Dog Studies
Study into the use and efficacy of Pet Remedy in support of training and behavioural modification in dogs.
Dec 2021
Christina Meaney, KCAI Animal Behaviour Centre, Manchester, UK
Andrew Hale BSc (Hons), ISCP. Dip. Canine. Prac, C.A.B
Background to Research
Many dog trainers and behavioural practitioners believe the use of Pet Remedy, in conjunction with training plans and protocols can contribute to best outcomes. This study has been designed to test that hypothesis.
Methodology:
This independent study comprises 2 consecutive trials.
Both trials were conducted at the Animal Behaviour Centre in Northwich, under supervision of study director, Christina Meaney. Data from both trials was collated by Select Statistical Services in Exeter.
Trial One – 60 dogs with a variety of behavioural issues underwent a behavioural modification programme over 3 months during which they received alternately Pet Remedy treatment and placebo.
Dogs on Pet Remedy in the first month were switched to placebo in the second month and back to Pet Remedy in the final month, and vice-versa.
The dogs were real life cases, and their owners were supported by the training team.
Trial Two – 66 dogs with behavioural issues underwent a behavioural modification programme over 4 months and were given either Pet Remedy or placebo, by random assignment. The dogs received the same treatment throughout the study.
The dogs were real life cases, and their owners were supported by the training team.
Conclusion
Whilst always challenging with this type of study to attribute all observed effects to the treatment received, the results are clearly consistent with Pet Remedy being supportive in training and behavioural modification of the dogs studied. A reasonable conclusion can be drawn that the addition of Pet Remedy not only helped with training and behaviour modification, but also reduced stress in the dogs throughout the study. Statistically significant differences were observed between dogs on Pet Remedy and those on placebo. A greater improvement from baseline was seen for dogs on Pet Remedy compared with placebo after each monthly follow-up, for both behaviour scores and excitement levels. The study results support the hypothesis that using Pet Remedy in conjunction with training plans can help dogs become more receptive to support being offered.
Study into efficacy of Pet Remedy as an aid to reducing stress in canines during grooming.
Dec 2021
Andrew Hale BSc (Hons), ISCP.
Dip. Canine. Prac, C.A.B, Torquay, UK
Background to Research
The grooming salon, and the process of grooming, can be stressful for many dogs. Groomers find the introduction of calming products combined with careful handling and suitable environment, can help anxious dogs cope better with the grooming process. This study was designed to test this hypothesis.
Methodology
This is a large-scale study involving 71 grooming salons. The salons were provided with a Pet Remedy calming spray and plug diffuser. Groomers were asked to provide feedback via an online survey to determine the effect of Pet Remedy on comfort and anxiety levels of the dogs they groomed. The survey provided data on the use of Pet Remedy with 244 dogs.
Conclusion
Over 95.7% of groomers said that they would recommend Pet Remedy to their clients. Albeit the remaining 4.3% were unsure, not one stated they would not recommend Pet Remedy. 87.1% of the groomers said that they would continue to use Pet Remedy in their grooming salon.
The remaining 12.9% indicated they were unsure but did not rule out continued use Pet Remedy in the salon. For 84% of dogs included in the survey, groomers felt Pet Remedy moderately or significantly improved behaviour. In nearly 80% of cases, where a dog had a particular dislike, the groomers felt Pet Remedy moderately or significantly improved the response of the dog to that aspect of the grooming they particularly disliked.
Whilst it is recognised this study is reliant upon the opinions of the groomers taking part, the results are overwhelming in support of use of Pet Remedy within the grooming environment by grooming professionals.
Cat Studies
The Effect of Pet Remedy on Feline Stress-Related Behaviours in a Rescue Centre.
Apr 2022
Sian Whitton BSc (Hons)
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Barony, Dumfries, UK
Cats are commonly chosen as companion animals however, for numerous reasons, many end up in rescue shelters awaiting a new home. Cats are particularly sensitive to stress, which poses a threat to welfare through development of detrimental mental and physical conditions due to prolonged episodes of anxiety. Pet RemedyTM (Unex Designs) is a valerian-based product developed to calm and de-stress companion animals. Literature regarding feline stress is limited, with no prior research into how Pet Remedy affects cats in rescue shelters. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Pet Remedy, and whether age, sex or neutering status affects this. Forty-six participants were randomly organised into one of three treatment groups; “Control”, “Placebo” or “Pet Remedy”. Participant details, stress score and respiration rates were recorded prior to treatment, and again 30 minutes post-treatment. Exposure to Pet Remedy was associated with significant decreases in stress score (p = 0.000) and respiration rate (p = 0.003). Efficacy of product was not affected by sex, neutering status or age, though could benefit from further investigation. The results of this study suggest that Pet Remedy would significantly reduce stress-related behaviours in shelter cats, which may improve overall welfare of cats residing in rescue shelters.
