PSIX-1 - impact of a botanical blend on training kennel induced stress in dogs

Abstract: Fear and anxiety in dogs can be elevated during transportation or visits to the veterinarian, groomer, and boarding or training kennels. The stress-related behaviors exhibited during these times can be a welfare concern to both pet, handler, and owner. In the case of training or grooming, the productivity of the session may be reduced due to unwanted stress related behaviors. Pet owners want to reduce stress during these events and are seeking natural botanical alternatives to medications. The botanical extracts in Cani-Calm (Probiotech International, Inc) successfully lowered stress related behaviors when fed to beagles for 11 days prior to a novel 1-hr car ride stress test. There has not been any investigation into the impact of these botanicals during a prolonged stress event similar to a boarding or training kennel. The objective was to evaluate Cani-Calm when offered during a 3-week training program at a boarding kennel. Fifty-one dogs of various age, breed, and history were randomly assigned to either Control (no Cani-Calm; n=26) or Cani-Calm (CC: 0.6 mL/kg BWT/day; n= 25). Cani-Calm was top-dressed on the morning meal daily. Trainers, blinded to treatment, assessed dog behavior and provided training timelines for each dog. Statistical analysis was performed using a Genmod analysis and Poisson distribution in SAS v9.3. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and statistical trends were considered at 0.05 < P < 0.10. Length of the acclimation period prior to the onset of training due to stress-related behaviors was reduced (P = 0.001) in treated dogs compared to the control (Control: 1.57± 0.16 d; CC: 0.08±0.71 d). There was no impact of treatment (P = 0.15) on percentage of dogs per group that required additional days of training beyond the planned program. However, there was an impact of treatment (P = 0.04; Control: 75%; CC: 96.3%) on the percentage of dogs that completed training earlier than the scheduled 3-week program. The results indicate a benefit of Cani-Calm during stressful events to decrease the display of behaviors that reduce training productivity and are a welfare concern for both animal and handler. Unlike the previous trial, during the current trial, there was no exposure to the botanicals prior to the stressful event; however, alterations in stress-related behaviors were demonstrated in both trials. Further research is warranted evaluate time of exposure to the botanicals prior to the stress-event, and in larger populations.