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Posted: 3rd March 2023

Canine separation anxiety study seeks participants
Separation anxiety is thought to have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Dog owners asked to join study into possible treatment.

Researchers at the University of Bristol are looking for participants to take part in a new study into whether pheromone diffusers can be used to help dogs who experience separation anxiety.

The study, funded by Dogs Trust, will involve the researchers placing a diffuser type device in the house of each participant for a period of up to eight weeks. Each house will be visited once a fortnight to carry out observations.

Separation problems in dogs are thought to have been exacerbated by owners spending more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include urinating and defecating, barking, chewing, and pacing when left alone. There is currently no definitive evidence about the cause of the disorder.

The researchers have released the following eligibility criteria for any dog participating in the study:
    •    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.

Ilana Kelland, 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.”

One of the participants, Stephanie Miller, who is taking part with her dog Cyril, said: "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."

Dog owners interested in joining the study should email Ilana Kelland.



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