Double blind study investigating the efficacy of Pet Remedy to alleviate extreme fear in domestic cats (felis catus) in a clinical setting.
Nov 2021
Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac, C.A.B (Certified Animal Behaviourist) –
Roberta Roscini MISAP, DOTT.SSA, C.A.B. (International Feline Behaviourist), Parma, Italy
This double-blind study was set up as a clinical exercise to determine if exposure to Pet Remedy Calming Spray might reduce severe anxiety after admission to a clinical setting. Videos were taken of 119 cats who had been admitted to a veterinary hospital, with footage taken the cattery cage and with them being handled by clinic staff. The study was conducted with fully informed owner consent at Blythwood Veterinary small animal practice. Prior to filming, the cats were either exposed to the Pet Remedy Calming Spray or to a Placebo.
The video footage was collated by Andrew Hale and presented to Roberta Roscini, an independent Feline Certified Behaviourist, to make observations based on behaviour witnessed in the footage. Roberta had no access to data relating to which cats were exposed to Pet Remedy Calming Spray or placebo. Roberta based her observations on the international scale Cat Stress Score (CSS)* From Kassler & Turner. This scale scores as follows
1 = Fully Relaxed; 2 = Weakly Relaxed; 3 = Weakly Tense; 4 = Very Tense; 5 = Fearful, Stiff; 6 = Very Fearful; 7 = Terrified.
The objective of the study was to determine the percentage of cats that scored a 6 or 7, based on the CSS scoring, that were exposed to Pet Remedy Calming Spray or placebo.
Notes on CSS scoring. One of the first scales to assess stress was The Global Assessment Score, by Sandra McCune (1992). It defined descriptions of 10 levels of stress in cats. This was later reduced to 7 by Kessler and Turner (1997). They used it in their study comparing cats in shelters that were either homed individually, in pairs on in groups. This scale went on to be named ‘Cat-Stress-Score’ (CSS). This score has been well received by cat behaviour and shelter professionals. It is the most used method for assessing behaviours of stress in cats. The scoring scale consists of 7 grades, from the state of ‘total relaxation’ (score 1) to the state of ‘extreme stress’ (score 7). The resulting grade is obtained from a brief observation of the cat’s posture and behaviour described in the ethogram developed by the British Cat Behaviour Working Group. This scale seems very reliable A study by McCune mentions 100% repeatability among observers, and the originators Kessler and Turner reported a 90% match among observers who received training in the use of the scale and a 75% match among untrained shelter staff.
Calming effect of Pet Remedy in domestic cats (felis catus).
Nov 2019
V Vaghela BSc (Hons) – University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
Background research:
Phytotherapy, using olfactory enrichment, is often overlooked as a method of environmental enrichment for domestic cats. The most common example of olfactory enrichment to elicit a calming response, uses Valerian Root, which is researched to also cause an apparent euphoric response in cats. It is important that enrichment is considered to allow the cats to exhibit natural behaviours which can reduce stress and destructive behaviours. Thus, this article will explore the effectiveness of Pet Remedy’s Calming spray and the behaviours cat’s exhibit.
Methodology:
Furthering the existing research which was initially undertaken, Pet Remedy’s Calming Spray was tested on 44 domestic cats to observe their responses. All cats were blindly offered exposure to Pet Remedy and a control sample at random. The number of interactions were recorded onto behavioural ethograms. All cats had 30 minutes to acclimatise to the researcher and had at least a four-hour washout period between both exposures.
Results:
The statistical analysis of data gathered was computed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 in form of; a Freidman’s test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests, Descriptive Statistics and Spearman’s rank-order tests. The mean number of interactions amongst Pet Remedy and the control sample were computed to find that Pet Remedy’s Calming spray had a mean number of interactions of 18.09.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that olfactory enrichment using Pet Remedy’s Calming Spray corresponds an effective means to induce a calming response.
The efficacy of Pet Remedy in supporting feline response to veterinary check-ups.
