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The effectiveness of the Anxiety Wrap in the treatment of canine thunderstorm phobia: An open-label trial
... Pressure vests are tight-fitting garments assumed to have calming effects from exerting deep pressure [52]. There are some indicators that pressure vests may have the potential to lower physiological or behavioural signs of anxiety in dogs [53][54][55]. ...
... When opting to use a pressure vest to reduce a dog's anxiety, it is therefore important to habituate the dog to wearing it before the event and to use it repeatedly outside of fearful situations [52]. A systematic review on the available studies suggests that a small beneficial effect is possible [52]. ...
... When opting to use a pressure vest to reduce a dog's anxiety, it is therefore important to habituate the dog to wearing it before the event and to use it repeatedly outside of fearful situations [52]. A systematic review on the available studies suggests that a small beneficial effect is possible [52]. In [25], the reported success rate for pressure vests was 44%, which was higher than for all other non-pharmaceutical products. ...
Noise fears represent the most common behavioural problem in dogs. This manuscript provides an overview of diverse approaches for alleviating fear of noises in dogs and the supporting evidence. In the treatment of noise fears, both short-term solutions to prevent trauma or the deterioration of fear during unavoidable noise events and longer-term training need to be considered. Environmental management, the provision of incentives (food/play) during noise exposure, and, when indicated, anxiolytic medication, can safeguard dogs' welfare during noise events. Most "alter-native" products (such as nutraceuticals, herbal remedies, pheromones, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and essential oils) are unlikely to be sufficient as monotherapy for noise fears, whereas there is good evidence for the efficacy of several anxiolytic medications. In the longer term, counterconditioning to real-life noises, relaxation training, and desensitisation/counterconditioning using noise recordings have been shown to improve fear of noises in dogs. Preventative training appears to be highly effective in preventing the development of noise fears in puppies and adult dogs.
... Roupas calmantes para cães, comercialmente chamados de Storm Defender Cape ® e Anxiety Wrap ® foram avaliados em relação ao alívio dos comportamentos indesejados causados pela fobia a trovões (n = 13 e 18 respectivamente). Os resultados apontaram uma diminuição nos índices de ansiedade (67 e 47% respectivamente) (Cottam e Dodman, 2009;Cottam et al., 2013). ...
... A melhora dos comportamentos em 76,19% e 100% dos cães através das avaliações dos tutores e pesquisadores respectivamente, superaram a melhora de 47% e 67% observadas em apresentações comerciais da roupas já testadas (Cottam e Dodman, 2009;Cottam et al., 2013). ...
... O teste t pareado constatou que houve diferença significativa entre os dias controle e experimental (p < 0,05), revelando assim a eficácia no uso da roupa artesanal, tanto pela avaliação do tutor na primeira etapa quanto do pesquisador na segunda etapa, demonstrando que os efeitos da roupa artesanal foram equivalentes às roupas vendidas comercialmente com efeitos positivos (Cottam e Dodman, 2009;Cottam et al., 2013). ...
Comportamentos indesejados associados a fobia de fogos ocorrem com frequência em cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da utilização de roupa artesanal em cães com o intuito de reduzir estes comportamentos. Através de entrevistas na comunidade, um total de 49 cães apresentaram sinais de fobia e foram inclusos no estudo. Roupas artesanais confeccionadas a partir de camisas de algodão dos tutores foram padronizadas de forma que promovessem leve pressão nos cães. O levantamento de dados foi dividido em duas etapas, uma buscando a opinião do tutor e a outra dos pesquisadores sobre o efeito da roupa. No decorrer da primeira etapa, houve 28 desistências (57,14%), correspondentes a cães que não aceitaram a permanência da roupa. Dos 21 cães que aceitaram a utilização da roupa, foi observado diminuição dos comportamentos indesejados característica de fobia a fogos em 76,19% e 100% dos cães através das avaliações dos tutores e pesquisadores respectivamente. A roupa fabricada artesanalmente, pode ser útil em diminuir os comportamentos característicos de fobia a fogos de artifício em cães.
... Three studies were identified (Cottam et al., 2013;King et al., 2014;Pekkin et al., 2016) that specifically aimed to test the efficacy of commercially available pressure vests at reducing indices of stress in canines. Of these, only one (Pekkin et al., 2016) reported measuring and standardising the pressure exerted by the vests, the other two papers reported fitting (or asking owners to fit) the vests firmly in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. ...
... In terms of internal validity, each of the studies had its merits and limitations. The Cottam et al. (2013) study was a field-based, clearly client-relevant, commercially funded study that relied heavily on owner reporting of behaviour. The authors reported that the use of a pressure vest, compared with baseline measurements, was associated with a numerical reduction on the anxiety scores during all thunderstorms in the treatment phase. ...
... Cottam et al., 2013; Pekkin et al., 2016; Fish et al., 2017) used noise stressors (thunderstorm, firework or thunderstorm sound recordings respectively) to induce an anxiety or fear response. The stressors have external relevance as thunderstorms, fireworks and separation-related stress are all stressors that clients will frequently approach veterinary professionals to seek assistance with the management or treatment of their dog's negative response towards. ...
strong>PICO question
In fearful or anxious dogs does wearing a pressure vest, compared to not wearing one, result in reduced behavioural and physiological signs of stress?
