Effectiveness of Lavender Aromatherapy in Reducing Canine Stress in a Veterinary Setting

Abstract

Aromatherapy has been shown to provide significant calming effects for people, but there have been relatively few studies assessing possible benefits for animals. This study investigates the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy on dogs held in a veterinary setting. Dogs in the treatment group who were exposed to lavender aromatherapy were observed laying down more frequently and displayed more ground-level head positions, which indicated a calmer state compared to the control group. Additionally, the treatment group exhibited significantly lower alert and tense statuses, as well as reduced perceived stress levels, highlighting the potential calming effects of lavender aromatherapy for dogs in this setting. The findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy may serve as a simple, non-invasive method to alleviate stress in dogs during short term veterinary stays when the owner is not present and may enhance overall well-being. This study adds to the limited research on aromatherapy's therapeutic use in animals and suggests further investigation into its efficacy across different species and settings.