May 2019
Natalie Harris BSc (Hons) – Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, UK
Background to Research:
Cats can be affected by unfamiliar environments such as a veterinary practice, causing the cat to become stressed. This can affect the physiological parameters and behaviours (Pereira et al., 2016). Stressed cats can be difficult to handle and treat, and this can impact on veterinary staff. Pet Remedy is a blend of calming essential oils which naturally tackles stress and anxiety (Pet Remedy, 2018). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Pet Remedy on feline behaviour during routine veterinary check-ups.
Methodology:
This study involved 22 cats that were booked in for routine appointments in a veterinary practice. The subjects were randomly allocated a wipe by veterinary staff, to be used on the consulting table during the appointment. The wipes were either Pet Remedy or placebo. The trial was double blinded; so veterinary staff and clients were not aware which wipe the patient was allocated. The wipe was wiped over the table before removing the cat from the carrier. The veterinary surgeons carried out the appointments as normal. The veterinary surgeons completed a questionnaire to record their opinions on the behaviour of the patients. The questionnaires contained a behaviour table that analysed the behaviour for six components – heart auscultation, ear check, eye check, mouth check, temperature check, and booster injection. The behaviours were adapted from Kessler and Turner (1997) and Rodan et al. (2011). Each behaviour option was defined in the questionnaire.
Conclusion:
The veterinary professionals’ opinions on the feline’s behaviour, indicates a positive response from the Pet Remedy wipe. For all aspects of the appointment, a higher frequency of patients who received the Pet Remedy wipe were relaxed.
When the data was collated, the bar charts indicated a positive response. The completed questionnaires indicated a higher frequency of cats were relaxed with the Pet Remedy wipe. All cats that received the Pet Remedy wipe were deemed to be in the relaxed or alert/weakly tense categories. No cat using the Pet Remedy wipe was deemed to be in the highly tense & anxious or very fearful categories. Therefore, this does suggest Pet Remedy may help calm feline patients and be a good support mechanism for cats when stressed during clinic visits. Further studies are required into the effect of Pet Remedy on feline behaviour in veterinary practice using larger sample sizes and especially with patients that are known to be stressed and anxious when visiting the veterinary practice.
Rabbit Studies
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the value of Pet Remedy in ameliorating fear of handling of companion rabbits.
Sept 2018
Sarah Louise Unwin, Richard Anthony Saunders, Emily-Jayne Blackwell,
Nicola Jane Rooney – Langford Campus, Bristol University, UK
Rabbits are popular companion animals. There are numerous welfare issues affecting the majority of the population, including the fact that most rabbits are fearful when handled. Pet Remedy (Unex Designs) is an herbal product containing valerian, marketed as a natural calming aid. Its efficacy for domestic rabbits is previously untested. We describe a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial into the effectiveness of Pet Remedy. Fifty rabbits underwent a baseline test followed by both a placebo and a Pet Remedy treatment. We measured rabbit’s behavior by a novel arena test, responses to the experimenter when in the home enclosure and when being handled, and heart and respiratory rates during handling. Repeated measures analysis of variance tested differences between treatments, taking into account rabbits’ individual baselines. Exposure to Pet Remedy was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate during handling (F(1,42) ¼ 4.41, P ¼ 0.042) and a significant increase in the number of positive be-haviors observed in the novel arena (F(1,47) ¼ 4.52, P ¼ 0.039). Other variables which may have been predicted to change were unaffected. Rearing in the novel arena increased with day (F(1,45) ¼ 6.91, P ¼ 0.012). Significant individual variation occurred throughout, and heart rates were universally high suggesting that handling is generally an aversion to rabbits. The results suggest that Pet Remedy may have potential value for rabbits during periods of acute stress, slowing heart rate, and allowing the performance of more positive, relaxed behaviors. It may be useful during veterinary visits and initial handling. However, given the high levels of physiological and behavioral stress exhibited by rabbits, optimal handling and appropriate habituation and desensitization and counter-conditioning protocols should also be simultaneously implemented.
A study to evaluate how Pet Remedy can help when used with rabbits during a veterinary consultation.
2023
H Guiblin (DESV)
Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of a product based on essential oils known to be soothing on the manifestations of stress reactions in pet rabbits during a veterinary consultation.
The rabbit is an animal very sensitive to stress and it therefore seems interesting to use methods complementary to the treatment traditionally carried out in veterinary consultation.
Enjoying a good reputation with owners, aromatherapy has the advantage of being simple to use: essential oils can be diffused using a sprayer or electric diffuser, without constraint for the manipulator or for the animal.
According to the results of this study, the combination of valerian absolute oil, vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils, known to be calming and contained in the product tested, would appear to be effective in reducing the manifestations of stress reactions in rabbits having participated in the study (lower mean initial heart rate in the presence of the product compared to placebo.