Clinical bottom line
Four studies of variable quality and limitations were identified that investigated the use of pressure vests, using various physiological and behavioural proxy measures of anxiety. Most behavioural outcome measures associated with a positive effect were subjective assessments, with unblinded assessors. Subjectively, many of the owners believed that pressure vests had a positive effect on their dogs’ anxiety levels.
The take home message for the veterinary professional is that pressure vests may have small but beneficial effects on canine anxiety and that habituating the dog to the vest, assessing for comfort and using repeatedly may improve the likelihood of any benefit. However, the owner should be cautioned that they should not expect their dog’s anxiety to be fully alleviated or prevented, and it may have no beneficial effect at all.
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... 4,18 Available prescription and non-prescription treatment modalities cover a wide variety of products that demonstrates the prevalence of the condition and difficulties associated with treating this behavior. 4,14,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Prescription medications to treat CTA fall into 3 main classes: benzodiazepines (BZDs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 4 One of the most recommended conventional treatments of CTA is alprazolam given 30 minutes to 2 hours before a storm and every 4-6 hours during a storm. ...
Canine thunderstorm aversion (CTA) is a significant challenge to pets, owners, and veterinarians. The objective of this research was to determine if traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) treatment with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, basic desensitization and counterconditioning (DSCC) with a behavior modification drug, could lessen the severity of CTA in dogs. A total of 23 dogs that exhibited behaviors typical of thunderstorm aversion were enrolled in the study. At study start, all dogs received a TCVM Pattern diagnosis and were treated with Pattern-specific Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture points. In addition, owners received DSCC behavior modification protocols and a conventional drug (alprazolam) to be used as needed during thunderstorms. Dogs were examined once a month for 4 months and Chinese herbal medicine formulations and acupuncture treatment adjusted as TCVM Patterns changed. After 120 days of treatment, the mean±SD improvement in overall thunderstorm aversion behaviors in study participants was 77.2%±27.7% (p < 0.0001). This result was significantly greater than 52% (p = 0.002), a reported mean improvement percentage for conventional treatment only, after 4 months. Six of the 7 individual aversion behaviors (panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, excess salivation, excess vocalization) had a significant reduction (range: p =0.046 to p = 0.008) over the course of treatment. The study results demonstrated that integrative management of CTA with TCVM Pattern-specific treatments combined with a conventional rescue drug and behavior modification improves CTA behaviors and suggests greater efficacy than conventional medical management only. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.
... Very little literature exists on the effect of weighted pressure vests on anxiety despite the vests being the focus of a substantial amount of research on nonnormative populations and animals. To date, this potential effect has been most clearly described in a handful of studies on dogs where it has been effective at reducing dogs' fear of thunder (Cottam, Dodman, & Ha, 2013;Fish, Foster, Gruen, Sherman, & Dorman, 2017;King, Buffington, Smith, & Grandin, 2014). ...
... Although the available evidence is inconclusive, there are some indications of effects on some behavioral parameters and heart rate during thunderstorm or firework recordings that could be interpreted as reflecting lowered anxiety when wearing a vest (Fish et al., 2017;Pekkin et al., 2016). Also, owners considered the vest to be of benefit during real-life thunderstorm events (Cottam et al., 2013). A review concluded that "pressure vests may have small but beneficial effects on canine anxiety and that habituating the dog to the vest, assessing for comfort and using repeatedly, may improve the likelihood of any benefit" (Buckley, 2018). ...
An online questionnaire survey investigated (1) management and (2) treatment methods for firework fears in dogs employed by dog owners and their (perceived) effectiveness. A PCA on data from 1225 respondents revealed four management strategies (i.e. interventions during firework exposure): the principal components “Environmental modification” (e.g. providing a hiding place, keeping windows and blinds closed, and playing music), “Feed/Play” (providing the dog with chews, play and food during fireworks in general, as well as contingent on loud bangs), “Alternative” (use of calming nutraceuticals, pheromones, herbal products, homeopathic products, Bach flowers, and essential oils) and “Interaction” (allowing body contact, petting and talking to the dog when loud bangs occurred). To explore possible effects of these management methods on fear development, the components were correlated with a score for fear progression. Of the four components, only “Feed/Play” was statistically associated with an improvement in fear responses to fireworks. To evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment strategies, owners were asked to select from a range of options which interventions they had used and whether they considered them as effective. With prescription medication (N=202), improvements were noted by 69% of owners, with high success rates reported for the most frequently prescribed drugs, alprazolam (91%) and Sileo® (74%). While individual products were not evaluated, the reported success rates for the categories “pheromones” (N=316), “herbal products” (N=282), “nutraceuticals” (N=211), “essential oils” (N=183), “homeopathic remedies” (N=250) and “Bach flowers” (N=281) were all in the range of 27-35%, which is not higher than would be expected based on a placebo effect. Pressure vests were deemed as effective by 44% of respondents (N=300). Counterconditioning (providing desirable stimuli after the occurrence of noises) was the most successful training technique according to the owners (N=694), with a reported effectiveness of over 70%. Relaxation training (N=433) was reported to be almost as successful at 69%, while noise CDs (N=377) were effective in 55% of cases. Thus, counterconditioning, relaxation training and anxiolytic medication appear to be the most effective strategies in the treatment of firework fears in dogs. On this basis it is recommended that ad-hoc counterconditioning and relaxation training should complement the standard behavioral technique of desensitization/ counterconditioning with noise recordings.
