Published in Animals, the study by I. Puglisi et al. (2022) aimed to evaluate whether a synthetic pheromone gel could help reduce behavioral and physiological stress in dogs during veterinary visits. Regular vet checkups are essential for canine health, but the anxiety and fear associated with these visits can compromise both animal welfare and clinical outcomes.
This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involved 28 dogs and measured their responses in two stages of the visit: the waiting room (WR) and the examination room (ER). Researchers analyzed behavior (e.g., body posture, lip licking, panting), autonomic measures (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure), and neuroendocrine markers such as salivary cortisol levels.
In the waiting room, dogs exposed to the DAP gel showed reduced lip licking—a known stress indicator—alongside an increase in panting and a trend toward fewer low body postures. These behavioral shifts suggest some reduction in anxiety, albeit subtle. However, no significant physiological changes (such as in heart rate or cortisol) were observed in this setting.
Once in the examination room, the pheromone’s effects diminished. The study found no measurable behavioral or physiological differences between the DAP and placebo groups during the physical exam itself. Researchers speculate this could be due to the inherently high stress level associated with the exam environment, potentially surpassing the pheromone’s calming capacity.
While DAP in gel form may not dramatically transform a dog’s experience during a veterinary examination, the observed behavioral improvements in the waiting room suggest potential for use as part of a broader approach to fear reduction. These findings reinforce the importance of considering stress management not only during procedures, but also in the pre-exam environment.
Source: I. Puglisi, M. Masucci, A. Cozzi, E. Teruel, M. Navarra, S. Cirmi, M. Pennisi, C. Siracusa. “Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination.” Animals, Volume 12, 2022-09-01. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182404
