1
|
Flint HE, Hunt ABG, Logan DW, King T. Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skad414. [PMID: 38244994 PMCID: PMC10810271 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dogs are routinely exposed to events that may elicit stress and result in negative emotional states which can impact pet dog welfare. One event many dogs living with people are routinely exposed to is car travel, with many dogs displaying behaviors, along with corresponding physiological responses, that are indicative of stress and anxiety. There are a range of management and treatment options that exist from behavior modification, drug therapy, and supplements, often with varying results. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether multiple doses of a tetrahydrocannabinol-free cannabidiol (CBD) distillate over a period of 6 mo could positively influence measures of stress in dogs. In a blinded, parallel design study, dogs (n = 19) underwent a series of short car journeys (test) where a range of physiological and behavioral measures were collected pre, during, and post-test. The car journeys elicited stress in this population of dogs, as indicated by significant changes (P < 0.05) in several stress-related measures (serum cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, whining, lip licking, yawning, and qualitative behavioral ratings) observed from baseline to test, which persisted over repeated car travel events. The mitigating effect of CBD treatment varied by measure, with cortisol, whining, lip licking, and qualitative behavioral ratings indicating a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group for at least one time point. Additional research investigating a range of dog populations and stressors is required to fully understand the complex effect of CBD on canine emotional wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Flint
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Alysia B G Hunt
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Darren W Logan
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Tammie King
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trait-Level Resilience in Pet Dogs-Development of the Lincoln Canine Adaptability Resilience Scale (L-CARS). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050859. [PMID: 36899716 PMCID: PMC10000169 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of psychological resilience is well-explored in the human literature and is often described as the ability to 'bounce back' following adversity. However, it remains a neglected research area in dogs despite observations that like humans, dogs vary in their ability to cope with stress. This study aimed to develop the first canine 'resilience' scale. An on-line survey was developed for owners. This covered demographics, medical/behavioural history of the dog, and 19 potential resilience items assessed using a 5-point Likert scale; 1084 complete responses were received during the survey period, with 329 respondents subsequently completing the questionnaire a second time, 6-8 weeks later. Intra-rater reliability was assessed, and only reliable items retained. A principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was then performed with components extracted on the basis of the inspection of scree plots and the Kaiser criterion. Items were retained if they loaded >0.4 onto one of the components but removed if they cross-loaded onto more than one component. This resulted in a 14-item, 2-component solution. One component appeared to describe "Adaptability/behavioural flexibility" and the other "Perseverance", which are described in the human literature on resilience. Predictive validity was established for expected correlates, such as problem behaviour. The resulting instrument was called the Lincoln Canine Adaptability and Resilience Scale (L-CARS) and is the first to be developed for the assessment of resilience in dogs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Hunt ABG, Flint HE, Logan DW, King T. A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1112604. [PMID: 36908527 PMCID: PMC9992179 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Many dogs experience stress when separated from their caregivers, as well as when traveling in vehicles. Pet owners employ various approaches to managing these issues, from training, to giving medications and supplements, often with mixed results. Cannabidiol (CBD) can alleviate stress and anxiety in humans but the effect it has on canine stress is less well-documented. The present study aimed to understand the impact of being left alone and traveling in a car on measures of canine stress, and establish whether a single dose of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free CBD distillate could positively influence any measures of stress. In a blinded, parallel design study, a population of dogs were either left alone in a familiar room (n = 21) or underwent a short car journey (n = 19). A range of physiological and behavioral measures were collected pre, during and post-test. Significant changes in several stress-related measures (serum cortisol, mean ear temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, whining and a stressed/anxious behavioral factor) were observed from baseline to test, with the car journey test paradigm eliciting a more pronounced stress response overall. The mitigating effect of CBD treatment varied by measure and test, with some indicating a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group. Additional research is required to fully understand the complex effect of CBD on canine wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alysia B G Hunt
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah E Flint
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Darren W Logan
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Tammie King