Highlights
An online survey on treatment options for firework fears in dogs was performed
Feeding or playing with dogs during fireworks was associated with fear improvement
Success was highest for ad-hoc counterconditioning, relaxation training and medication
Success was similar for pheromones, nutraceuticals and other alternative products
Success rates for these alternative products are consistent with a placebo effect
... of Animals, Davenport, FL], ThunderShirt [ThunderWorks, Durham, NC]) reduce a dog's response to thunderstorms and other anxiety-causing events. 7,8,23 The similarity in design between these pressure wraps and telemetry vests suggests that telemetry vest-wearing in dogs, as may occur during safety pharmacology studies, may also influence dog behavior. This pilot study was designed to assess whether spontaneous locomotor activity, physiologic variables, and behavioral response to an environmental stressor in dogs are influenced by the wearing of a commercially available jacketed telemetry system (vest). ...
Safety pharmacology studies in dogs often integrate behavioral assessments made using video recording with physiologic measurements collected by telemetry. However, whether merely wearing the telemetry vest affects canine behavior and other parameters has not been evaluated. This pilot study assessed the effect of a telemetry vest on behavioral and physiologic responses to an environmental stressor, the sounds of a thunderstorm, in Labrador retrievers. Dogs were assigned to one of 2 experimental groups (Vest and No-Vest, n = 8 dogs per group) by using a matched pairs design, with a previously determined, sound-associated anxiety score as the blocking variable. Dogs were individually retested with the same standardized sound stimulus (thunderstorm) in an open-field arena, and their behavioral responses were video recorded. Video analysis of locomotor activity and anxiety-related behavior and manual determination of heart rate and body temperature were performed; results were compared between groups. Vest wearing did not affect total locomotor activity or rectal body temperature but significantly decreased heart rate by 8% and overall mean anxiety score by 34% during open-field test sessions. Our results suggest that the use of telemetry vests in dogs influences the measurement of physiologic parameters and behaviors that are assessed in safety pharmacology studies.
... In the placebo-byproxy effect, the belief of the owners that their dog is receiving a medication that facilitates calm behavior could change the way that the owner interacts with the dog and could lead to an actual change in the dog's behavior because of this interaction. Although not called by the same term, this idea was also discussed in a study by Cottam et al. (2013) that evaluated the efficacy of an antistatic cape for the treatment of thunderstorm anxiety in dogs. In that study, both the lined cape and the unlined (placebo) cape resulted in improvement on a global assessment of dogs' behavior. ...
Trazodone hydrochloride is an atypical antidepressant that has entered clinical use for dogs and cats for a variety of indications. These include management of anxiety disorders, facilitation of travel and veterinary examinations, and facilitation of calm behavior in hospitalized and postoperative patients. Despite the increasingly common use of trazodone in dogs, very little literature exists evaluating trazodone's efficacy against a placebo control. The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate trazodone in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial for use in facilitating calmness and ease of confinement in postoperative dogs. The study enrolled 29 dogs (14 in the trazodone group and 15 in the placebo group) and followed them during 4 postoperative weeks. Trazodone was well tolerated by dogs in the trazodone group. Although dogs in both groups were rated as improved on some behavioral measures, no difference was found between the trazodone and placebo groups in efficacy, with more than 70% of owners in both groups rating the test article (trazodone or placebo) as moderately or extremely helpful for facilitating both calming and crating of their dog. This observed lack of efficacy, over placebo, may be attributed to one or more of several factors that include features about the trial itself and the trial population, a caregiver or placebo-by-proxy effect, a lack of sensitive outcome measures for assessment, or a lack of true efficacy for the medication. It is concluded that future work will be needed to address these factors, and this report aims to provide not only results but lessons learned from the conduct of the described trial.
... of Animals, Davenport, FL], ThunderShirt [ThunderWorks, Durham, NC]) reduce a dog's response to thunderstorms and other anxiety-causing events. 7,8,23 The similarity in design between these pressure wraps and telemetry vests suggests that telemetry vest-wearing in dogs, as may occur during safety pharmacology studies, may also influence dog behavior. This pilot study was designed to assess whether spontaneous locomotor activity, physiologic variables, and behavioral response to an environmental stressor in dogs are influenced by the wearing of a commercially available jacketed telemetry system (vest). ...
