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Mann AS, Hall E, McGowan C, Quain A. A survey investigating owner perceptions and management of firework-associated fear in dogs in the Greater Sydney area. Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 39011861 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of firework-associated fear in dogs in Sydney, owner perception of their dog's response to fireworks, perceived efficacy of interventions to manage fearful behaviours and the frequency of dog owners seeking professional advice for these behaviours. METHODS Dog owners in the Greater Sydney area were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. RESULTS From 387 valid responses, 44.4% (171 of 385) reported their dogs were fearful of fireworks. The most common fear-related behaviour was seeking an owner or caretaker (120 of 161, 74.5%). Most owners responded by bringing their dog inside or trying to comfort or reassure their dog. Only 22.5% of owners sought professional advice for their dog's fear of fireworks, but of these, 65.5% considered that advice to be effective. Source and breed group were significantly associated with fear of fireworks (P = 0.011, P = 0.036 respectively). Fear of fireworks was also significantly associated with fear of thunder (P < 0.0001), gunshots (P < 0.0001) and vehicles (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSION Fear of fireworks and other loud noises negatively impacts canine welfare, yet only a small percentage of owners sought professional advice. There is scope for veterinarians to educate owners and raise awareness about the identification and management of noise-associated fear and reduce the risk of escalation of fearful behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Mann
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - E Hall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - C McGowan
- Calm Pet Vet, Oak Park, Victoria, 3046, Australia
| | - A Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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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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Clinical Animal Behaviour: Paradigms, Problems and Practice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223103. [PMID: 36428330 PMCID: PMC9687072 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the public and clinicians are interested in the application of scientific knowledge concerning problem animal behaviour and its treatment. However, in order to do this effectively it is essential that individuals have not only scientific literacy but also an appreciation of philosophical concepts underpinning a particular approach and their practical implications on the knowledge generated as a result. This paper highlights several common misunderstandings and biases associated with different scientific perspectives relevant to clinical animal behaviour and their consequences for how we determine what may be a useful treatment for a given patient. In addition to more reflective evaluation of results, there is a need for researchers to report more information of value to clinicians; such as relevant treatment outcomes, effect sizes, population characteristics. Clinicians must also appreciate the limitations of population level study results to a given case. These challenges can however be overcome with the careful critical reflection using the scientific principles and caveats described.
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Stolzlechner L, Bonorand A, Riemer S. Optimising Puppy Socialisation-Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223067. [PMID: 36428295 PMCID: PMC9687081 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The socialisation period in dog puppies is one of the most important periods determining behavioural development in dogs. Here, we aimed to test the effect of providing stimulation (beyond mere exposure) early during the socialisation period (approx. 3-6 weeks) on puppies' behaviour. Each of 12 litters (83 puppies) of various breeds was divided into a treatment and a control group. Between 3-6 weeks, the treatment group received age-appropriate "challenge" exercises (carefully graded noise exposure, novel objects, and problem-solving tasks) four times per week (total 12 times). The control group spent the same time with the trainer, who cuddled or played with the puppies. In a behaviour test at 6-7 weeks, two of four principal components, "social-startle" and "response to novelty", differed significantly between the groups. Treatment puppies were bolder towards the novel object, showed a reduced startle reaction, and recovered more quickly after a loud noise. Furthermore, they accomplished the problem-solving task faster and were more persistent during problem-solving than the control group. The control group showed a higher interest in a friendly stranger. It is a possibility that increased handling experienced by the control group had beneficial effects on their sociability. No long-term effects of the treatment were found, as determined by a validated dog personality questionnaire, available for 67 dogs at the age of six months. Likely, a continuation of the treatment over a longer time period would be necessary to obtain lasting effects, since the training took place only during the first third of the socialisation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Stolzlechner
- Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Bonorand
- Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Riemer
- Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182472. [PMID: 36139333 PMCID: PMC9495187 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Safeguarding the health of dogs presupposes undergoing regular veterinary visits (VVs). However, the VV can be emotionally challenging, thus impairing the welfare of the patient, also reducing dog and owner compliance. The fear and anxiety experienced by the dogs evokes behavioral and physiological stress responses for adaptive purposes. It is therefore desirable to lower the stress from the visit. With this intent, we tested a gel formulation of a synthetic analogue of the appeasing pheromone secreted by bitches, the dog appeasing pheromone (DAP), as a situational support to improve the perception of the stay in the waiting room and the physical examination. In the waiting room, the dogs exposed to DAP exhibited changes in their behavior, namely significant decrease in lip licking, increase in panting, and nearly significant reduction of low body postures. On the examination table, neither behavioral nor physiological differences were found. DAP did not alter markedly the stress behavior and physiology of dogs during a VV, maybe due to a stress level exceeding the potential efficacy of the product. However, the change of a few stress-associated behaviors suggests that DAP could contribute to improving the welfare of dogs staying in the waiting room before the physical examination. Abstract The veterinary visit is necessary for safeguarding the health of dogs, but it can be stressful and threaten both the welfare of the patient and the accuracy of the examination. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aims at evaluating how dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) in a novel gel formulation influences the behavioral and physiological stress responses of 28 dogs undergoing a standardized clinical examination, while staying in the waiting room (WR) and visited in the examination room (ER). Behavioral responses were studied through behavioral categories and subjective scales (WR and ER). Autonomic response considered heart rate (WR and ER), blood pressure (WR and ER), respiratory rate (ER), and rectal temperature (ER). Neuroendocrine response considered salivary cortisol (WR and ER). In the waiting room, the use of DAP was associated with a significant reduction of lip licking (p = 0.0189), an increase in panting (p = 0.0276), and a reduction close to significance (p = 0.0584) of low body postures. No significant differences were observed within the physiological responses. In the examination room, neither behavioral nor physiological differences were found.
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6
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An investigation into the effectiveness of various professionals and behavior modification programs, with or without medication, for the treatment of canine fears. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Wascher CAF, Arnold W, Kotrschal K. Effects of severe anthropogenic disturbance on the heart rate and body temperature in free-living greylag geese ( Anser anser). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac050. [PMID: 36033970 PMCID: PMC9406602 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbances are a major concern for the welfare and conservation of wildlife. We recorded heart rate and body temperature of 20 free-living greylag geese in response to a major regularly re-occurring anthropogenic disturbance-New Year's Eve fireworks. Heart rate and body temperature were significantly higher in the first and second hour of the new year, compared with the same hour on the 31st of December, the average during December and the average during January. Heart rate and body temperature was not significantly affected by sex or age. From 0200 to 0300 onwards, 1st of January heart rates did not significantly differ from the other periods; however, body temperatures were significantly increased until 0300-0400. From 0400 to 0500, heart rate was not affected by any of the investigated factors, whereas body temperature was significantly increased on the 1st of January compared with the 31st of December and the December average but not compared with the January average. To conclude, our results show that New Year's Eve fireworks cause a substantial physiological response, indicative of a stress response in greylag geese, which is costly in terms of energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A F Wascher
- Corresponding author: School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK. Tel: +4369912381419.