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Romaniuk AC, Diana A, Barnard S, Weller JE, Espinosa UB, Dangoudoubiyam S, Shreyer T, Arnott G, Croney C. The Effect of Transportation on Puppy Welfare from Commercial Breeding Kennels to a Distributor. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233379. [PMID: 36496902 PMCID: PMC9737031 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Many puppies from commercial breeding kennels (CBKs) are transported by ground from their kennels of origin to a distributor. This experience may elicit fear and stress during a sensitive developmental period, which may in turn negatively impact the puppies’ short- and long-term welfare. This study aimed to measure short-term effects of transportation on puppy welfare metrics. Eight-week-old puppies (n = 383) from 12 CBKs were tested at their kennels (pre-trans) and ~48 h after arriving at a distributor (post-trans). At each location, puppies underwent an isolation test, a stranger-approach test, and a physical health assessment. Behavioral responses to testing were scored from videos. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and presence of intestinal parasites were also analyzed. Linear mixed-effects models identified decreased exploration (p < 0.001), and increased locomotion (p < 0.001) and escape attempts (p = 0.001) during the post-trans isolation test. Increased affiliative behavior (p < 0.001), FGM (p < 0.001) and sIgA (p = 0.014) were also observed post-trans. Findings support good physical health both pre- and post-trans, while behavioral and physiological changes suggest increased puppy distress post-trans. Higher post-transport affiliative behavior may indicate that puppies sought social support as a coping strategy after experiencing transport-related distress. Future studies should explore the efficacy of transportation-related interventions to mitigate puppy distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aynsley C. Romaniuk
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessia Diana
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Shanis Barnard
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Weller
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- Animal Welfare Unit—Livestock Production Sciences Branch, Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK
| | | | - Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Traci Shreyer
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Gareth Arnott
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Candace Croney
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tateo A, Nanni Costa L, Padalino B. The welfare of dogs and cats during transport in Europe: a literature review. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2043194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Tateo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Nanni Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Padalino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stress Response of Beagle Dogs to Repeated Short-Distance Road Transport. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112114. [PMID: 33202655 PMCID: PMC7696770 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In our study, we investigated how Beagle dogs that had not been transported before respond to transport by car. The stress-associated hormone cortisol, heart rate, white blood cells and the dogs’ behavior were analyzed. We hypothesized that transport is perceived as a stressor but dogs get used to it with repeated transports. The dogs were studied in their kennels, in a transport cage placed in a stationary vehicle and during repeated one and two-hour transports. Cortisol concentration increased during transports, and this increase was also evident when dogs were transported repeatedly. Additionally, changes in white blood cells indicated a stress response. Heart rate increased at the beginning of transports, independent from the dogs’ transport experience. During transports but also in the stationary vehicle, dogs were mostly sitting, and time spent standing decreased during experiments. Licking the mouth was the most frequent behavior during transports, but not in the stationary car. In conclusion, a transport-induced stress response was evident in dogs. There was no habituation with repeated transports, and transported dogs may suffer from motion sickness. Abstract This study aimed to characterize the response of transport-naïve dogs to one and two-hour road transports based on cortisol in saliva and blood plasma, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio and behavior. Two persons familiar to the dogs were present during transports and control experiments. We hypothesized that transport elicits a stress response, which decreases with repeated transports. Beagle dogs were allocated to three groups (n = 6 each). Group 1 served as control in the stable in week 1 and was transported for one hour in weeks 2, 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 3 served as controls in a non-moving vehicle and in the stable, respectively, in week 2. All three groups were transported for two hours in week 6. Cortisol concentration increased during transports (p < 0.001), and this increase remained constant with repeated transports. Cortisol release during two-hour transports was not affected by transport experience. Cortisol concentration increased twofold in plasma and eightfold in saliva, indicating an increase in free cortisol. The N/L ratio increased during transport (p < 0.05). Heart rate increased at the beginning of transport while HRV decreased (p < 0.001). Heart rate and HRV neither differed among weeks nor between animals with different transport experience. During transports, but also in the stationary vehicle, dogs were mostly sitting, and time spent standing decreased during experiments (p < 0.001). Licking the mouth was the most frequent behavior during transports but not in the stationary vehicle (p < 0.01). In conclusion, a transport-induced stress response was evident in dogs. There was no habituation with repeated transports, and transported dogs may suffer from motion sickness.
