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The effect of odours and synthetic pheromones on reducing stress-related behaviour in the confined domestic dog

Taylor, Sienna

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Authors

Sienna Taylor



Abstract

Confinement can be a stressor for dogs and can be inherently stressful if it occurs in unpredictable and novel environments, such as kennels or laboratories. Stress can have deleterious psychological and physiological effects on canine health and, therefore, it is important to mitigate stress to avoid compromising welfare. A potential approach to reducing stress in confined dogs is the use of olfactory stimuli. Odours and synthetic pheromones are purported to improve wellbeing through alleviating stress and promoting behaviours indicative of relaxation. However, research into odours and pheromones marketed as stress relief products is understudied in dogs, which limits conclusions in the canine and veterinary industries on whether they are effective and cost efficient. Limited research has been conducted on the effects of odours, and no published research exists for the purported stress relief odour Pet Remedy® in pet dogs. Furthermore, no research exists for the synthetic pheromone Adaptil® spray in sheltered dogs, which is advertised as an effective strategy to reduce stress. Moreover, studies relating to the efficacy of the Adaptil® diffuser are equivocal due to contradictory findings and a lack of supporting behavioural and physiological indicators of reduced stress in pet dogs. This critical commentary discusses the efficacy of odours and synthetic pheromones as tools to reduce stress-related behaviour in confined pet and sheltered dogs.

A critical reflection on four peer-reviewed evidence sources was conducted to establish their contribution to canine olfactory research, and to provide an evidence base for future odour and pheromone research to build on. Odours such as coconut (Cocos nucifera), ginger (Zingiber officinale), vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) were found to significantly reduce levels of vocalisations and activity in sheltered dogs indicating reduced stress, compared to control conditions. Coconut and ginger also increased levels of sleeping behaviour, suggestive of induced relaxation. However, valerian when combined with other odours found in the stress relief product Pet Remedy®, did not reduce behavioural indicators indicative of a stress response in pet dogs tested in a ‘laboratory like’ standardised condition. The research demonstrates that when applied on their own, coconut, ginger, vanilla and valerian may have some value in reducing stress-related behaviour in confined dogs. These odours could offer shelters a wider odour choice, aiding variation and interest while avoiding habituation to repeated use of the same odours over time. Increasing understanding of the efficacy of odours could help benefit canine welfare through improved management practices and stress reduction. Though, longer term research and larger sample sizes that account for individual variation in dogs such as breed, previous experiences and differences in temperament is required to confirm this.

The research demonstrates that the synthetic pheromone Adaptil® spray did not markedly influence behaviours indicative of stress in sheltered dogs. Further, the Adaptil® diffuser did not reduce stress-related behaviour or eye temperature (º C) and did not influence heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) or ear temperature (º C) in pet dogs tested in a ‘laboratory like’ standardised condition when separated from their owners. The value of Adaptil® and whether it is at all warranted or only useful within certain contexts has yet to be fully determined, and future research that utilises placebo controlled, blinded experimental designs over a prolonged period is needed. Until there is a stronger evidentiary basis supporting the use of Adaptil®, veterinary professionals should be cautious about recommending such products to clients considering there are financial and ethical complications if products are ineffective. Future opportunities exist to determine odour and pheromone efficacy in confined dogs through incorporating cortisol and neurological measures such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alongside cognitive, behavioural, integumentary and cardiovascular parameters to further objectively measure stress.

Citation

Taylor, S. The effect of odours and synthetic pheromones on reducing stress-related behaviour in the confined domestic dog. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8212886

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Dec 6, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8212886
Award Date Oct 26, 2022

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