Safety pharmacology studies in dogs often integrate behavioral assessments made using video recording with physiologicmeasurements collected by telemetry. However, whether merely wearing the telemetry vest affects canine behavior and otherparameters has not been evaluated. This pilot study assessed the effect of a telemetry vest on behavioral and physiologic responses to an environmental stressor, the sounds of a thunderstorm, in Labrador retrievers. Dogs were assigned to one of 2 experimental groups (Vest and No-Vest, n = 8 dogs per group) by using a matched pairs design, with a previously determined,sound-associated anxiety score as the blocking variable. Dogs were individually retested with the same standardized soundstimulus (thunderstorm) in an open-field arena, and their behavioral responses were video recorded. Video analysis of locomotor activity and anxiety-related behavior and manual determination of heart rate and body temperature were performed;results were compared between groups. Vest wearing did not affect total locomotor activity or rectal body temperature butsignificantly decreased heart rate by 8% and overall mean anxiety score by 34% during open-field test sessions. Our results suggest that the use of telemetry vests in dogs influences the measurement of physiologic parameters and behaviors that areassessed in safety pharmacology studies.
... Treatment for noise reactivity and phobia focuses on redress of the associated behavioral and physiological signs. Interventions shown to be efficacious include avoidance, behavioral modification (Tuber et al., 1982;Shull-Selcer and Stagg, 1991), application of gentle pressure (Cottam et al., 2013), and medication Seksel and Lindemann, 2001;Crowell-Davis et al., 2003;Gruen and Sherman, 2008;Ogata and Dodman, 2011). ...
Noise reactivity and noise phobia are anxiety- and panic-related conditions in dogs that may affect up to 50% of dogs across their lifetime. Affected dogs show a range of signs of distress including trembling, freezing, panting, social withdrawal, pacing, salivating and escape behaviors. Noise reactivity and phobia have been shown to be co-morbid conditions and their presence may increase the risk and severity of other anxiety-related conditions. Anxiety disorders may interfere with dogs’ abilities to perform problem solving tasks or to interpret information that could be useful in such tasks, including tasks involving or affected by noise. The extent to which noise reactivity or phobia is related to auditory dysfunction or impairment is not known. In this study we asked whether known noise reactivity in dogs was reflected in any of several measures of auditory function: the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER), Auditory Middle Latency Response (AMLR) and Mismatch Negativity (MMN). Most noise reactive dogs in this study were mildly affected (mean AIR score 17.65, maximum = 64). Comparison of the major auditory measures of dogs who were noise reactive with those of dogs who were non-noise reactive revealed a significant difference in only one variable of the BAER test (RE-V) (Welch’s t = 2.55, df = 22.41, P < 0.02). Auditory middle and late latency responses were present in all dogs that allowed for the completion of this test, providing initial evidence of higher-order auditory cognitive function. Behaviorally, the group of noise reactive dogs was significantly different from the group of non-noise reactive dogs with respect to their ability to undergo this testing: 5 of the 17 noise reactive dogs were too reactive to undergo or complete the test but none of the 14 non-noise dogs were unable to undergo and complete testing. This study suggests that the underlying pathology resulting in noise reactivity may not influence AMLR or MMN related variables, but the study should be expanded to a larger and more severely affected population of dogs.
... The information collected through the diagnosis records should help determine the risk that the animal represents to the family and the community and to decide on the treatment of the biting animal. General treatment recommendations for human-directed canine aggression must include client education, avoidance of situations that trigger aggressive behavior, communication, positive reinforcement training, response substitution, consistent positive and predictable interactions, desensitizationecounter conditioning (DCC), avoidance of positive punishment, appropriate use of negative punishment, anxiolytics such as pheromones (Gaultier and Peageat, 2003;Tod et al., 2005;Mills et al., 2006;Levine et al., 2006;Kim et al., 2010), physical activity (Cottam and Dodman, 2009;Cottam and Dodman, 2013), dietary supplements (Dodman et al., 1996;Araujo et al., 2010;Dodman et al., 2013), pharmaceutical therapy, acupuncture, music therapy, aromatherapy (Wells, 2006), homeopathy (Cracknell and Mills, 2008;DePorter et al., 2012), grooming (McGreevy et al., 2005, herbal preparations (Fugh-Berman and Ernst, 2001), castration (Neilson et al., 1997), and ovariohysterectomy (O'Farrell and Peachey, 1990;Kim et al., 2006). ...
... 9,10,28-30 Physical: Wraps that apply pressure around the dog's body use a swaddling effect that may be calming. 31,32 Dietary: Low-protein (18%) diet and/or tryptophan supplementation may reduce some forms of aggression. 12 Nutraceutical supplements, such as L-theanine 14 or alpha-casozepine, or a commercial diet containing both alpha-casozepine and tryptophan, 14 S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM-e), or melatonin may reduce aggression. ...
This article reviews the various causes of human-directed aggression in dogs and provides a step-by-step plan guiding the general practitioner through history taking, behavior observations, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and follow-up care. Charts summarizing how to obtain behavioral information, the client's management options, treatment recommendations, diagnosis and treatment of human-directed aggression, and the clinician's role in preventing human-directed aggression are included. A graphic illustration of canine body language is also provided.
