Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, this study investigates a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device designed to alleviate separation anxiety (SA) in dogs. SA is one of the most common behavioral disorders in companion dogs, significantly affecting welfare and straining owner–dog relationships. While psychoactive medications are often effective, they may be unsuitable for some dogs or owners, underscoring the need for alternative treatments.
The research team conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Forty client-owned dogs with moderate to severe separation anxiety completed the study. Diagnoses were confirmed using a screening questionnaire and baseline home-alone video recordings. Owners administered the device twice daily for six weeks, completed weekly questionnaires, and reported adverse events. Additional video recordings at weeks 4 and 6 allowed for behavioral coding.
Questionnaire results showed no significant differences between active and placebo groups, suggesting that subjective owner assessments may be insufficiently sensitive, potentially influenced by caregiver placebo effects. However, objective video analyses revealed clear treatment effects: dogs in the active PEMF group displayed significant reductions in negative behaviors by week 6 (p = 0.036) and showed higher success rates at week 4 (p = 0.005), week 6 (p = 0.098), and across the full study period (p = 0.047).
Adverse events occurred in eight dogs (six active, two placebo), but all were mild, resolved spontaneously, and were considered unlikely to be treatment-related. This supports the device’s favorable safety profile.
The findings highlight the value of objective behavioral monitoring—particularly video recordings—in diagnosing and tracking separation anxiety, as such measures detect subtle changes not always captured by owner questionnaires. The authors also recommend further research into PEMF’s potential benefits for other anxiety disorders and comorbid conditions.
Overall, the study provides evidence that PEMF therapy is a promising, non-pharmaceutical treatment option for dogs with separation anxiety, offering clinically meaningful improvements in behavior when dogs are left alone.
Source: Pankratz, K., Korman, J., Emke, C., Johnson, B., Griffith, E., & Gruen, M. (2021). Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of the Assisi Anti-anxiety Device (Calmer Canine) for the Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Published December 20, 2021.
