Renouveler ma cotisation
Zoopsy comportementalistes
Accueil veterinaires comportementalistes Publications internationales veterinaires comportementalistes Effects of dog-appeasing pheromones on anxiety and fear in puppies during training and on long-term socialization

Effects of dog-appeasing pheromones on anxiety and fear in puppies during training and on long-term socialization

Sagi Denenberg, DVM; Gary M. Landsberg, DVM, DACVB

Revue : Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

North Toronto Animal Clinic, 99 Henderson Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T2K9, Canada (Denenberg, Landsberg)

Supported by a grant from CEVA Sante Animale, France.
Dog-appeasing pheromone and placebo collars were supplied by CEVA Sante Animale, France.

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) in reducing fear and anxiety in puppies and its effects on training and socialization.

Design

Randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Animals

45 puppies between 12 to 15 weeks of age at the time of inclusion.

Procedures

Puppies enrolled in puppy classes were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups: 2 large-breed groups (1 DAP and 1 placebo group) and 2 small-breed groups (1 DAP and 1 placebo group). The investigator, trainers, and owners were unaware of treatment allocation throughout the study. Classes lasted 8 weeks, and owners were asked to complete a questionnaire before the first lesson and at the end of each lesson thereafter. Data collected included amount of learning and degrees of fear and anxiety for each puppy. Follow-up telephone surveys of owners to obtain information on subsequent socialization of puppies were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the classes ended.

Results

Dogs in DAP and placebo groups were significantly different with respect to degrees of fear and anxiety; longer and more positive interactions between puppies, including play, were evident in dogs in the DAP groups. Data from follow-up telephone surveys indicated that puppies in the DAP groups were better socialized and adapted faster in new situations and environments, compared with puppies in the placebo groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

When compared with a placebo treatment, DAP was useful in reducing anxiety and fear in puppies during puppy classes and resulted in improved socialization.



References

1. Scott JP, Fuller JL. Dog behavior, the genetic basis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974;84–141.
2. Duxbury MM, Jackson JA, Line SW, et al. Evaluation of association between retention in the home and attendance at puppy socialization classes. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;223:61–66. [Abstract][Medline]
3. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position statement on socialization. Available at: www.avsabonline.org. Accessed Oct 3, 2008.
4. Seksel K, Mazurski EJ, Taylor A. Puppy socialisation programs: short and long term behavioural effects. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1999;62:335–349. [CrossRef]
5. Rogerson J. Canine fears and phobias: a regime for treatment without recourse to drugs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1997;52:291–297. [CrossRef]
6. King JN, Simpson BS, Overall KL, et al. Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs: results from a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo control, parallel group, multicenter clinical trial. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2000;67:255–275. [CrossRef] [Medline]
7. Sheppard G, Mills DS. Evaluation of dog-appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks. Vet Rec 2003;152:432–436. [Medline]
8. Pageat P, Gaultier E. Current research in canine and feline pheromones. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2003;33:187–211. [CrossRef] [Medline]
9. Gaultier E, Bonnafous L, Bougrat L, et al. Comparison of the efficacy of a synthetic dog-appeasing pheromone with clomipramine for the treatment of separation-related disorders in dogs. Vet Rec 2005;156:533–538. [Medline]
10. Heath SE, Bowen JE. Canine sound phobias—a review of treatment approaches, in Proceedings. 4th Int Vet Behav Meet 2003;237–244.
11. Mills DS, Ramos D, Estelles MG, et al. A triple blind placebocontrolled investigation into the assessment of the effect of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on anxiety related behaviour of problem dogs in the veterinary clinic. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2006;98:114–126. [CrossRef]
12. Tod E, Brander D, Wran N. Efficacy of a dog appeasing pheromone in reducing stress and fear related behaviour in shelter dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2005;93:295–308. [CrossRef]
13. Gaultier E, Pageat P. Effects of a synthetic dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) on behaviour problems during transport, in Proceedings. 4th Int Vet Behav Meet 2003;33–35.
14. Estellés MG, Mills DS. Signs of travel-related problems in dogs and their response to treatment with dog-appeasing pheromone. Vet Rec 2006;159:140–148.
15. Denenberg S, Landsberg GM, Gaultier E. Evaluation of DAP effect on reduction of anxiety in puppies as well as its usefulness in improving learning and socialization. In: Mills DS, Levine E, Landsberg GM, et al, eds. Current issues and research in veterinary behavioral medicine. West Lafayette, Ind: Purdue University Press, 2005;226–229.
16. DAP collar [package insert]. Kirkland, QC, Canada: CEVA Sante Animale, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Canada Inc, 2006.
17. Wilsson E, Sundgren PE. Behaviour test for eight-week old puppies—heritabilities of tested behaviour traits and its correspondence to later behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1998;58:151–162. [CrossRef]
18. Slabbert JM, Odendaal JSJ. Early prediction of adult police dog efficiency—a longitudinal study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1999;64:269–288. [CrossRef]
19. Gaultier E, Bonnafous L, Vienet-Legué D, et al. Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone in reducing stress associated with social isolation in newly adopted puppies. Vet Rec 2008;163:73–80. [Medline]
20. Patronek GJ, Glickman LT, Beck AM, et al. Risk factors for relinquishment of dogs to an animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:572–581. [Medline]

a. DAP, CEVA Sante Animale, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Canada Inc, Kirkland, QC, Canada.

b. SAS, version 8.2, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC.

Address correspondence to Dr. Denenberg.

publications scientifiques

 

JAVMA - December 15, 2008, Vol. 233, No. 12, Pages 1874-1882

Lien

 

Conception, mises à jour : Karine SANCHE (KDJ Webdesign)

Thèmes du site : agressivité chien - comportement du chat - comportementaliste vétérinaire - conférences comportement animal - congrès comportement animal - éthologie animaux - hiérarchie chien - hyperactivité chien - morsures chien - problème de comportement chien - propreté chien - soin animaux - thérapie comportementale animal - traitement comportement - vétérinaire comportement - conseils éducation - éducation chien - éducation chat - comportement chien -