affects stress related behaviour in shelter dogs. The sample consisted of 24 dogs divided into two groups that were created by assigning the dogs alternately: 12 dogs were assigned to the treatment group and 12 to the control group. Extra virgin olive oil, titrated to 5% in CBD was given to treated group; the placebo consisted of olive oil only, dispensed daily for 45 days. Behavioural data were collected using the 'focal animal' sampling method with 'all occurrences' and '1/0' methods for 3 h: before (T0), after 15 days (T1), after 45 days of treatment (T2) and after 15 days from the end of the treatment (T3). Treated dogs showed reduced aggressive behaviour toward humans following the treatment (Friedman Test: χ2 = 13.300; df = 3; N = 12; p = .004; adj. sig. p = 0.027), but the difference in the decrease of aggressive behaviour between the two groups was not significant (Mann-Whitney U test, T2-T0: Z = - 1.81; N = 24; p = 0.078). Other behaviours indicative of stress, such as displacing activities and stereotypes, did not decrease. Despite some non-significant results, our findings suggest that it is worth doing more research to further investigate the effect of CBD on dog behaviour; this would be certainly valuable because the potential for improving the welfare of dogs in shelters is priceless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corsetti
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | | | - Livia Malandrucco
- Canile Sovrazonale, ASL Roma 3 (Local Health Unit Rome 3), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Spallucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Maragliano
- Canile Sovrazonale, ASL Roma 3 (Local Health Unit Rome 3), Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Perino
- Canile Sovrazonale, ASL Roma 3 (Local Health Unit Rome 3), Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro D'Agostino
- Canile Pubblico Muratella e Pontemarconi, Roma Capitale (Municipality of Rome), Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Natoli
- Canile Sovrazonale, ASL Roma 3 (Local Health Unit Rome 3), Rome, Italy
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van Haaften KA, Grigg EK, Kolus C, Hart L, Kogan LR. A survey of dog owners’ perceptions on the use of psychoactive medications and alternatives for the treatment of canine behavior problems. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Dramard V, Kern L, Hofmans J, Rème CA, Nicolas CS, Chala V, Navarro C. Effect of l-theanine tablets in reducing stress-related emotional signs in cats: an open-label field study. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:21. [PMID: 30338056 PMCID: PMC6178259 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background L-theanine is an aminoacid found in tea leaves which has relaxing effects in humans and animals. It is a structural analogue of glutamate which can bind glutamate receptors. Although the relaxing action of L-theanine has been shown in humans, laboratory animals and dogs, it has never been published in cats. The goal of this open-label, multicentre and prospective trial was to determine whether an L-theanine based oral supplement (Anxitane®, Virbac, France) could attenuate manifestations of stress in cats under field conditions. Case presentation Thirty-three privately owned cats presenting signs associated with stress or fear (inappropriate urination/defecation, fear-induced aggressiveness, hypervigilance/tenseness or physical/functional manifestations of stress) for at least 1 month, were included in the study. They were given L-theanine (Anxitane®, 25 mg twice a day) for 30 days and 20 stress-related parameters were scored at Days 0, 15 and 30. The evolution of some parameters was also rated relative to Day 0. All median scores of the 20 parameters were significantly reduced at D30, and 30/33 cats (91%) had a reduced global score at the end of the study, including 21/33 with ≥50% score reduction. The median (IQR) global scores went from 18 (13-23) at D0 to 11 (8-13) at D15 and 5 (3-12) at D30 (p < 0.0001; Friedman test; significant reduction starting from D15). All the stress-related signs were significantly improved compared to D0, according to the owners, especially inappropriate elimination. Tablet palatability was judged good or very good in 94% of cases with spontaneous intake by cats when given by hand or in food. Tolerance was satisfactory as well, and no side effects were reported, so that most owners (27/33; 82%) were satisfied with the product. Conclusions Despite the lack of a placebo group, it can be concluded that L-theanine (Anxitane®) helped to improve the undesirable manifestations of stress in cats in as soon as 15 days, though better results could be seen after 30 days of administration. These encouraging results show that L-theanine can help manage stress-related behaviour, but additional trials with a placebo group should be run to confirm this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Dramard
- Referral Behaviour Veterinary Clinic, 16 rue Jeanne d'Arc, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - L Kern
- Referral Behaviour Veterinary Clinic, 6 place Léon Deubel, 75016 Paris, France
| | - J Hofmans
- Veterinary Clinic, Avenue des Martyrs 173, 4620 Fléron, Belgium
| | - C A Rème
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - C S Nicolas
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - V Chala
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - C Navarro
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
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Overall KL. Same or different? Why establishing the range of behavioral variability matters. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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