The effect of pet remedy on the behaviour of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

Sienna Taylor, Joah Madden

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Articlepeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)
    50 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Stress-affected behaviour in companion animals can have an adverse effect on animal health and welfare and their relationships with humans. This stress can be addressed using chemical treatments, often in conjunction with behavioural therapies. Here, we investigated the efficacy of one commercial pharmacological intervention, Pet Remedy, advertised as a natural stress relief product for mammals. We aimed to see whether the product lowered stress-affected behaviour in dogs placed in a non-familiar environment. Behavioural responses of 28 dogs were video recorded using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and counterbalanced repeated measures design. Dogs were exposed to both a placebo and Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser for 30 min with an intervening period of approximately 7 days between conditions. Multivariate regression analysis identified no significant differences in behaviour in either the Pet Remedy or placebo condition. In conclusion, in the current study, Pet Remedy did not reduce behavioural indicators indicative of a stress response. To determine the effects of Pet Remedy, future research using a larger sample size and controlling for breed would be beneficial.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2-9
    Number of pages8
    JournalAnimals
    Volume6
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016

    Keywords

    • Dogs
    • Multivariate regression
    • Pet remedy
    • Sighing
    • Stress
    • Welfare

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