An online questionnaire survey investigated (1) management and (2) treatment methods for firework fears in dogs employed by dog owners and their (perceived) effectiveness. A PCA on data from 1,225 respondents revealed four management strategies (i.e., interventions during firework exposure): the principal components “Environmental modification” (e.g. providing a hiding place, keeping windows and blinds closed, and playing music), “Feed/Play” (providing the dog with chews, play and food during fireworks in general, as well as contingent on loud bangs), “Alternative” (use of calming nutraceuticals, pheromones, herbal products, homeopathic products, Bach flowers, and essential oils) and “Interaction” (allowing body contact, petting and talking to the dog when loud bangs occurred). To explore possible effects of these management methods on fear development, the components were correlated with a score for fear progression. Of the four components, only “Feed/Play” was statistically associated with an improvement in fear responses to fireworks. To evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment strategies, owners were asked to select from a range of options which interventions they had used and whether they considered them as effective. With prescription medication (N=202), improvements were noted by 69% of owners, with high success rates reported for the most frequently prescribed drugs, alprazolam (91%) and Sileo® (74%). While individual products were not evaluated, the reported success rates for the categories “pheromones” (N=316), “herbal products” (N=282), “nutraceuticals” (N=211), “essential oils” (N=183), “homeopathic remedies” (N=250) and “Bach flowers” (N=281) were all in the range of 27-35%, which is not higher than would be expected based on a placebo effect. Pressure vests were deemed as effective by 44% of respondents (N=300). Counterconditioning (providing desirable stimuli after the occurrence of noises) was the most successful training technique according to the owners (N=694), with a reported effectiveness of over 70%. Relaxation training (N=433) was reported to be almost as successful at 69%, while noise CDs (N=377) were effective in 55% of cases. Thus, counterconditioning, relaxation training and anxiolytic medication appear to be the most effective strategies in the treatment of firework fears in dogs. On this basis it is recommended that ad-hoc counterconditioning and relaxation training should complement the standard behavioral technique of desensitization/ counterconditioning with noise recordings.
Noise reactivity is a common problem for dogs and may progress to true phobia. Survey studies report that some type of noise reaction occurs in up to half of all pet dogs throughout their lifetimes, indicating that noise reactivity and/or phobia is a welfare issue. Familial aggregations of affected dogs have been reported, and increased prevalence in certain breeds has been suggested. Reactivity to noise can severely compromise function in both pet and working dogs. Noise reactivity may be comorbid with many anxiety disorders for both canines and humans and is postulated to effect information processing in associated human, rodent, and dog conditions. Any putative effect of noise on information processing becomes a concern for problem solving and other aspects of cognition that are important to working dogs. Accordingly, we sought to phenotype 3 breeds of herding dogs commonly used for work as detection dogs, police and/or patrol dogs, search and rescue dogs, and/or service dogs: Australian shepherds (AUS), border collies (BOC), and German shepherds (GSD). We analyzed demographic information and behavioral responses to noises (guns, storms, and fireworks) known to provoke fearful or phobic responses for 59 AUS, 81 BOC, and 58 GSD, who were also included in a genetic analysis. Behaviors were compared using a metric constructed from information on type, frequency, and intensity of response, and the Anxiety Intensity Rank (AIR) score. Reactivity to noise was found to segregate in some family lines for the dogs in this study, although individuals expressed considerable variation in noise response. Such variation may be time and exposure dependent and presents a phenotyping challenge. In this study, the presence and intensity of reactivity as represented by AIR scores varied by breed but only slightly with age. The BOC studied were older, and BOC and AUS were more severely affected (higher AIR scores) than were GSD. Source and/or purpose of dog may also affect severity of affliction. Determination of crisp and accurate phenotypes is essential for understanding underlying genetic contributions. For noise reactivity and/or phobia, accurate phenotypes include age of onset and specific behavioral characterization. Standardized and objective assessments are essential for assessment of progression and comorbidity. Our data imply that accurate phenotypic assessment is possible at a relatively early age, providing for both humane treatment and accurate phenotyping that facilitates good genotyping.
Fear of loud noises is a common welfare problem in pet dogs. Commercial treatment vests have been tested on dogs to relieve noise phobia, and peripheral oxytocin has been suggested to be one of the stress-relieving mediators. The effect of vests has not, however, been tested in a controlled situation. We tested whether individually customized vests, have an effect on behaviour of severely noise phobic dogs in a double-blinded experiment, where dogs are exposed to loud noises. We also investigated the possible effect of pressure by using two types of vests; a deep pressure vest (DEEP, c. 10–12 mmHg) and a light pressure vest (LIGHT, c. 2–3 mmHg). In addition to behaviour, we studied if the pressure vest has an effect on urine oxytocin level and on saliva cortisol levels.
Behavior can change as a result of medical issues or physiological changes. It is well understood that dogs and cats continue to express many of the behavioral patterns expressed by their wild ancestors. The behaviors typical of sick animals represent a highly adaptive behavioral strategy, so it is not surprising that many of these behaviors have been retained in spite of domestication. A variety of different studies have suggested that monitoring of sickness behaviors in the cat may be an excellent additional means of evaluating feline welfare and that the cats' behavior is a more reliable indicator of their level of stress than their physiological responses. Urine-marking behavior is more common in intact dogs and is considered a normal form of communication. When neutered animals mark, it is often due to situations involving conflict, frustration or anxiety.