A behavioural test carried out in an Open Field made it possible to determine the temperament of the rabbits which participated and the study of the effect of the product according to their temperament showed that the “Anxious” and “Shy” rabbits would seem more receptive to the tested product. than the “Calm” and “Bold” rabbits.
However, the statistical tests used do not make it possible to state with conviction that this product would be effective in all pet rabbits. It would therefore be interesting to continue research using a confirmatory study, the parameters studied could then be grouped together by association, which would increase the power of the analysis.
It is possible occasionally to use Pet Remedy Calming spray on a compression towel. This product would therefore seem to be an interesting tool to add to the classic therapeutic arsenal when consulting a pet rabbit, in particular with rabbits which appear to be the most sensitive to stress.
Due to the ease of use and the low risk of side effects, it would also be possible to recommend this product for use in the animal’s home, during any event that modifies its lifestyle (new animal in home , moving home, transportation, etc.) potentially a source of stress, allowing the owner to improve the well-being of his companion
Pig Studies
Effectiveness of Pet Remedy in reducing aggression in pigs.
Oct 2017
Lisa Riley PhD, MSc, MRes, MSc, FHEA
Caroline Harper BSc (Hons)
Aggression in pigs is commonly seen in farmed environments due to their continuous regrouping and need to establish a hierarchy. As a result of this, poor welfare indicators such as skin lesions, high cortisol levels and growth reduction are commonly seen. Pet Remedy is a product available which promotes itself in reducing stress and anxiety aimed at companion animals. This posed the question, could this product reduce aggression in pigs? To see if aggression in pigs can be reduced, 3 Large white, landrace and large white x landrace weaner piglets (Sus scrofa) from 3 groups of up to 40 where observed for 45 minutes with no addition, then for 45 minutes with cloths sprayed with Pet Remedy placed around the enclosure. Behavioural observations for state behaviours were taken at 1minute intervals, whilst event behaviours were observed continuously. Results showed that aggressive behaviour did decrease after the addition of Pet Remedy (P=0.000) whilst resting behaviours increased (P = 0.000). These alongside the other results supported the alternate hypotheses. These findings can provide a framework for future research and can begin the work needed to increase the quality of welfare of our farmed pigs.
Horse Studies
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the use of Pet Remedy in the reduction of stress and anxiety related indicators in horses prior to exercise.
Grace Bell, FHEA, PGDip, PGCE, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Jack Anderson BSc (Hons)
Several potential situations could be deemed stressful to any horse; transport, competition, separation or herd changes. Stressful situations may contribute to performance and health concerns, highlighting the need for effective treatment. There are currently a broad range of stress treatments available for horses but no published evidence into their efficacy. I have therefore investigated the efficacy of one valerian-based product (pet remedy) in the treatment of stress in horses prior to exercise. To ensure accurate conclusions, a range of physiological and behavioural indicators were monitored. Baseline data was collected when horses were at rest to allow comparison to pre-exercise data. A double-blind placebo method was used with horses being treated topically with either water or pet remedy. Cortisol concentrations were monitored using salivary swabs and heart rates, (HR), were monitored by measuring cardiac beat to beat intervals. In addition, eye temperature was recorded using infrared technology (IRT) and behaviours were continuously monitored. 30 horses were used in this study, 10 mares and 20 castrated males. Stress and anxiety behaviours were rarely seen when the horses were at rest, 0.77% of the total time observed were stress behaviours seen by comparison, 7.9% was observed after application of pet remedy and 9.1% for the water placebo. In addition, rest and maintenance related behaviours were more commonly seen after the application of pet remedy. Chi square data analysis found a significant association between the bottle used and behaviours seen. There were statistical associations between eye temperature and age of horse as well as exercise levels. Eye temperature results did not correlate with other data sets questioning the efficacy of the methodology used. Mean heart rates were lowest at rest (30.46), pet remedy mean heart rates (32.3) were lower than that of the water placebo (35.66). In addition, there was a statistical variance found between the heart rate at rest and water placebo, evidencing the product keeps the heart rate close to at rest levels. Cortisol analysis found statistical association between cortisol concentration and sex of horses. Statistical tests found no variance between at rest data and either bottle of treatment.
