A Pilot Study on Behavioural Responses of Shelter Dogs to Olfactory Enrichment

Authors

  • Anouck Haverbeke Vet Ethology, Leemveldstraat 44, 3090 Overijse, Belgium; Odisee University College, Agro- & Biotechnology, Ethology & Animal Welfare, Hospitaalstraat 23, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
  • Stefania Uccheddu Vet Ethology, Leemveldstraat 44, 3090 Overijse, Belgium
  • Heidi Arnouts Odisee University College, Agro- & Biotechnology, Ethology & Animal Welfare, Hospitaalstraat 23, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Department of Engineering Management, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
  • Adinda Sannen Odisee University College, Agro- & Biotechnology, Ethology & Animal Welfare, Hospitaalstraat 23, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/vsr.v1i1.1147

Abstract

The influence of essential oils (EOs) on emotions has been widely described among humans and animals. Several studies have investigated the effects and the actions of EOs on behaviour, mood and perception. In this study, shelter dogs (n=23) were exposed to olfactory stimulation through diffusion of 9 anxiolytic essential oils in one blend (olfactory enrichment) for 8 weeks in order to check long-term effects on behaviour. First, dog’s postures have been evaluated in both groups before and after exposure. Secondly, in order to collect the preliminary results on the distance necessary to obtain an effect of EOs, dogs were divided in 2 groups according to the distance from the diffuser.

Our results indicate that olfactory enrichment with this blend of EOs is related to less time spent by dogs in high posture. More research is needed to investigate a potential gradual effect of distance and concentration of EOs on dog’s welfare. 

Keywords:

Shelter dogs; Welfare; Essential oils; Olfactory enrichment; Behavior

References

[1] Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S, Averbeck, D., Idaomar, M.. Biological effects of essential oils – A review. Food Chem. Toxicol , 2008, 46: 448-475. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106

[2] Broughan, C.. Odours, emotions, and cognition – how odours may affect cognitive performance. Int. J. Aromather, 2002, 12 (2): 92–98. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0962-4562(02)00033-4

[3] Herz, R.S.. Aromatherapy facts and fictions: a scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. Int. J. Neurosci, 2009, 119 (2): 263-290. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450802333953

[4] Hur, M.H., Song, J.A., Lee, J., Lee, M.S.. Aromatherapy for stress reduction in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Maturitas, 2014, 79 (4): 362–369. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.08.006

[5] Lee, M.S., Choi, J., Posadzki, P., Ernst, E.. Aromatherapy for health care: an overview of systematic reviews. Maturitas, 2012, 71: 257-260. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.12.018

[6] Roberts, A. and Williams, J.M.G.. The effect of olfactory stimulation on fluency, vividness of imagery and associated mood – a preliminary study. Brit. J. Med. Psychol, 1992, 65: 197-199.PMID: 1633124

[7] Ballard, C.G.O., Brien, J.T., Reichelt, K., Perry, E.K.. Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the result of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. J. Clin. Psych. 2002, 63(7): 553-558. PMID: 12143909

[8] Pearson, J.. On a roll: novel objects and scent enrichment for Asiatic lions. Shape Enrichment, 2002, 11 (7).

[9] Schuett, E.B. and Frase, B., A.. Making scents: using the olfactory senses for lion enrichment. The shape of Enrichment, 2001, 10 (3): 1-3.

[10] Wells, D.L. and Egli, J.M.. The influence of olfactory enrichment on the behaviour of captive black-footed cats (Felis nigripes). Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2004, 85(1): 107-119. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2003.08.013

[11] Graham L., Wells D.L., Hepper P.G.. The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2005, 91 (1): 143-153. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2004.08.024

[12] Wells D.L.. A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs (canis familiaris). Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2004, 85 (3): 307-317. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2003.11.005

[13] Uccheddu, S., Mariti, C., Sannen, A., Vervaecke, H., Arnout, H., Gutierrez, Rufo J., Gazzano, A., Haverbeke, A.. Behavioural and cortisol responses of shelter dogs to a cognitive bias test after olfactory enrichment with essential oils. Dog Behavior, 2018, 2: 1-14. DOI:https://doi.org/10.4454/db.v4i2.87

[14] Ellis, S.L.H.. Environmental enrichment: practical strategies for improving feline welfare. J. Feline Med. Surg. 2009, 11 (11): 901-912. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.09.011

[15] Ferguson, C.E., Kleinman, H.F., Browning, J.. Effect of lavender aromatherapy on acute-stressed horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013, 33 (1): 67-69. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2012.04.014

[16] Heitman, K., Rabquer, B., Heitman, E., Streu, C., Anderson, P.. The use of lavender aromatherapy to relieve stress in trailered horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2018, 63: 8-12.

[17] Mendl, M., Burman, O.H.P., Parker, R.M.A., Paul, E.S.. Cognitive bias as an indicator of animal emotion and welfare: Emerging evidence and underlying mechanisms. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2009, 118: 161-181. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2009.02.023

[18] Mendl, M., Brooks, J., Basse, C., Burman, O., Paul, E., Blackwell, E., Casey, R.. Dogs showing separation related behaviour exhibit a ‘pessimistic’ cognitive bias. Curr. Biol. 2010, 20: 839-840. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CUB.2010.08.030

[19] Paul, E.S., Harding, E.J., Mendl, M.. Measuring emotional processes in animals: The utility of a cognitive approach. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 2005, 29: 469-491. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2005.01.002

[20] Dalla Villa, P., Messori, S., Possenti, L., Barnard, S., Di Francesco, C.. Pet population management and public health: a web service-based tool for the improvement of dog traceability. Prev. Vet. Med. 2013, 109, 3-4: 349-353. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.10.016

[21] De Meester, R.H.., De Bacquer, D., Peremans, K., Vermeire, S., Planta, D. J., Coopman, F., Audenaert, K.. A preliminary study on the use of the Socially Acceptable Behavior test as a test for shyness/confidence in the temperament of dogs. J. Vet. Beh. 2011, 3 (4): 161-170. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2007.10.005

[22] Haverbeke, A., Diederich, C., Depiereux, E., Giffroy, J.M.. Cortisol and behavioral responses of working dogs to environmental challenges. Physiol. Behav, 2008, 93 (1-2): 59-67. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.07.014

[23] Beerda, B., Schilder, M.B.H., Van Hooff, J., De Vries, H., Mol, J.. Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 1998, 58: 365-381. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(97)00145-7

[24] Sinischalchi, M., d’Ingeo, S., Minunno, M., Quaranta, A.. Communication in dogs. Animals, 2018, 8 (8): 131. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8080131

[25] Tuber, D.S., Miller, D.D., Caris, K.A., Halter, R., Linden, F., Hennessy, M.B.. Dogs in animal shelters: problems, suggestions and needed expertise. Psychol. Sci. 1999, 10 : 379–386.

[26] Herron, M.E. and Shreyer, T.. The Pet-friendly Veterinary Practice: A Guide for Practitioners. Vet. Clin. Small. Anim, 2014, 44: 451–481. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.010

Downloads

Issue

Article Type

Articles