Designing technology mediated human-animal interaction with the animal welfare as a design goal calls for understanding of animal welfare issues. This paper discusses the notion of animal welfare and specifically focuses on domestic dogs (canis familiaris) as an example case. Strategies for mediating relatedness are discussed and an initial framework to support designing tactile interactions for human-animal interaction is presented. Paper builds its reasoning upon scientific research on human-animal interaction and welfare, and identifies issues for future work in this area.
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.
British Veterinary Association.
There is a growing trend in veterinary medicine toward the use of alternative therapies including nutraceuticals. This open label trial evaluated the use of the nutraceutical L-theaninea in client owned dogs with a history of storm sensitivity. Dogs had to be between one and eight years of age and were recruited from general practices in the study area. All enrolled dogs were healthy based on physical examination and laboratory analysis, and not currently being treated for any chronic medical or behavioral disorder.
The effect of moderate to deep pressure on soft tissue has been studied in both humans and non-human animals with positive results shown in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Canine anxiety disorders are often treated with medications and behavior modification programming. Pressure wraps are sometimes used to treat canine anxiety, but the effects of this investigation have not been rigorously investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the use of a pressure wrap (ThunderShirt®) on heart rate and behavior in dogs diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Subjects were 90 dogs (39 males, 51 females) who were diagnosed with Separation Anxiety or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three groups-Experimental Group 1(Dogs wore the ThunderShirt® per manufacturer’s recommendations); Experimental Group 2 (Dogs wore the ThunderShirt® loosely without pressure); Control Group (Dogs had no specific treatment). Average heart rate and maximum heart rate were measured at baseline and after 15 minutes alone in the kennel. Dogs were video-recorded and analysis completed for twelve behaviors: pacing, panting, yawning, tongue-flicking, drooling, elimination, barking, stress whining, howling, licking, door orientation, and calmness. Results: Dogs in Experimental Group 1 showed significantly less increase from baseline in average heart rate than the Control Group dogs (p <0.001) and dogs in Experimental Group 2 (p < 0.001). Dogs in Experimental Group 1did not differ significantly from Control Group dogs in maximum heart rate when all dogs were considered, but did differ significantly from the Control Group (p = 0.04) when only those dogs not currently on anxiety medication were considered. There were no statistically significant differences among groups on behavioral outcomes, except dogs in the Control Group were significantly more likely to orient toward the door than dogs in both Experimental Group 1 (OR = 7.46, p = 0.01) and Experimental Group 2 (OR = 4.42, p = 0.04). Dogs in Experimental Group 1 presented a trend of less tongue-flicking (p = 0.06) and yawning (p = 0.07) stress reduction behaviors when compared to the other two groups. More research should be conducted with the ThunderShirt® on behavioral outcomes. The ThunderShirt® can be used with behavior modification programming and medication, as an adjunct treatment option to assist dogs diagnosed with anxiety disorder to reduce heart rate.
Low-stress handling is important for the safety of the veterinary staff and for the welfare of the patient. The commitment to ensuring the emotional well-being of the patient should be equal to that shown toward the physical well-being of the animals under a veterinarian's care. Before handling animals it is essential to assess the environment and the patient's response to it. Taking the time to create a behavior handling plan makes future visits easier and bonds clients to the practice. Understanding how and when to use handling tools is key to making patient visits safer, more humane, and more efficient.
This paper presents the results of a concurrent, nested, mixed methods exploratory study on the safety and effectiveness of the use of a 30 lb weighted blanket with a convenience sample of 32 adults. Safety is investigated measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse oximetry, and effectiveness by electrodermal activity (EDA), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-10 and an exit survey. The results reveal that the use of the 30 lb weighted blanket, in the lying down position, is safe as evidenced by the vital sign metrics. Data obtained on effectiveness reveal 33% demonstrated lowering in EDA when using the weighted blanket, 63% reported lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality. The results of this study will be used to form the basis for subsequent research on the therapeutic influence of the weighted blanket with adults during an acute inpatient mental health admission.
Accessible summary• Many people who show challenging behaviour continue to be tranquilised and physically restrained.• There have been claims that deep pressure touch can be of beneficial in reducing agitation and distress, particularly in people with autism spectrum disorders.• Deep pressure touch is demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on extreme agitation, including lowering increased heart rate and respiration, as well as reducing the need for physical restraint and medication• This paper describes a ‘‘low tech’’ approach to the systematic use of deep pressure touch that can be readily applied in many settingsSummaryAlthough there have been claims of significant therapeutic benefits arising from the use of deep touch pressure techniques with children with autistic spectrum disorders, to date there have been few empirical investigations of its use with adults with autistic spectrum disorders and anxiety in clinical practice. This paper reports on the systematic use of deep touch pressure within a structured programme for a man with autism who was presenting with severe challenging behaviour. The programme led to significant reductions in the use of both physical restraint and medication, as well as appropriate physiological changes, with a parallel increase in the person's quality of life. The implications of this approach are discussed with regard to both theory and practice with the aim of increasing the provision of more appropriate forms of support for people who present with challenging behaviour.