| | - Walter Arnold
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Kotrschal
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, 4645 Grünau im Almtal, Austria
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Courtenay LA, Herranz-Rodrigo D, Yravedra J, Vázquez-Rodríguez JM, Huguet R, Barja I, Maté-González MÁ, Fernández MF, Muñoz-Nieto ÁL, González-Aguilera D. 3D Insights into the Effects of Captivity on Wolf Mastication and Their Tooth Marks; Implications in Ecological Studies of Both the Past and Present. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2323. [PMID: 34438780 PMCID: PMC8388415 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human populations have been known to develop complex relationships with large carnivore species throughout time, with evidence of both competition and collaboration to obtain resources throughout the Pleistocene. From this perspective, many archaeological and palaeontological sites present evidence of carnivore modifications to bone. In response to this, specialists in the study of microscopic bone surface modifications have resorted to the use of 3D modeling and data science techniques for the inspection of these elements, reaching novel limits for the discerning of carnivore agencies. The present research analyzes the tooth mark variability produced by multiple Iberian wolf individuals, with the aim of studying how captivity may affect the nature of tooth marks left on bone. In addition to this, four different populations of both wild and captive Iberian wolves are also compared for a more in-depth comparison of intra-species variability. This research statistically shows that large canid tooth pits are the least affected by captivity, while tooth scores appear more superficial when produced by captive wolves. The superficial nature of captive wolf tooth scores is additionally seen to correlate with other metric features, thus influencing overall mark morphologies. In light of this, the present study opens a new dialogue on the reasons behind this, advising caution when using tooth scores for carnivore identification and contemplating how elements such as stress may be affecting the wolves under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd A. Courtenay
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Ávila, Spain; (M.Á.M.-G.); (Á.-L.M.-N.); (D.G.-A.)
| | - Darío Herranz-Rodrigo
- Department of Prehistory, Complutense University, Prof. Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.H.-R.); (J.Y.)
- C. A. I. Archaeometry and Archaeological Analysis, Complutense University, Professor Aranguren 2/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Yravedra
- Department of Prehistory, Complutense University, Prof. Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.H.-R.); (J.Y.)
- C. A. I. Archaeometry and Archaeological Analysis, Complutense University, Professor Aranguren 2/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Mª Vázquez-Rodríguez
- Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Humanities Faculty, UNED University, C/Senda del Rey, 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rosa Huguet
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana I Evolució Social (IPHES), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43700 Tarragona, Spain;
- Department d’Historia i Historia de l’Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
- Unit Associated to CSIC, Departamento de Paleobiologia, Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal, s/n, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Barja
- Zoology Unit, Department of Biology, Autónoma University of Madrid, C/Darwin 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Center of Investigation in Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Maté-González
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Ávila, Spain; (M.Á.M.-G.); (Á.-L.M.-N.); (D.G.-A.)
- Department of Topographic and Cartography Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineers in Topography, Geodesy and Cartography, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Mercator 2, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maximiliano Fernández Fernández
- Gran Duque de Alba Institution, Dibutación Provincial de Ávila, Paseo Dos de Mayo, 8, 05001 Ávila, Spain;
- Department of Sciences of Communication and Sociology, Faculty of Communication Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos, Camino del Molino, s/n, 28943 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel-Luis Muñoz-Nieto
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Ávila, Spain; (M.Á.M.-G.); (Á.-L.M.-N.); (D.G.-A.)
| | - Diego González-Aguilera
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Ávila, Spain; (M.Á.M.-G.); (Á.-L.M.-N.); (D.G.-A.)
- Gran Duque de Alba Institution, Dibutación Provincial de Ávila, Paseo Dos de Mayo, 8, 05001 Ávila, Spain;
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Masic A, Landsberg G, Milgram B, Merali Z, Durst T, Sanchez Vindas P, Garcia M, Baker J, Liu R, Arnason J. Efficacy of Souroubea-Platanus Dietary Supplement Containing Triterpenes in Beagle Dogs Using a Thunderstorm Noise-Induced Model of Fear and Anxiety. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26072049. [PMID: 33916654 PMCID: PMC8038379 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Masic
- Department of Microbiology, Educons University, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica 21208, Serbia
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Gary Landsberg
- CanCog Technologies Inc., P.O. Box 248, Toronto, ON N1M 2W8, Canada; (G.L.); (B.M.)
| | - Bill Milgram
- CanCog Technologies Inc., P.O. Box 248, Toronto, ON N1M 2W8, Canada; (G.L.); (B.M.)
| | - Zul Merali
- Brain and Mind Institute, the Aga Khan University, 3 Park Place, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Tony Durst
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Pablo Sanchez Vindas
- Herbario Juvenal Valerio Rodriguez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 3000, Costa Rica; (P.S.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Mario Garcia
- Herbario Juvenal Valerio Rodriguez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 3000, Costa Rica; (P.S.V.); (M.G.)
| | - John Baker
- Stonehedge Bioresources Inc., Stirling, ON K8N 5J2, Canada;
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - John Arnason
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (J.A.)