Collapse
|
7
|
Buckley LA. Imported rescue dogs: lack of research impedes evidence-based advice to ensure the welfare of individual dogs. Vet Rec 2020; 186:245-247. [PMID: 32108063 DOI: 10.1136/vr.m653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Buckley
- Deanery of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Polak K. Dog Transport and Infectious Disease Risk: An International Perspective. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2019; 49:599-613. [PMID: 30967255 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
International canine transport programs are gaining popularity, moving dogs from limited-resourced facilities to those with an increased capacity to provide better animal care and outcomes. For many animals, transport is a lifesaving measure, but is not without risk. The long-distance movement of dogs can facilitate disease spread, particularly when exporting agencies are located in rabies-endemic areas and lack staff trained in infectious disease control. This article explains current trends in international dog transport and potential risks and benefits for participating agencies, and provides recommendations to mitigate the risk of unintentional infectious disease introduction and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Polak
- FOUR PAWS International, 89 AIA Capital Center, 20th Floor, Room 2081/2083, Ratchadapisek Road, Kwaeng Dindaeng, Khet Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bellamy KK, Storengen LM, Handegård KW, Arnet EF, Prestrud KW, Overall KL, Lingaas F. DRD2 is associated with fear in some dog breeds. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
10
|
Mariti C, Pierantoni L, Sighieri C, Gazzano A. Guardians' Perceptions of Dogs' Welfare and Behaviors Related to Visiting the Veterinary Clinic. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2016; 20:24-33. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2016.1216432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Mariti C, Bowen JE, Campa S, Grebe G, Sighieri C, Gazzano A. Guardians' Perceptions of Cats' Welfare and Behavior Regarding Visiting Veterinary Clinics. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2016; 19:375-84. [PMID: 27116303 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2016.1173548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To assess the welfare of cats at the veterinary clinic and how caregivers and veterinarians affect it, a survey of Italian cat guardians (n = 1,111) was conducted using a 28-item multichoice questionnaire. Most cats showed impaired welfare during all stages of a clinic visit: before entering, in the waiting room, moving to the examination room, on the examination table, and after returning home. A relationship was found between welfare states in each stage. Stress worsened with further experience and had negative effects on traveling and handling in other situations. Restraint, pain, and anxiety led to aggression toward vets and guardians. Guardians showed a positive attitude toward their cats' health and welfare, and the veterinarians' behavior toward the cats was a reason for changing the veterinarian. One in 10 veterinarians examined the cat immediately, without stroking, talking, or offering food. However, the use of food was effective only if cats were not already stressed. Educating guardians and veterinarians to minimize stress during every stage of a clinic visit is the best approach to improving welfare for cats visiting the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mariti
- a Department of Veterinary Sciences , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.,c ETOVET (Group of Research in Veterinary Ethology and Physiology) , Pisa , Italy
| | - Jonathan E Bowen
- b Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Campa
- c ETOVET (Group of Research in Veterinary Ethology and Physiology) , Pisa , Italy
| | - Gabriele Grebe
- c ETOVET (Group of Research in Veterinary Ethology and Physiology) , Pisa , Italy
| | - Claudio Sighieri
- a Department of Veterinary Sciences , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.,c ETOVET (Group of Research in Veterinary Ethology and Physiology) , Pisa , Italy
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- a Department of Veterinary Sciences , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.,c ETOVET (Group of Research in Veterinary Ethology and Physiology) , Pisa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Simmons KE, Hoffman CL. Dogs on the Move: Factors Impacting Animal Shelter and Rescue Organizations' Decisions to Accept Dogs from Distant Locations. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:ani6020011. [PMID: 26848694 PMCID: PMC4773738 DOI: 10.3390/ani6020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-distance dog transfer programs are a topic of burgeoning interest in the animal welfare community, but little research has focused on such programs. This exploratory study, which surveyed 193 individuals associated with animal shelter and rescue organizations in the United States, evaluated factors that impacted organizations’ decisions to transfer in dogs over long distances (>100 miles) and assessed what criteria were commonly valued by destination organizations. Specifically, we examined the following aspects of long-distance transfer programs: (1) logistics of long-distance dog transfers; (2) factors impacting dog selection; (3) medical requirements; (4) partnerships formed between source and destination organizations; and (5) perceptions of long-distance dog transfer programs by individuals affiliated with the destination organizations. This study revealed that many logistical considerations factor into transfer decisions and the formation of healthy partnerships between source and destination organizations. Participants indicated their organization’s willingness to receive dogs of various sizes, coat colors and ages, but organizations often had restrictions regarding the breeds they would accept. Study findings indicate some organizations have strict quarantine policies and pre-transfer medical requirements, while others have no such requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Simmons
- Department of Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA.
| | - Christy L Hoffman
- Department of Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ricci E, Mariti C, Iovino S, Mussini V, Zilocchi M, Gazzano A. Dogs travelling with people: How owners take care of their dogs during car transportation in italy. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|