Reptile Studies
A double blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Pet Remedy on stress responses seen during handling in captive reptiles
Grace Bell, FHEA, PGDip, PGCE, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Angela Jowlett BSc (Hons)
Reptiles are increasingly becoming popular as exotic pets. There are increasing issues with the public misinterpreting reptilian behavioural welfare indicators when handling as being the norm. With many reptiles demonstrating fear and stress responses when handled. Pet RemedyTM is a herbal product containing valerian, marketed as a calming aid. Its influence on reptilian behaviour and physiology has been previously untested. We designed a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial into the effectiveness of Pet Remedy on different reptiles. Thirty-seven reptiles underwent a baseline measure, a placebo treatment, a Pet Remedy treatment and a control measure. We measured reptile behaviour and breathing rate within the home vivarium and when being handled by the same handler for all components. Exposure to Pet Remedy was associated with a significant reduction in stress behaviours observed during handling (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in breathing rates with the administration of Pet Remedy vs the in vivarium breathing rates in reptiles (F = 2.44, p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate the need for further investigation into the influence of valerian-based pharmaceuticals on the behaviour and physiology of captive reptiles to promote positive welfare.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Pet Remedy on stress responses seen during handling in captive reptiles..
Grace Bell, FHEA, PGDip, PGCE, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Angela Jowlett BSc (Hons)
Several potential situations could be deemed stressful to any horse; transport, competition, separation or herd changes. Stressful situations may contribute to performance and health concerns, highlighting the need for effective treatment. There are currently a broad range of stress treatments available for horses but no published evidence into their efficacy. I have therefore investigated the efficacy of one valerian-based product (pet remedy) in the treatment of stress in horses prior to exercise. To ensure accurate conclusions, a range of physiological and behavioural indicators were monitored. Baseline data was collected when horses were at rest to allow comparison to pre-exercise data. A double-blind placebo method was used with horses being treated topically with either water or pet remedy. Cortisol concentrations were monitored using salivary swabs and heart rates, (HR), were monitored by measuring cardiac beat to beat intervals. In addition, eye temperature was recorded using infrared technology (IRT) and behaviours were continuously monitored. 30 horses were used in this study, 10 mares and 20 castrated males. Stress and anxiety behaviours were rarely seen when the horses were at rest, 0.77% of the total time observed were stress behaviours seen by comparison, 7.9% was observed after application of pet remedy and 9.1% for the water placebo. In addition, rest and maintenance related behaviours were more commonly seen after the application of pet remedy. Chi square data analysis found a significant association between the bottle used and behaviours seen. There were statistical associations between eye temperature and age of horse as well as exercise levels. Eye temperature results did not correlate with other data sets questioning the efficacy of the methodology used. Mean heart rates were lowest at rest (30.46), pet remedy mean heart rates (32.3) were lower than that of the water placebo (35.66). In addition, there was a statistical variance found between the heart rate at rest and water placebo, evidencing the product keeps the heart rate close to at rest levels. Cortisol analysis found statistical association between cortisol concentration and sex of horses. Statistical tests found no variance between at rest data and either bottle of treatment.
Bird Studies
Pet Remedy® alleviates stress in birds:
A review of a double blind, placebo-controlled trial using the domestic chicken as an ideal Avian model
Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor BVetMed, DipCABT, MRCVS Scientific Adviser for Pet Remedy
Domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are the most ubiquitous domesticated avian species, and maintaining their health and welfare remains a priority for both the commercial and companion animal domains.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pet Remedy (PR) a natural calming product, on reducing stress in domestic chickens during a standardised humane restraint procedure.
A total of 36 chickens were randomly assigned to either the treatment group, which received PR during the first procedure, or the control group, which received a placebo for their first procedure. Multiple breeds of chicken were used for the study; Sussex (n = 16), Rhode Island Red (n = 8), Silkie (n = 7) and Orpington (n = 5). The mean age of chickens was 3.4 years of age.
Stress levels were assessed using a combination of physiological (heart rate) and behavioural (vocalisation, struggle intensity, latency to calm) indicators, measured before, during, and after the procedures and post treatment behavioural recovery time and feed intake was also recorded.
Findings indicated a significant reduction in stress markers in chickens when treated with PR compared to the placebo, in all behavioural indicators (p < 0.05) no significant difference was seen in the heart rate of chickens regardless of treatment. Both post treatment recovery time and feed intake post handling were significantly reduced following the administration of PR (p < 0.05).
These results suggest that PR may effectively alleviate stress in chickens during routine restraint. These results provide valuable insights into improving animal welfare practices in poultry management.
As the domestic chicken is a useful standardised model for research, the findings in this study may have valuable implications in the wider context of veterinary care and general husbandry of other common captive birds including Passeriformes,
Psittaciformes, Falconiformes.