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Riemer S, Heritier C, Windschnurer I, Pratsch L, Arhant C, Affenzeller N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010158. [PMID: 33445559 PMCID: PMC7826566 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The majority of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, and some individuals may show aggression as a result. We review ways to avoid negative experiences and promote positive emotions in animals visiting the veterinarian. Whenever an animal is in the practice, the veterinary team should endeavour to make the visit as pleasant as possible, by using non-threatening body language and by creating positive associations. High-value food (unless an animal needs to be fasted) or toys should be used generously throughout the visit. In the interaction with the animals, low-stress handling methods, brief pauses and adjusting the procedure based on the animal’s body language help them to feel secure. Distractions can be used to minimise perceived pain such as from injections. If a known painful area needs to be treated, pain killers are advised. For animals that are very fearful, several medication options are available that can be given prior to the veterinary visit to help them with their fears. With reward-based training, animals can learn to accept veterinary procedures. A stress-free veterinary visit benefits all involved parties—the animals, their owners, as well as the veterinary team. Abstract A high proportion of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, which in some cases may escalate into aggression. Here, we discuss factors that contribute to negative emotions in a veterinary setting and how these can be addressed. We briefly summarise the available evidence for the interventions discussed. The set-up of the waiting area (e.g., spatial dividers; elevated places for cat carriers), tailoring the examination and the treatment to the individual, considerate handling (minimal restraint when possible, avoiding leaning over or cornering animals) and offering high-value food or toys throughout the visit can promote security and, ideally, positive associations. Desensitisation and counterconditioning are highly recommended, both to prevent and address existing negative emotions. Short-term pain from injections can be minimised by using tactile and cognitive distractions and topical analgesics, which are also indicated for painful procedures such as ear cleanings. Recommendations for handling fearful animals to minimise aggressive responses are discussed. However, anxiolytics or sedation should be used whenever there is a risk of traumatising an animal or for safety reasons. Stress-reducing measures can decrease fear and stress in patients and consequently their owners, thus strengthening the relationship with the clients as well as increasing the professional satisfaction of veterinary staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Riemer
- Companion Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ines Windschnurer
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (I.W.); (C.A.)
| | - Lydia Pratsch
- Veterinary Behaviour Consultant, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Christine Arhant
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (I.W.); (C.A.)
| | - Nadja Affenzeller
- Department of Companion Animals, Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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The behavioral and physiological effects of dog appeasing pheromone on canine behavior during separation from the owner. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Fear expressions of dogs during New Year fireworks: a video analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16035. [PMID: 32994423 PMCID: PMC7525486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A high proportion of pet dogs show fear-related behavioural problems, with noise fears being most prevalent. Nonetheless, few studies have objectively evaluated fear expression in this species. Using owner-provided video recordings, we coded behavioural expressions of pet dogs during a real-life firework situation at New Year’s Eve and compared them to behaviour of the same dogs on a different evening without fireworks (control condition), using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. A backwards-directed ear position, measured at the base of the ear, was most strongly associated with the fireworks condition (effect size: Cohen’s d = 0.69). Durations of locomotion (d = 0.54) and panting (d = 0.45) were also higher during fireworks than during the control condition. Vocalisations (d = 0.40), blinking (d = 0.37), and hiding (d = 0.37) were increased during fireworks, but this was not significant after sequential Bonferroni correction. This could possibly be attributed to the high inter-individual variability in the frequency of blinking and the majority of subjects not vocalising or hiding at all. Thus, individual differences must be taken into account when aiming to assess an individual’s level of fear, as relevant measures may not be the same for all individuals. Firework exposure was not associated with an elevated rate of other so-called ‘stress signals’, lip licking and yawning.
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Overall KL. Data-driven approaches to clinical veterinary behavioral medicine. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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