To learn more about predispositions for, signs, and progression of canine thunderstorm phobia, a survey for owners was posted on the Internet. Questions addressed signalment, age of onset, behavior during storms, and treatments tried. Sixty-nine responses were received. Herding dogs and herding crossbreeds accounted for the majority of dogs. Seventeen of 41 dogs with a known age of onset began exhibiting thunderstorm phobia <1 year of age. Various characteristic responses of dogs to storms were described. Improved knowledge of the demographics of thunderstorm phobia, its development, and presentation will assist in understanding the genesis and progression of the condition.
To evaluate use of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia in dogs.
Prospective open clinical trial.
40 dogs with storm phobia.
Dogs received clomipramine at a dosage of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 3 months; then 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 2 weeks; then 0.5 mg/kg (0.23 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 2 weeks. Alprazolam was given at a dosage of 0.02 mg/kg (0.009 mg/lb), PO, as needed 1 hour before anticipated storms and every 4 hours as needed. Desensitization and counter-conditioning were conducted at home by the caregiver with an audio simulation of storm sounds that had induced a fear response during evaluation.
30 of the 32 dogs that completed the study had a degree of improvement, as measured by caregivers' global assessment. Two caregivers considered the storm phobia to be resolved. Panting, pacing, trembling, remaining near the caregiver, hiding, excessive salivation, destructiveness, excessive vocalization, self-trauma, and inappropriate elimination all decreased significantly during treatment. Improvement was greater during true storms (rain, thunder, and lightning) than during rain only. Response to audio simulation did not change during treatment. Four months after the study, improvement was maintained.
The combination of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification can be effective in decreasing or eliminating storm phobia. Improvement could not be evaluated by use of audio simulation of a storm.
Thirty dogs that showed signs of fear in response to fireworks participated in an open clinical trial to assess the potential value of dog-appeasing pheromone for the alleviation of their behavioural signs. The treatment was delivered continuously into the atmosphere of each dog's home with an electrically heated diffuser. At the baseline assessments, the owners identified the behavioural signs of fear that their dogs normally displayed in response to fireworks, rated their frequency and assessed the overall severity of their responses. These measures were repeated at the final assessment and the owners also rated the change in their dogs' responses. There were significant improvements in the owners' rating of nine of the 14 behavioural signs of fear that were examined, and in their ratings of the overall severity of the responses. The treatment was generally associated with a reduction in the intensity of fear but there were variations in the responses of individual dogs.
Previous work from our lab has used the Dutch Ambulatory Monitoring System (AMS) to assess the cardiovascular responses and motility of large free-ranging species (e.g. horses). To further examine the utility of using the AMS with non-humans, a study investigating the heart rate (HR) and heart period variability (HRV) of a large canine undergoing behavioral modification therapy was undertaken. This treatment emulated a restraint and tactile pressure technique that has previously been used in horses. Cardiovascular responses and motility were continuously measured pre-treatment (exposure to a stimulus dog), during treatment (in-box), and post-treatment. The treatment consisted of placing the dog in a 110 cm (long) by 45 cm (wide) by 102 cm (height) wooden box that only covered the animals' torso and legs and allowed the head to be free. Once the dog was in the box, the body was covered with a lightweight material (grain product) to effect restraint and tactile pressure, which was followed by a repeat exposure to the stimulus animal. Results indicated decreased heart rate and an increased HRV during the intervention as compared to baseline with indices of motility changing in the expected directions. Estimates of respiratory frequency derived from the autoregressive spectral analysis indicated changes in respiration did not account for the cardiovascular effects. In conclusion, tactile pressure and restraint may be an important tool for behavioral modification in both humans and animals, and the AMS is a useful tool for collecting cardiovascular data on a variety of species in a great many contexts.
Seventy-five dogs that showed a fear response to fireworks participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a homeopathic remedy for the alleviation of their behavioural signs. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments; the homeopathic treatment or the placebo treatment. At the baseline assessments the owners identified the behavioural signs of fear that their dogs normally displayed in response to fireworks, rated their frequency and intensity, and assessed the global severity of their dog's responses. These measures were repeated at the final assessment and owners also completed weekly diaries for the length of the trial. There were significant improvements in the owners' rating of 14/15 behavioural signs of fear in the placebo treatment group and all 15 behavioural signs in the homeopathic treatment group. Both treatment groups also showed significant improvement in the owners' rating of the global severity of their dog's responses. However, there was no significant difference in the response seen between the two treatment groups.
