Dog behavior

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

2024-10-12T17:08:31+00:00

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.

Prevalence of some behavioural problems in two groups of rescue dogs: galgos from Spain and other dogs.

2024-07-11T15:14:10+00:00

Behavioural problems are often the cause of dog relinquishment and adoption failure. We investigated the prevalence of some possible behavioural problems in rescue galgos from Spain and other rescue dogs using a dedicated online questionnaire. Answers for a total of 410 dogs (198 galgos, 212 other dogs) were analysed. “Out of context fear of loud noises, fireworks, thunderstorms”, “Poor recall”, “Predatory behaviour toward cats”, “Predatory behaviour toward other animals” and “Shadowing the caretaker” were reported in more than one dog out of five for both galgos and other dogs. “Eating faeces” and “Out of context fear of non-co-habiting adult people” were reported in more than one dog out of five in galgos, but not in other dogs. “Excessive requests for attention” and “Inadequate behaviour when on the leash” were reported in more than one dog out of five in other dogs, but not in galgos. Galgos were more often reported as showing “Eating faeces” (p=0.002) and “Out of context fear of non-co-habiting adult people” (p=0.009) than other dogs, whereas dogs who had been longer with the family (i.e., longer adoption length) were more often reported as being afraid of loud noises, thunderstorms, and fireworks. These findings may contribute to increasing the knowledge available about the challenges experienced during the adoption of different types/breeds of dog and, thus, to facilitate targeted individualised interventions in order to mitigate behavioural problems.

Educational difficulties and behavioural problems in dogs: prevalence and risk factors

2024-12-04T16:36:35+00:00

Since dog relinquishment is mostly associated with behavioural problems linked to training difficulties, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and nature of behavioural issues as well as the difficulties encountered by owners when it comes to dog obedience. Despite the increasing awareness of the importance of proper dog training, a notable knowledge gap exists regarding specific challenges faced by owners and the factors of variation, such as breed or gender, that influence these challenges.

Data were collected through an online questionnaire on 300 dogs, with an age range from 1 to 15 years.

Most dogs were adopted as puppies (48% before 3 months). 30% dogs came from a professional breeder, 30% from a private owner, 26% from a second adoption (e.g., association, experimental laboratory), and 14% from a family breeder. The majority (95%) of owners were informed about dog education. The Internet was the most frequent source of information (51% of owners). For 57% of dogs, the owner reported the presence of at least one undesirable behaviour. Environment excitation was the most common undesirable behaviour (30%), followed by vocalization (25%) and dog aggression (21%). Dogs adopted between 3 and 6 months old presented fewer behavioural problems than others.

Potty training was the most easily taught learning: 69% of dogs learnt it “very easily”, followed by 44 % for separation and 39% for socialization. The “sit” and “lie down” commands were the most easily assimilated, in contrast with the recall, stay still, walking on a leash and “calm down”. Dogs adopted after 6 months old were easier to train than dogs adopted before 6 months old. Males seem to learn basic commands more easily than females and hunting dogs have more difficulties performing those commands than other breed groups.

This study evidenced the high frequency of undesirable behaviours and the difficulties of dog education. These results highlight the importance of keeping the owner informed before and during the educational process. Persistent undesirable behaviour should not be considered as a failure and owners should be encouraged to ask for assistance from a canine professional.

A clinical case study of Sensory Deprivation Syndrome in an English Bulldog

2024-08-02T13:10:26+00:00

The patient presented for counseling was a 6-year-old neutered male English Bulldog, who exhibited episodes of tachypnea, sialorrhea and restlessness. During the behavioural evaluation the dog was often alert and hypervigilant. In an outdoor environment the dog was rigid, hypervigilant and showed aggression at the mere sight of other dogs. The emotional state with which the dog faced walks and encounters with other dogs can be attributed to Sensory Deprivation Syndrome. Working on the relationship between the dog and his caregivers was required: the owners, in fact, are unable to reassure or control him, did not seek their support in stressful situations. Fixed times were therefore set for walks, meals and work sessions with the dog. The chosen exercises all had in common the goal of strengthening emotional tranquility alongside physical calmness. Medication in the form of Kanarescue Pet® 10%, 1 drop three times a day, was associated with behavioral therapy to relieve joint pain and lower the dog’s anxiety levels. Librela® was also proposed for managing joint pain. The owners were opposed to the use of psychotropic drugs. After four months, the owners reported being satisfied with the dog's progress. The animal seemed calmer both at home (especially during the night) and on walks. Dogs exhibiting Sensory Deprivation Syndrome need to feel safe with their caregivers and establish a correct attachment bond with them. Only in this way will they be able to rely on the owner, gradually becoming desensitized to aversive stimuli and be emotionally and physiologically capable of counterconditioning