Veterinary visits are essential for safeguarding canine health, yet they can be highly stressful for dogs, leading to anxiety-related behaviors and physiological changes that compromise both welfare and compliance. Puglisi et al. (2022) investigated whether a new gel formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) could reduce stress in dogs during clinical examinations.
In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 28 dogs were exposed to DAP during two key phases: the waiting room and the examination room. Researchers measured behavioral signs such as lip licking, panting, and body posture, alongside physiological indicators including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and salivary cortisol.
Results showed that in the waiting room, dogs exposed to DAP exhibited a reduction in lip licking, an increase in panting, and a near-significant decrease in low body postures—signals suggesting subtle stress relief. However, once on the examination table, DAP exposure did not produce significant differences in either behavior or physiology compared to placebo.
These findings suggest that while DAP gel may not eliminate veterinary stress entirely, it can help dogs cope better with the waiting environment, potentially easing the lead-up to examinations. The study highlights the importance of situational supports that can improve canine welfare in clinical settings.
Source: Puglisi, I., Masucci, M., Cozzi, A., Teruel, E., Navarra, M., Cirmi, S., Pennisi, M., & Siracusa, C. (2022). Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination. Animals, 12. Published September 1, 2022.