Canine thunderstorm phobia is considered a noise phobia, however, it has been theorized that pain associated with discharge of accrued static electricity could contribute to this malady. This project aimed to determine if a purported anti-static cape (the Storm Defender®) and a non-anti-static cape (placebo cape) were therapeutic for canine thunderstorm phobia. Twenty-three owners used either the Storm Defender® (n=13) or the placebo cape (n=10) on their dogs during four thunderstorms. A baseline pretreatment anxiety score (pre-cape use) and four treatment anxiety scores (with use of a cape) were generated by scoring owners’ responses to 12 questions that concerned the severity of behaviors associated with thunderstorm phobia. Use of both cape types was associated with a statistically significant decrease in median anxiety scores from baseline. After a fourth cape use, the median anxiety score of the Storm Defender® group decreased by 63% from baseline (P=0.005) and the placebo cape group's median anxiety score decreased by 36% (P=0.002). Owners in both groups indicated that their dogs displayed significantly less hiding behavior by the fourth use of the cape. Seventy percent of owners who used the Storm Defender® on their dogs and 67% of the placebo cape owners reported some degree of improvement via a global assessment score, made after the fourth use of the cape. There was no statistically significant difference between the Storm Defender® and placebo cape groups in their baseline pretreatment anxiety scores, median treatment anxiety scores or in their owner global assessment. The results indicate that use of a form-fitting cape may be moderately therapeutic in treating canine thunderstorm phobia. More research is needed to determine why owners reported effectiveness with both cape types.
The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two self-help CD based desensitization and counter-conditioning programmes with the use of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) for the treatment of firework fears in dogs and to evaluate the training progress and owner compliance. Fifty-four individuals were recruited for an 8-week period of training between August and October 2004. The dogs were separated into two treatment groups, each using a different CD based programme. After implementing the CD programme for the 8-week period without any personalized instruction, two telephone follow-up interviews were completed after periods during which fireworks are commonly used (November and January). Forty-two individuals completed the first 4 weeks of training and 38 completed the 8-week training period. Thirty-six individuals completed the first follow-up interview with 29 completing the second follow-up interview. Assessment of efficacy was measured using both owner reports of its natural response (i.e. the dog's behaviour in the home) and video footage of behaviour in response to a novel recording of the problem sound (i.e. the dog's behaviour in the behaviour clinic) pre- and post-treatment.
Using the Lagrange multiplier procedure or score test on the Pearson family of distributions we obtain tests for normality of observations and regression disturbances. The tests suggested have optimum asymptotic power properties and good finite sample performance. Due to their simplicity they should prove to be useful tools in statistical analysis. /// En utilisant la procédure du multiplicateur de Lagrange, ou le score test, sur les distributions du genre Pearson, on obtient des tests de normalité pour les observations et les résidus de régression. Les tests suggérés ont des proprietés optimales asymptotiques et des bonnes performances pour des échantillons finis. A cause de leur simplicité ces tests doivent s'avérer comme des instruments utiles dans l'analyse statistique.
ABSTRACT Many people with autistic disorder have problems with oversensitivity to both touch and sound. The author (an autistic person) developed a device that delivers deep touch pressure to help her learn to tolerate touching and to reduce anxiety and nervousness. The "squeeze machine" applies lateral, inwardly directed pressure to both lateral aspects of a person's entire body, by compressing the user between two foam-padded panels. Clinical observations and several studies suggest that deep touch pressure is therapeutically beneficial for both children with autistic disorder and probably children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Only minor and occasional adverse effects have been noted. Data are reported that show a similar calming effect in nonreferred college students. A review of the animal literature reveals that animals have similar calming reactions, and also suggests possible additional physiological effects of deep touch pressure. At present, there are increasing anecdotal reports of the clinical value of the squeeze machine, including suggestions that it can be used to reduce required doses of psychostimulant medications. More clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of this seemingly beneficial form of "physiological" stimulation.
Twenty, 6 to 9 kg Yorkshire piglets were used in 2 trials. Ten piglets received an IM injection of naltrexone at a dose of 1 to 1.3 mg/kg. Ten control pigs received saline. Blind behavioral testing in a "squeeze chute" was conducted 40 minutes after injection. The "squeeze chute" consists of two padded plywood panels hinged on a base to form a V. Each pig was squeezed for 60 seconds. After release, each pig remained in the padded V for 10 minutes. There was sufficient room for the pigs to walk a few steps. Both naltrexone- and saline-treated pigs eventually crouched down in the chute and relaxed against the padded sides of the V. Naltrexone-pretreated pigs had a longer latency to achieve relaxation--311.8 +/- 47.8 seconds vs. 161.8 +/- 30.38 seconds (SE) (p less than 0.02). Each stage of relaxation at induction was rated on a 1-4 scale (1 = squealing and jumping, 4 = relaxed quietly). Naltrexone-treated pigs had significantly lower relaxation ratings than saline-treated pigs (1.90 vs. 3.20) (p less than 0.01). Treatment had no effect on the final degree of relaxation. Naltrexone partially blocked the relaxation response.
NOISE fears are a common behavioural problem in dogs ([Overall 1997][1], [2002][2], [Beaver 1999][3], [Landsberg and others 2003][4]) that can reduce the animal's welfare significantly ([Beerda and others 1997][5], [Ladewig 2000][6], [Dreschel 2004][7], [Hydbring-Sandberg and others 2004][8], [