University Of Bristol Drives Study To Look At Separation Anxiety In Dogs
The research study, funded by Dogs Trust, and led by the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the Bristol Vet School, is investigating how dogs respond to pheromones when they’re left alone and whether this can help improve separation anxiety in dogs.
Some dogs become stressed when they are left on their own and may display unwanted and sometimes destructive behaviours as a result. Separation anxiety can develop in dogs for a number of reasons and owner’s staying at home more during the pandemic is thought to have exacerbated the issue.
Participation in the research would involve dog owners having a diffuser type device in their home for up to eight weeks, with a researcher visiting every fortnight to carry out in-house observations.
Ilana Kelland, Specialist Technician in the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, who is leading the study, said: “Some dogs can find being left on their own an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our study is hoping to find out if the pheromone diffuser being used in a home environment can ease separation anxiety in dogs.”
Stephanie Miller, who is participating in the study with her dog, Cyril, added: “I jumped at the chance to take part in the study as Cyril has had separation anxiety since he was a puppy. Although I have tried lots of things to help him he can’t be left alone as he gets very distressed.
“The researchers have clearly explained every step of the study and we’ve enjoyed taking part in the research project. It’s also a great opportunity to be involved in research that could potentially help other dogs and their owners too.”
To be eligible to take part in the study, dogs and their owners should be:
Dog must be over the age of 18 months
Live in a single dog household
Dog owner should be able and willing to leave their dog alone in one room in the house for a 20-minute separation test
Live in a home environment without the presence of any calming pheromones or supplements
Must have owned their dog for over a year
Dog is clinically healthy
Dog is not receiving pharmacological treatment with psychoactive drugs
Female dogs must not be in season or pregnant
By taking part in the research study, participants will receive up to £80 for their time (£10 per week). Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any point.